Wild Artichoke

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Lilian Lee

Joined 5 years ago

Citysearch Editorial Review. Chef James D'Aquila sought inspiration in the wild artichoke when he started his small, 11-table restaurant so many years ago, and the eponymous vegetable makes its way into a good number of his pasta, meat, and fish dishes, especially during the spring and fall. For instance, artichoke napoleans--savory puff pastry triangles layered with sauteed baby artichokes, mushrooms, and tomatoes reduced with garlic and shallots--get your taste buds rolling for all the flavorful, well-prepared dishes. If you happen to abhor artichokes (but how could anyone?), you'll happily find many other offerings to consider. Harry Chapin’s Hanger Steak, a 9-ounce skirt steak named after the chef's favorite singer, is one of many customer favorites that doesn't feature the restaurant's principle vegetable. The chef's four-course tasting menu is also available every night for $40, a bargain for any food-lover. Maybe North Orange County isn't exactly known for culinary talent, but this neighborhood gem is good enough to make naysayers think twice.