Orange County Register

Sarinana's Tamale Factory

The nice thing about this job is it forces me to try new places to eat all the time. Bad thing: I’m now on a diet! Nonetheless, experimentation leads to the discovery of delicious foods.

So here’s a list of my Favorite Food Discoveries of 2008.

Warning: My list is heavily skewed toward Mexican food because I eat it all the time, so my apologies for the lack of diversity.  ALSO: This list is aimed a fast-foodies, not gourmet cooks! If you want fancy food suggestions — read Food Editor Cathy Thomas’ fave finds of 2008.

Crispy Tacos at La Sarinana’s Tamale Factory in Santa Ana: Weird family reveal: my relatives don’t like to drive out of the Orange area (that’s where most of us live) for much of anything, especially food. Why bother when we have so many good taquerias in Orange?

Sarinana's crispy taco

But when I learned that my Uncle Rodger drives more than 5 miles out of his way for a hard-shell taco at La Sarinana’s, I figured this place had to be good. And, it is — BUT ONLY FOR HARD-SHELL TACOS.

Despite the ‘tamale’ title, I would not recommend the tamales here or the soft tacos. Get the hard shell beef or chicken tacos. Also, each taco cost only $1.50 each, so it’s like a Taco Tuesday experience daily! Address: 2218 W. 5th Street, Santa Ana. Phone: 714-558-8650.

Banberry Pie at Polly’s Pies: This pie concoction — a blend of strawberry and banana cream pie — is so good that Anaheim-based Polly’s Pie put a trademark on the dessert to scare away copycats. I tried it for the first time in November. Simply amazing. I’m not alone. Here’s what LAist had to say on the pie: “Sometimes strawberry pies can be a bit overwhelming, and sometimes they are way too tart. Banana cream pies are just a little dull. The geniuses at Polly’s Pies combined them to make the jewel that is the Banberry Pie.”

Tip for those counting calories: Polly’s makes a sugar-free version of the Banberry. But who wants to do that? Also, try the Pumpkin shake at the Fullerton Polly’s Pie if it is still available. The restaurant takes a slice of its homemade pumpkin pie, and blends it with vanilla ice cream, and voila — you get the creamiest shake ever! (Polly’s Pies locations)

Yard House tortilla soup

Tortilla Soup at Yard House: OMG is all I can say about this rich, hearty dish. To learn more about this soup and my other favorite Tortilla Soups, read my previous story. (Yard House locations)

The al pastor & ceviche at Tacos & Co.: Most everything I’ve tried at this Orange County-based taco chain is delightful. However, the al pastor and ceviche dishes are my absolute favorites. The prices at Tacos & Co. are reasonable. It’s definitely a go-to place if you want the best bang for your buck. Read more about Tacos & Co. here.  (Five O.C. locations)

Most any froyo: It took me awhile to warm up to frozen yogurt. But ever since I had my first taste of Red Mango’s creamy tart yogurt, I became a huge froyo fan. The new POM flavor is also great.

This year O.C. got flooded with froyo choices — from the uber-hip Pinkberry to the practical, self-serve Cherry on Top. I pretty much like them all. However, my newest discovery is Cantaloop in Santa Ana. It’s super rich and creamy while maintaining its tart taste. You can also ask for a mix of flavors without paying extra. (Read more Cantaloop reviews at Chowhoud.)

Other perk: The chain offers a Kids Eat Free option on Tuesday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. You won’t see that at Pinkberry. Downside: Not enough locations.

Tortilla chips at Superior Grocers: I’m a stickler for a good tortilla chip. I want it to taste like the corn tortilla was cut, fried and lightly salted that same day. Whenever I throw a party, I typically get my chips from La Reina markets. However, this year I came to love Superior Grocers’ homemade tortilla chips. (Superior locations.)

The Mediterranean Pizza & the bottled water at Fresh & Easy: I, of course, have to mention my Fresh & Easy grab-and-go meal addictions. A supermarket grocery analyst once told me that the frozen pizzas at Fresh & Easy were among the best private label pies in the country. I agree. My fave is the Mediterranean pizza, which sells for $4.99. It can easily feed two or three people, depending on your appetite. Or you can cut it in small slices and serve it as an appetizer!

So why am I recommending the Fresh & Easy bottled water? It’s such a great deal. A 24-bottle case sells for $2.99. And the water is truly “pure” because I had it tested by a water purification expert earlier this year. Honest. The bottled water from Fresh & Easy and Costco’s Kirkland brand rivaled water dispensed from a high-tech, water-purification system.

As for 2009, I look forward to: the return of Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour; the possibility of a Five Guys eatery in Orange County; expansion of Sonic in O.C. and more visits to Prime Cut Cafe in Orange.

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