Ecco Pizzeria & Bar - Costa Mesa, CA : Margherita Pizza

There is a backlog of food that I have not gone through, and it seems to get further and further behind because I would rather post about newer items. But here is one that I definitely have to blog about (even if it is old) because it is quite good. Ecco is located in the anti-mall area of The Camp.

Starter Bread

Our bread looks a bit burnt, but it wasn't bad.

Salad

I had this salad that doesn't seem to be on the menu any longer. It was quite good for my taste. Light and not too oily.

Margherita Pizza

What I always try...their plain pizzas. Margherita pizza is my favorite. Thin crusts rule for me since I don't like dough. Their dough was good. Nice, thin and chewy. I did think this pizza was too salty (same as other pizza places). Perhaps they use the same formula throughout all their pizzas, and their other pizzas have more items on it so it seems less salty. Whereas the plain cheese has nothing to cut the salt? I don't know. I always think these are salty for some reason. Everyone has a different palate, can't satisfy everyone. The meat-eater did like his meat pizza though....didn't think it was salty. Besides the saltiness, everything else was good. Perhaps it's changed by now.

Ecco
http://www.eccopizza.com/
2937 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-444-ECCO (3226)

Bluewater Grill - Tustin, CA : Vegetarian Pasta

When one goes to Bluewater Grill, one usually goes for the seafood. So as a veggie eater going out with the meat eaters, there is always a salad for you to eat. When I told them I was a vegetarian, lo and behold they asked if I wanted to see their vegetarian menu! Well yes of course, thank you!

Pasta Primavera

This was the first time going into a mainly meat/fish place where they had a vegetarian menu. I'm sure there are other places like this, it was just my very first time. So I was very grateful. They had several selections, but I chose the pasta primavera. I didn't have time to snap a picture of the veggie menu since the waitress was waiting on me. Darnit!

Now, I must admit, these noodles weren't very tasty. In fact, it's as if they forgot to put in any salt at all! There was a little bit on the grilled vegetables, but that's it. So I have to say, the pasta was really not good. Maybe just stick with the salad as that's what's usually on their menu. Although I am very grateful for the selections available, I must give it a thumbs down on quality. Sorry. =P But at least there ARE options. =)

Bluewater Grill
http://www.bluewatergrill.com/
Location eaten at:
2409 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
714-258-3474

Bruxie (Gourment Waffle Sandwiches) - Brea, CA

Do you like waffles? I like waffles. On one of those travel shows, I saw that waffles were eaten sweet and salty in Belgium. So when I heard about this place, I really wanted to try it out. Waffles all day? Sounds great!

Roasted Mushroom & Goat Cheese

I tried the savory Roasted Mushroom & Goat Cheese waffle. There's goat cheese, basil, arugula, mushrooms, and a balsamic reduction. It's pretty much a sandwich but with waffles as bread instead. At first bite, there was hardly any goat cheese, and it didn't taste so great. After a couple of bites, you get into the more heavily spread goat cheese and the combination was perfect. Like this one a lot!! Just have to open up the waffle to spread the goat cheese more evenly for myself (since I like more evenly spread items).

Bacon, Egg & Cheddar

The Meat-eater liked his Bacon, Egg & Cheddar waffle as well. Asked for no mayo on this one.

Seasonal Creme Brulee

Afterwards we wanted something a little sweet and tried the Seasonal Creme Brulee. There's vanilla creme with burnt raw sugar pieces in it with the strawberries. The fruit is seasonal, so maybe there's blueberries or something during other times of the year. In any case, this was also good. I think having a whole one would be too much, but since we each had a piece, it was the perfect amount of sweetness.

So what do you like about waffles? If you like a flavorful sweet waffle, then this may not be for you. I cannot attest to how authentic these are since I have not been to Belgium. However, if you like a crispy on the outside, non-doughy light inside waffle (like myself), then you will enjoy these. There is no flavoring to the waffles as the food on it takes center stage. I think it's perfect this way, since the food inside is flavorful enough for me. Thumbs up!

Note: If you get something juicy, then the crispiness of the waffle will of course disappear quickly due to the moisture. Also these locations have enclosed patios with heaters for the winter. It's not a restaurant setting. Dress warmly if it's cold.

Bruxie

http://bruxie.com/

Eaten at Brea Location:

215 W Birch Street, Suite 1

Brea, CA 92821

714-255-1188

Sun to Wed: 9am - 9pm

Thurs to Sat: 9am - 10pm