State Bliss Blog — pho

As a key part to the flourishing and Instagram-friendly food scene in Orange County, Costa Mesa is home to a plethora of unique, creative, and delicious restaurants. Nearly every one of them will be putting their best eats and drinks on display for a single weekend.

On October 19-21st, the Los Angeles Times and Travel Costa Mesa will host The Taste Costa Mesa, where the city’s top restaurants all gather together for a massive foodie experience. Hosted at The MET in Costa Mesa, there will be live cooking demos from big-name chefs, entertainment, and unlimited tastings to all of the food on offer.

Everybody from the city’s hottest and newest spots to names established in Costa Mesa’s dining scene will be present. This includes Toast Kitchen & Bakery, a new kid on the block whose innovative pot pie menu has got the streets buzzing. Be sure to look out for their Pho Pot Pie, which is stuffed to the brim with noodles.

Other featured spots include Pie Not, an Australian-style pie shop that brings both savory and sweet versions to the table. Their meaty mini pies are one of the must-try items when stopping by.

Tons of other popular restaurants from around Costa Mesa will be at this foodie-centric festival. From poi malasadas from Fill to figs and burrata from Social Kitchen & Craft Bar, you can expect everything you bite into to be innovative, Instagrammable, and delicious.

Tickets are available for each day of The Taste on the festival’s website. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all feature different restaurants, so check out the lineups to make sure you get to try the spots you want to.

Created in partnership with Travel Costa Mesa.

Diversity

We’re ready to assert that California is hands down the most culturally diverse state. The cultural celebration that lies within the hearts of Californians is immensely palpable. Every day there are displays of cultural appreciation that thrives in the golden state’s culinary offering and culturally rich communities. Tamales? Vietnamese Pho? Indian food? California has got it all. Even more contagious is the true appreciation and gratitude that accompanies the love of all cultures. California is doing something right. You’ll feel so loved and wanted that you’ll simply never want to leave.

Culinary Variety

Fueled by the cultural diversity that Californians pride themselves on so much, the decadent flavors of the variety of cultural backgrounds thrive in the heart of cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego. Don’t believe us? Californians are so obsessed with their ethnic food culture that they even dedicate entire festivals to it! The annual tamale festival in Indio and the Taste of Ecuador festival in Los Angeles are proof. You’ll become insanely addicted to your newfound ability to satisfy literally any food craving you’ll ever have.

Being Fit

Californians have some rockin’ bods. No wonder – they have just about every type of fitness guru at their disposal. Is yoga your thing? Ok – take your pick from hot yoga, vinyasa yoga, hybrid yoga, California has it all. Oh – you’re hardcore? Just attend one of the many cross fit gyms littered throughout the state. Attend a spin class. Or hire your own personal trainer. The point is, in California there is literally no reason not to have a bangin’ bod. Once you feel the burn, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Clothing is Optional

Remember how we mentioned those hard-earned hard bodies that Californians love so much? Well, they certainly don’t like to put in all that hard work to not show it off. It’s not uncommon to see Californians scantily clad, parading around in bikinis and board shorts – and honestly, do you blame them? With bodies so hella tight, we should be thanking them for allowing us the viewing pleasure.

Looking to join the crowd? Click here to browse some of the hottest swimsuit brands of the season.

Brunch

Sure – you can have brunch anywhere, but in California, brunch is Brunch: with a capital “B”. Brunching is something that Californians have perfected – and they can’t get enough. In fact, many local eateries host special brunch menus with delectable cuisine to satisfy your palate whether you have a craving for perfectly prepared made-to-order omelets, or a freshly carved piece of prime rib. Mmmm…brunch.

The Music Scene

Coachella, anyone? Yeah – California is home to some of the hottest music scenes in the biz. If you want to see an artist, chances are they’re playing near you. Unlike the rest of the country, California will never feel the need to beg for artists to visit their state! So… put on your hottest concert attire and head out to the newest, most happening music festivals. Everyone will be there. Disclaimer: once you’ve gone once, there is no turning back. Californians love their music.

Click here to discover the top 50 live music scenes in L.A.

Health Conscious Diets

Californians love their food – and more often than not, their food loves them back! Californians understand the value of a good meal, and not just for taste’s sake. Food buzzwords that will keep Californians coming back for more include “antioxidants”, “paleo”, and “vegan”. When you need a convenient meal in California you don’t have to worry about compromising health for time’s sake.

Worshiping the Sun

With some of the country’s best weather, it’s difficult to stay indoors. Add in the lustrous beaches and outdoor activities that are so easily enjoyed, and you’ll soon realize why the state’s natives are basically the sun gods and goddesses of the west coast. Californians worship the sun – and their sun kissed bodies are proof.

True Freedom to be Truly You

Ranking as one of the most tolerant states in the country, California allows each of its residents to be as unique and true to their souls as they desire to be. Home to one of the largest populations of LGBTQ persons, an impressive variety of religiously diverse backgrounds, and immigrants from an array of countries, California has acknowledged the diversity within and nurtured and celebrated it. Kudos, Cali!

Everything tastes better in California. Why is that? Other states try to replicate the flavor and creativity that goes into the popular cuisines you’ll find in California, but it simply isn’t the same. We’re going to chalk it up to the pure energy and love that California chefs put into their food. Whatever it is, there are 12 foods that you absolutely MUST try when you’re in California.

In-N-Out

We know, we sound like a broken record. But seriously, if you go to California and don’t eat In-N-Out, you’re truly missing out on a Californian classic. A popular food icon of California, In-N-Out never disappoints. Be sure to order your burgers and fried “animal style”. You can thank us later. * wink*

California Donuts

Taking a traditional baked treat and elevating it to the extraordinary, California Donuts creates artistically inspired delectable donuts topped with really fun and sugary toppings like fruity pebbles, candies, and more.

REAL Mexican Food

Hands-down, California has the most authentic Mexican food around. Situated just north of the Mexican border, California is proud to have a large population of Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants who bring with them traditional Mexican recipes and cuisine. It doesn’t get more authentic and delicious than that!

California Rolls

Who doesn’t love some good sushi right? Well, dedicated to the fresh lifestyle of the coastal state, the California roll is a popular choice nationwide – comprised of crab, cucumber, avocado (of course), rolled in nori and sushi rice and topped with sesame seeds.

Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a delicacy and a total favorite amongst true Californians. You can find mouth-watering variations of this seaside dish for sale in restaurants, food trucks, and at food vendor events all throughout the state.

Pho

Cultural foods are a symbol of Californian cuisine that celebrate the cultural diversity of the great state. A true melting pot, California is known for more than its awesome Mexican food. Great food from every culture can be found locally just about anywhere you visit in California. Vietnamese Pho is amongst the most popular cultural foods consumed by Californians – and for good reason. The dish is a truly delicious comfort food – bringing together people from all backgrounds to enjoy a great meal.

Green Smoothies

Californians are famous for their health food trends. Green smoothies definitely top the lists of health-conscious Californians. Next time you’re visiting or looking for a light lunch or snack, stop by a local smoothie bar like Moon Juice, and enjoy a nutrition packed green smoothie.

Disneyland Churros

Everything is more magical at Disneyland. Maybe that’s why their churros are so darn good. We’re not sure. But if you find yourself at Disneyland California, don’t leave without trying one, or two, of their delicious churros.

Avocado Toast

Obsessed much? Yeah, we are. Avocados are a staple of hungry Californians. Packed with antioxidants, and healthy fats, avocados and all of their creamy goodness are piled high, mixed with spices and that certain California flair atop a crusty freshly baked piece of toasted bread. Yum.

Cioppino

Haven’t heard of cioppino? You’re missing out! Cioppino is a flavorful Italian-inspired fish stew dish that was born right in the heart of San Fransisco, Califonia. The locals rave over it!

Tamales

Tamales fall under Mexican food, but they truly deserve a mention of their own. Every year, Indio hosts the famous tamale festival. Vendors gather to offer the best, most authentic tamales money can buy while guests enjoy their food and partake in the festivities.

Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a well-known and thoroughly enjoyed hot spot for Southern comfort food. If you go, you obviously have to try the chicken and waffles – we recommend the Obama Special. How cool is that? If it’s good enough for Obama, it’s good enough for us!