Someone's changing

When Mark got home from work, I begged him to take me out to dinner. I don't know what came over me. I guess it's been a long few weeks and I just wanted to enjoy a good dinner. A little random for a Thursday night, especially taking the kids, but he said okay and off we went. I picked Cheesecake Factory since there are at least two dishes there that never let me down. Now the reason that I am posting is because despite the kids screaming and being naughty, it was a great dinner. Want to know why? Because in this failing economy Cheesecake has stepped it up a bit (or at least the one near our house). As soon as we sat down they brought both kids the little kids platter with bananas and bread (always free), which I use to have to ask for. They also now have a Kids Menu and a separate menu for smaller portion food. Great! Now the prices aren't any less, but my drink was always filled and they even made me extra sauce to take home with my leftovers. I think that they have had a nice makeover in terms of offering more for the masses, including children items and in customer service. I always wondered why they didn't have a kids menu! Way to go Cheesecake Factory, I still spent way too much for a Thursday dinner, but you impressed me.

local food

Until today, I never realized what we were really missing here in Ladera Ranch. A breakfast joint! Mark and I headed over to try it out this morning, not sure at all exactly what Corky's Country Kitchen & Bakery was. What is it? It's a sit down restaurant that has lots of great breakfast items, lunch items and is open 24 hours! I had a traditional eggs, bacon, toast and hashbrowns breakfast and it was great. They have fresh baked pies and cookies and my favorite part is all the random coffee mugs on the tables. The decor screams country kitchen. It's cute and I'm excited to have it. A new fav!

yummmmmmo

When Mark and I lived in San Diego, our favorite date night restaurant was Filippi's in either Little Italy or Mission Valley. In fact, we have never found a similar Italian place that we liked as much here in Orange County, well until now. Part of the family that owns Filippi's opened Mr. D's Pizza Grotto in San Juan Capistrano and it's exactly the same. It's super family friendly and delicious. In the last month or so we've already been there twice and ordered take out once. We are thrilled! Info below:

Mr. D's Pizza Grotto

Located in Marbella Plaza

31111 Rancho Viejo Road 

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949)661-0011

Beach Pit BBQ

I took the advice from Jennifer at Tiny Oranges and visited this restaurant this week! I went with 2 girlfriends and we packed up all the kiddos and drove to Costa Mesa to try it. We had the best time. The BBQ was good and all the kids played nicely in the little outside play area. It isn't a sticky/gross McDonalds play area, it's a white picket fence with grass and a playhouse area. It was perfect. We had the best time and stayed for like 2 hours. It's small and quaint and did I mention the BBQ was great? You can check out their website here for more info, and I believe they have a few other locations.