As a former resident (of four years) in Irvine, I miss the diverse places to eat. This post will talk about the places I went while on vacation.

The Back Bay Rowing and Running Club Restaurant in South Coast Plaza
http://www.netwest2.com/BackBay/

This place rocks! They got good food in plentiful portions...and they got this meatloaf that was fabulous as well as its famous salad bar. It was crowded and it was worth the wait. We bemoaned that in Indiana, there is no restaurant that is as good and unique as the Back Bay. Misguided Hoosiers can keep their Applebee's and Friday's to themselves. Mr Theologian loved the Squaw Bread and the Back Bay potatoes.

Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar
http://www.lawrysonline.com/fivecrowns_gen_info.asp

Owned by the Lawry's chain, Five Crowns is an English-themed restaurant that is known for its prime rib. Very nice decor, reminded me of those old inns in England. They got this great wine list and the sommelier is marvelous, knowing what to recommend. In fact, Five Crowns has the Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Everyone except Mr Theologian had the prime rib. He had the duck. It was good, he said, except he wished he had the prime rib as well. The chocolate souffle was excellent. Glad someone else took us out and paid for the meal: it was about $240 for all of us, including tip!

Rothschild's in Corona Del Mar
http://www.rothschildscdm.com/default.asp

Rothschild's has a special place in my heart as I dined there every year. This year, I brought my husband there, plus we invited a close friend and his wife for dinner. They specialize in seafood and Italian dishes. The wine list is much smaller than Five Crowns, but the food was every bit as good. The decor is warm and romantic. They do not have a sommelier, but the waiter was helpful. I had the Paglia e Fieno. It was delicious. Would like to try the Linguine Maremonte next time. He had the Chicken Parmesan. After dinner, we had three desserts (one of which is their ice cream pie-- wonderfully obscene!) There is something magical about Rothschild's-- after dinner, Mr Theologian and I exchanged those glances only a couple can make. And I end this review there!

(Next post: the trip back to Fort Wayne.)