Community Corner
Patch Picks: Top Places to Spot the Real Housewives of Orange County
Season 6 of the Real Housewives of Orange County has started to roll; some faces are new but the antics are the same. These upscale girls have dined all over the world, but some of their favorite eats are right here in RSM. Will you spot them the next tim
22195 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 709-2300
It’s no secret that Hannas is one of the Real Housewives of Orange County’s favorite spots to dine out. Housewife Jeana Keough says of the place, “Hannas’ quiet elegance has the right mix of fun and great food. There’s always something fun going on. The blackberry martini is my personal favorite.” Dave Hanna, owner, is used to seeing the botox brigade pop in for lunch and dinner. An experienced restaurateur and longtime resident of Rancho Santa Margarita, Hanna first made his mark on the city when he opened Haute Café, a local coffee shop. Hanna’s inspiration comes from a combo of his rich Mediterranean cultural influence coupled with a new American approach. Hannas is known as a prime beef steak house, but the menu includes a wide variety of fine foods. Some curious folks might wonder if the housewives ever nosh on more than a slim salad, but I find it hard to believe the girls could pass up the 1/3 pound OC cheeseburger or warm molten chocolate cake at this place.
Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
30642 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 858-3360
Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Watch any episode of the show and you’ll notice a theme: the Housewives like to dine out. Though they’ve been known to frequent popular “scenes” like Javiers Cantina or Charlie Palmers in South Coast Plaza, one of the Housewives’ favorite places is right near their home in the heart of Rancho Santa Margarita. Says Keough: “ Tutto Fresco is like going home to dinner. Owner Steve White is so warm and welcoming that we shoot the show there at least three times per season. We order from or eat here at least three times a week. When I first started eating here, the waiters asked me how long before my kitchen was going to be finished!” Among the specialties are the Harvest Berry Salad, pumpkin ravioli and the 5-layer chocolate lovers cake. The chipotle chicken linguine is also a top pick: it includes blackened chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, roasted corn and onions in a spicy chipotle cream served over linguine. The secret must be in the sauce; the Housewives still manage to keep their svelte figures despite loading up on the carbs here.
22195 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 888-8893
It’s not hard to see why the Housewives dig this place. Described by Keough as having “great food and a warm, cozy atmosphere,” Canyon is both a place to relax and a place to be seen. With indoor/outdoor seating and live music, this neighborhood grill has something for everyone. Known for its prime and choice steaks, baby back ribs, pork chops, fine soups and fresh fish, Canyon’s menu is just as eclectic as its atmosphere. The molten chocolate cake and Butterscotch Crème Brulee go well with a Watermelon Martini (or two!). If you happen to bump into the Housewives gang here, let me know how they manage to eat a plate of messy baby back ribs without getting a smidge of sauce on their Christian Dior clothes.
