I have to say that for some reason, I have never made it a Lazy Dog Café. I have heard many people talk about it, but never seemed to get myself to one. They currently have 5 locations and their newest location in Irvine will make 6.

Located in the Irvine Marketplace off Jamboree and the 5 Freeway, the Lazy Dog Café has transformed the old French 75 location into a warm, inviting and cozy space. You walk in and you’re greeted by a hostess with a charming personality and smile in a large holding area. Inside you’re kind of reminded of Claim Jumper, but no antlers here or mining equipment strewn throughout the space. The colors are warm and inviting. The tables are good sized and each one is adorned with the Lazy Dog Café paw print – so you know these were custom tables – nice touch. The booths are sized well and can accommodate a “stocky” person like myself without feeling pinched into the booth.

My friend and co-worker Tim joined me this evening and we were surrounded by other foodies as well. The PR firm for the restaurant, Frank Goff, Inc, invited several OC based blogs to come and check out Chris Simms‘ latest location. Chris Simms is the son of Thomas Simms founder of Mimi’s Cafe. Chris and parter Roshan Mendis came together to form the Lazy Dog Café in the summer of 2003. Ever since their first location in Huntington Beach, Chris and Roshan have been very careful to choose locations for their restaurants that would attract a wide range of customers.

I can describe the food of the Lazy Dog Café as being worldly. The have a good sized menu with foods from South America, Italy, China, France, the Mediterranean and of course classic Americana. Tim and I were greeted by one of the corporate trainers. Michael is based out of the Orange location and has been on hand training the 190 employees at the Irvine location. Michael offered a suggestion of some drinks and I started with a Champagne Mojito while Tim had the Hand Muddled Citrus Margarita.

For appetizers we both shared an order of the Trio of Hummus. A trio of  sundried Tomato, Traditional Hummus and my favorite the Walnut Pesto. It was served with flatbread, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. The flatbread had a grilled quality to it and it was seasoned just right. I could eat a whole plate of the flatbread and be very happy! Next up we both had bowls of the Simm’s family recipe of Chicken Tortilla Soup. Flavorful with tender pieces of chicken, tortilla and cheese. Tim and I couldn’t get to the bottom of our bowls fast enough. We held back though knowing we had more food on the way.

Entreés were next up. Tim ordered the Kung Pao Chicken from the Wok Platters Section, while I opted for the Bacon Wrapped Coulotte (a section of the sirloin). My steak was ordered medium-rare and served over creamy mashed potatoes, vegetables and served with a Burgundy wine sauce. My steak was perfect. Each bite was followed by an “mmm”! I found the potatoes to be extra creamy – which isn’t a bad thing, but I like my potatoes a bit chunky. Instead of just steamed vegetables, it was shredded veggies in a nice pile on top of the mashed potatoes. Tim’s Kung Pao chicken was another pleaser. Tender pieces of chicken wok seared then added to water chestnuts, onions, bell peppers and of course, peanuts. It wasn’t drowning in sauce – it was just right. You can still feel the seared texture of the chicken which I liked.

I was working on my second Champagne Mojito when Tim opted for a Pomegranate drink. I was glad there was a bit of a pause between finishing up our entreés and our dessert order. During that time we had the opportunity to chat with Shelly of the Nibbles of Tidbits food blog and with Christian of the OC Mexican Food Blog.

Our server suggested we try the Cinnamon & Sugar Pizza which is made in their wood fire oven. It is served with Vanilla Ice Cream and Whipped Cream. However, we were both intrigued by the Banana Custard and Cream dessert. Caramelized bananas are deglazed with Créme de Banana Liqueur then folded into our freshly house-made custard and topped with whipped cream. Served with crushed graham crackers, chocolate and raspberry sauces. I’m so glad we decided to get  the Banana Custard. Yummy! I liked the Cinnamon Pizza, but the Banana Custard was definitely the winner.

Somehow, before we ended our meal, I ended up with an Asian Pear Martini to end my evening. It is made with Grey Goose Pear Vodka. I think I’m going to have to invest in a bottle of the Grey Goose.

Bottomline, will I come back? Definitely. The food was good and the prices matched the amount of food on the plate. I did see quite a few people taking leftovers home, but I found the portions to be just right. Other items on the menu I want to try are:

Campfire Pot Roast
Hawaiian Fried Rice (Brunch Item)
Grilled Cheese (I’m a sucker for anything grilled and cheesy)

The Irvine location opens on Thursday, March 4. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11:00am to midnight. They have a good size outdoor eating area and the heated gas lamps are plentiful.

I apologize for the pictures. One, the lighting was dark and they were taken on my iPhone.

Lazy Dog Café
13290 Jamboree Rd
Irvine CA 92602
Ph. (714) 731-9700
www.lazydogcafe.com