50 Forks - Santa Ana

Setting aside the ambiance, the food exceeded my expectations! With a group of 12, we ended up ordering nearly everything on the menu, and there wasn’t a single bad dish among them. Some items stood out more than others, like the arugula, tomato, and fried pizza dough appetizer, as well as the salted caramel dessert with bacon. Overall, everything was good, which speaks volumes about the students' culinary skills. I especially enjoyed my Tuscan seafood stew, and the tart lemon sableu was interesting and just the right level of richness. Keep in mind, they don’t serve any alcohol here, but the prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you receive. Overall, it was a delightful culinary experience, made even better by the wonderful company.

Next was the filet of Beef Carpaccio, served with capers, extra virgin olive oil, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano. The beef was sliced incredibly thin, practically melting in the mouth, while the olive oil and capers added complexity to the flavor profile. The elegantly shaved Parmesan provided a classic touch to the presentation. The Cobb salad, featuring fried chicken, Maytag Bleu cheese, maple bacon, and avocado, was the most stunning version I’ve ever seen! The avocado was artfully fanned out to beautifully frame the salad components, while the shredded greens provided a fresh and tempting base. This salad is a favorite of mine, combining delectable elements like buttery avocado, tangy creamy blue cheese, and sweet salty bacon. The market pizza changes regularly, so be sure to ask your server about the day’s creation. This time, I enjoyed a pesto pizza topped with mushrooms and red onions. The hand-rolled crust had a crispy exterior and a pleasantly chewy interior. The flavors of the pesto and toppings melded wonderfully, making it the perfect dish for someone like me who can’t have tomato sauce. Finally, the seasonal fruit tart with custard filling, adorned with oranges, blueberries, kiwi, and a raspberry, was simply exquisite! Just one bite and I was captivated. The crust was reminiscent of a perfectly baked shortbread cookie, while the custard was creamy and just sweet enough. I would definitely order this again! It was also a visual delight, beautifully arranged with fresh fruits. Overall, an incredible experience!