Dessert First: Honey Brick Toast at Tokyo Table , Irvine CA

Not wanting to go home after dinner, my friends and I decided to hang out at Tokyo Table for drinks and dessert and I’m so glad we did.  We ended up ordering Honey brick toast and as you can see, the name speaks for itself.  Literally the size of bricks, these slices are slathered with butter and toasted, and then the middle is cut out into bite size cubes.  They then drizzle honey and put two ginormous sized scoops of vanilla ice cream.  Normally $7 and big enough to share between 4-6 girls, you can add on a second sauce for another dollar.  Of course the most obvious choice is chocolate, but you can also get caramel, cinnamon or strawberry.  It’s such a simple concept, but believe me, there’s nothing more this dessert needs.  Don’t worry, I’m done talking so you can now wipe the drool off your shirt.

http://www.tokyotable.com/

Some Changes

Hello interweb friends.  In an attempt to better organize my posts, I will start to categorize select entries under the following: "Dining In" featuring meals I happen to cook at home that I really like, "Happy Hour" which is pretty self explanatory, and "Dessert First" where the main meal may be average but the dessert is worthy enough to pay special attention to.  Thanks for reading!  Will post more adventures soon.

~ C

Bruxie, Orange CA–Savory edition

 

*Updated 3/3/10*

Nestled in Orange and outside Chapman University, this place offers up gourmet waffle sandwiches that will have you saying, “Why can’t I be that smart and think of something like that?”  Their soda is even made in house using their own recipe and sugar, which actually tastes pretty great.  Though it’s literally a shack off the corner of the street, don’t let looks deceive you, this place won’t give you diarrhea.  The waffles themselves do not have much flavor but they are crispy on the outside, fluffy within, and surprisingly light.  By making the waffles this way, it adds a great texture that can’t be achieved with toasted bread, and allows the quality and flavor of the ingredients to shine through.  Bruxie waffle sandwiches are simple, yet sophisticated, but still has that home-body mom and pop shop feel.  Even better is that they keep things interesting by having changing specials and can fit particular events or holidays, such as Superbowl or Valentine’s.  And other than sandwiches that makes this place top-notch, is the fact that their associates have excellent customer service .  You can tell that they were trained well.  Oh and one more thing, try not to do too much moaning while eating, apparently people look at you funny. 

Be on the look out for Bruxie Sweet edition and entry updates. There are more sandwiches I have to try and will probably want to write about.  I think I’ll make it my goal to try the entire menu.  Keep in mind, when I first discovered this place, I was here three times in one week.

Goat Cheese, Sundried tomato and Arugula:  Served with a drizzle of balsamic reduction, the tanginess of the goat cheese is a nice compliment to the slight pepperiness of the arugula, which in turn compliments the ssweetness of the sundried tomato and balsamic sauce.  A great sandwich for the vegetarians.

Prosciutto and Gruyere:  Served with whole grain mustard and chives, I love this because you don’t see many places serving up proscuitto, let alone a fast food place. It’s simple and flavorful and you can never go wrong with salty cured meats and cheese.

Bruxie Burger: The burger is an Angus beef patty that has been cut in half in order to fit in the waffle and is served with lettuce tomato and mayo.  The meat is surprisingly moist, not dried out at all, and even though it’s a simple burger sandwich, not having it on a bun made this modern day staple into something unique.  If you want a tip for extra flavor and heat, add Siracha hot sauce they offer on the side.

Smoked salmon: Served with dill cream cheese, chives and cucumber, the salmon has great quality and with the cucumber and dill cream cheese, its actually light, refreshing and the flavors are very clean. 

Buttermilk Fried Chicken:  This is great if you’re craving chicken and waffles and but don’t feel like making the trip out to LA.  A chicken fillet breaded in an herbed batter and served with coleslaw and chili honey, this sandwich is great for that salty-sweet combo.  Once again, the meat is done well, the moisture and flavor stay in and the breading has that perfect golden brown color, and crunch.

Braised Beef: One of the changing specials so get it when you can!  The sandwich is cooked with onions and contains blue cheese and horseradish and served with a side of gravy.  The beef is so tender and the horseradish is does not overpower the compliment of everything.  Also, do yourself a favor and don’t overlook the gravy; its what makes this sandwich from great, to awesome.

Rating: 5/5 Fingers

Budget: $ – $$, nothing is more than $8 but if you’re like me, you’ll keep going back.

Tips:  There are no bathrooms, so unload and wash your hands before you get there.

Be aware, parking  can be a challenge so try to carpool if you can, and learn how to parallel without pissing people off.

Eat there and don’t take it to go.  The waffles will get a little soggy packaged up in a car ride home.  And though I’ve heard they’re still good, it’s not the same.

Not that I’m saying it’s a bad thing, but if you go here on a completely empty stomach, you will keep going back to the window until someone has to force you to stop ordering food.  And then you’ll be pissed at your friend for making you stop and it just makes for an uncomfortable car ride home.