Orange, CA 92867-3410
restaurant for the Sunday Buffet. We weren't even sure if we would make it in time getting out of
church later than we had expected, too much traffic, and no parking. But we made it in time with
enough time to eat and not have the buffet closed on us before we were done when we realized-- a line.
The hostess informed us it would be a 15-20 minute wait and that was putting us in
danger of missing out on the buffet. So we headed out to see if we could find something else.
In the same center there are several choices for eating and the closest and most appealing was
the Prime Cut Cafe. We had thought about trying this place several times before but we just never did.
Until today.
Walking in, the first thing we noticed was a large bar in the center of the room with wine racks artistically
displaying a wide variety of wines. Well, it is a wine bar after all. It is a large open space that feels
somewhat homey. It is sophisticated without being stuffy. It is modern and clean and welcoming. There
were very few people there, which actually was a pleasant surprise since we had just walked away from
a place with a 20 minute wait.
We were given our choice of tables and began perusing the lunch menu. Sandwiches, burgers, salads,
at first glance nothing new, nothing special. Again I will say that at first glance the menu didn't seem
to be anything out of the ordinary. It was simple, with a nice selection, but not overwhelming. As I began
to study the choices, I realized that the menu might look simple but the explanation of the dishes was
anything but! The objective changed from finding something worth eating to narrowing down to the best
choice. Remember, I was thinking Mexican lunch buffet-- now that thought was long gone and I was
looking to please my palate in a far superior way.
We decided on an appetizer, it was Osmel's birthday so we thought we would splurge.
Cheese fondue: "A creamy blend of Gruyere, Fontina, White Cheddar and Parmesan Cheeses.
Comes with roasted garlic and grilled rustic bread."
And what a fantastic start. A very nice presentation, the cheese was hot and creamy (just as described)
and the bread was hearty and the garlic was soft and spreadable and served in a rich tasting garlic oil.
Very good start-- Mexican buffet? What?
I had the Double Chicken Sandwich: "Aged Provolone, Oven-dried tomatoes, Pesto aioli served with
shoestring fries." This was turning out to be a very good lunch choice.
Osmel had the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: "3 cheeses on sourdough bread with tomato bisque
and a small mixed green salad garnish." Now I am not one to go to a restaurant and order a grilled
cheese, but Osmel loves a good grilled cheese. Expectations are rising.
Mom ordered The Barbeque Chicken Sandwich-"Applewood Smoked Bacon, BBQ sauce, fried onion
strings, provolone, oven-dried tomatoes and red onion with shoestring fries."
So while we were finishing our fondue, our order came up and I was extremely impressed by the
server- Gary who came to let us know that our entrees were up and were we ready for him to bring
them? Impressive!!
Well, the descriptions didn't disappoint, everything was just as good as we had hoped for after
reading the descriptions. Wait, did I say as good-- I mean better!!
If you are in the area around Angel Stadium, The Honda Center, Katella and the 57 Freeway-
do yourself a favor, try this place!! By the way, I would suggest weekend lunch. Gary, our server
told us that during the week they were pretty busy, for lunch, but the weekends not so much-- yet.
Get in while the getting is good!