Although the Bravo series highlights many coastal Orange County restaurants — most notably, the Quiet Woman in Corona del Mar, which played host to one of the entire franchise’s most infamous restaurant scenes, which involved Shannon Beador, former castmate Kelly Dodd, and a tossed plate — Kirschenheiter notes that some of her favorite dining spots, located in South County, are rarely seen on the show.

SEE ALSO: Real Housewives of Orange County finale: Tears and truth serum

“Honestly, my favorite place to go to is Five Vines Wine Bar in San Juan Capistrano. It’s such a special place for (boyfriend Travis Mullen) and me,” she says, adding, “When I first started going there, I was still drinking and, yes, it is a wine bar, but Travis and I still go there around once a week because we’re so in love with the food and the space.”

Kirschenheiter’s regular order here is a meat board, which come with either soppressata, smoked prosciutto, chorizo, or smoked pastrami salmon. Other highlights at this family-owned eatery/wine bar near the train tracks include a pear and brie skillet melt, a crispy chicken sandwich, caramelized onion and mushroom pasta and other comfort-food fare. Although the reality star is now a teetotaler, the award-winning restaurant also features more than 65 boutique wines from which to sip. “The food is bomb and so is the hospitality,” she adds.

The “Housewives” star also names Brussels Bistro in San Clemente among her favorite pit stops. “You have to get the mussels there; they’re incredible.” (Former Orange County Register food critic Brad Johnson, who praised the San Clemente location in 2019, also agrees.) Kirschenheiter gives props to South Swell Ice Cream, also located in San Clemente, as a choice spot for dessert and an Instagram moment under its “dip me” pink neon signage. “It’s so cute, you get great ice cream and you can get a super cute picture.”

SEE ALSO: Heritage Barbecue changed OC’s restaurant landscape — and beyond. Here’s how they did it.

As for places she wants to try, San Juan Capistrano’s Heritage Barbecue, considered one of the best barbecue joints in California, sits at the top of her culinary list. “I’m so happy for them because they’re obviously crushing it, but I can’t get in because the line goes down the block,” she says. “I think one day I’m going to send Travis down there to wait in line because I want it so bad.”

The native Long Islander gives high marks to more relatable spots like Taco Bell and Del Taco. “We didn’t have El Pollo Loco where I’m from — I could eat El Pollo Loco everyday.”

As for the Quiet Woman (or “the Q-dub,” as fans of the show call it), she doesn’t visit its hallowed halls too often. “I’ve been there a handful of times, but to be honest, it’s not really a part of my ‘Housewives’ history because it’s simply not where I live,” she says, adding, “But whenever my girlfriends from the East Coast visit, we’ll go there. We’ve even reenacted some scenes from the show for photos.”

Along with fellow housewives Shannon Beador and Emily Simpson, Kirschenheiter has the distinction of coming aboard the Bravo franchise midway through its run, becoming a hit with fans, and not turning into a one-and-done player, a bungle that befalls many a housewife unable to make past their first season.

Kirschenheiter, who works as a real estate agent when the cameras are off, hopes to act as a representative for South County. “I think South County is very underrepresented down here … there’s so much rich history combined with very good food and culture.”

“We will keep you updated as we navigate the next steps. We want to thank the HB community, especially the HB Fire Department, who worked quickly and diligently to save as much of our restaurant as they could,” the owners of Avila’s El Ranchito wrote in message posted to the restaurant’s Instagram page. “We will keep you updated as we navigate the next steps.”

In addition to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, the owners credit “Ryan, the owner of Shake Shack who called 911 when he saw the fire” for helping control the blaze before it caused any further damage.

No injuries were reported.

Avila’s El Ranchito, which has 12 other locations throughout Orange County, including Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, was founded by Salvador and Margarita Avila, who opened their first eponymous restaurant in 1966 in Huntington Park. The two passed away in 2022 and 2019, respectively.

Serving transit from Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and San Diego, the Orange station features 20 Metrolink Orange County Line stops each weekday (11 northbound and 9 southbound). Weekend service consists of 4 trains (2 in each direction) on both Saturday and Sunday running in each direction in the morning and evening. The station is also served by 14 Metrolink Inland Empire-Orange County Line trains (7 in each direction) each weekday, with weekend service consisting of 4 trains (2 in each direction) on both Saturday and Sunday. OC Bus routes 54, 56, 59 and 453, as well as a Chapman University shuttle stop here as well.

Built in 1938, the Orange train station, which is recognized as one of Orange’s historic landmarks, acts as a hub for roughly 750 passengers each weekday. From 1971 to 1993, the Santa Fe Railway closed the stop for more than 20 years citing high costs and reduced patronage. Fittingly, a restaurant now occupies the station’s Mission Revival-style building.

Keep in mind that selected dining options throughout the series are each within a reasonable distance of their stop, whether on foot or by wheelchair, with no major thoroughfares or freeways to cross. This list doesn’t cover every single Orange bar and restaurant in the area; consider this a guide to our favorites near the station, or a jumping off point for your layover.

Afters Ice Cream: With flavors like cookie butter, milk and cereal, jasmine milk tea and salty Oreo, this contemporary, Southern California ice cream chain features flavors that go above and beyond your average frozen dessert joint. 117 N. Glassell St. (at Chapman Avenue), Orange

Avila’s El Ranchito: Since 1966, this family-owned restaurant empire has featured such Mexican dishes as crispy carnitas, Shrimp Mojo de Ajo and fresco chile relleno. Mamá Avila’s soup, brimming with chicken, rice, avocado, tomato, cilantro and served with warm tortillas, is a particularly soothing highlight. 182 S. Orange St. (at Almond Avenue), Orange

ALSO SEE:  The Orange County train-station dining guide: San Clemente stops

Big Al’s Pizzeria: A pizza and wings joint that features pies like barbecue chicken, Lebanese garlic chicken, carne asada and smoked beef brisket. Wing options include buffalo, habanero, spicy Jamaican and more. Don’t miss out on the cheesecakes, which come in flavors like cinnamon crunch, dulce de leche, red velvet and strawberry Oreo. 396 W. Chapman Ave. (at Cypress Street), Orange

Bosscat Kitchen: With an arsenal of more than 300 bottles of whiskey, this restaurant specializing in American comfort food is mercifully only 7 minutes from the train station, making it an ideal place to eat should you plan on imbibing with abandon. 118 W Chapman Ave. (at Olive Street), Orange

Bruxie: A Southern California chain specializing in fried chicken waffle sandwiches. What more do you need? How about the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich or the spiced mac and cheese studded with bacon and chives? Another bonus: This place has an abundance of patio seating. 292 N. Glassell St. (at Palm Avenue), Orange

Butaton Ramen: Shoyu, tonkotsu, spicy tsukemen and other ramens await at this Japanese eatery. “The tonkotsu broth here is straightforward and fairly light, not heavy or rich like some of the others on this list. And when mixed with their spicy miso paste it becomes something truly special,” wrote former Orange County Register food critic Brad A. Johnson, who also gave high marks to the chashu (braised pork belly). 10 Plaza Square, suite 101 (at East Chapman Avenue), Orange

ALSO SEE: The Orange County train-station dining guide: San Juan Capistrano

Citrus City Grill: For over 25 years, this family-owned restaurant has made a name for itself serving such upscale fare as grilled octopus, charred edamame, prime rib, stuffed chicken breast, Chilean sea bass and other elegant dishes. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner. 122 N. Glassell St. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Chapman Crafted: Part beer hall, part coffeehouse, this community-driven place specializes in two types of brews: micro-craft beer and specialty coffee roasted on the premises. 123 N. Cypress St. (at West Chapman Avenue), Orange

Contra Coffee and Tea: Small-batch coffee and tea house offers jolt-inducing drinks like a horchata with espresso, Vietnamese-style iced coffee and coffee with oolong milk tea. Also on the cafe’s roster are iced shaken specials like toasted black sesame, caramel vanilla oat milk, ube, and brown sugar latte. An ideal spot for working on your laptop or reading one of the many books available from its library. 115 N. Orange St. (at East Chapman Avenue), Orange

Felix Continental Cafe: If you’re craving Cuban or Spanish food, this place has you covered, from croquettes to empanadas. The tamal Cubano, a mix of cream of corn and pork cooked in a Cuban sofrito and baked, is particularly noteworthy. 36 Plaza Square (at Glassell Street), Orange

The Filling Station: Named in honor of its past life as a gas station, this breakfast and lunch spot serves pancakes and omelets galore, as well as even heartier fare like biscuits and gravy or a breakfast burrito. Bonus: Plenty of outdoor seating under colorful umbrellas. 201 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Finney’s Crafthouse: This corner restaurant features a dizzying menu of more than 50 items, including bacon deviled eggs, cheesesteak egg rolls, an onion ring tower, salads, pizzas, hot wings, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and more. Phew. 204 W. Chapman Ave. (at Olive Street), Orange

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen: Gabbi Patrick’s gorgeous restaurant (from the brickwork to the wooden bar to the glass pieces adorning the wall, don’t forget to take it all in) specializes in standout Mexican food. Highlights include mole tostaditas with shredded Jidori chicken; and cabbage, queso fundido con chorizo featuring Oaxacan cheese, shiitake mushroom and red chorizo; and carnitas norteñas with braised Berkshire pork, pico de gallo, guacamole and chicharrones. For private parties, book the underground cellar that offers private dining for 8 to 12 guests. 141 S. Glassell St. (at Almond Avenue), Orange

ALSO SEE: The Orange County train-station dining guide: Santa Ana

Hanano Ramen: Ramen iterations like dan dan men, red garlic, vegan or even build-your-own can be found here. Same goes for spicy pork fried rice, eggrolls, dumplings, tempura and mochi bites. 161 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue),Orange

Haven Craft Kitchen: A brunch-lunch-dinner spot that specializes in indulgent gastropub fare, including black truffle mac and cheese, Spanish confit baby artichoke, pork belly tacos, grilled octopus, ribeye, pappardelle pesto, Basque cheesecake and (arguably one the greatest dessert ever created) sticky toffee pudding. 190 S. Glassell St. (at Almond Avenue), Orange

Hector’s On the Circle: Lively chips-and-salsa spot that serves seafood and Mexican fare. Enchiladas, chile relleno, flautas, tacos galore, and hearty entrees, like ribeye steak or carne asada, can be found at this spot right off the Plaza Square roundabout. 116 E. Chapman Ave. (at Orange Street), Orange

Mi Casa Authentic Mexican Food: A choice spot to go for quick Mexican food, this exceedingly charming spot features interiors with loads of Western memorabilia and an enclosed patio displaying model revolvers, cowboy hats, old tools and horse tack. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can order to-go, or eat inside at a handful of tables. 1231 W. Chapman Ave. (at Jewell Place),Orange

O Sea: Cleverly named, subtly chic seafood spot just announced a new executive chef and partner, German Mejia, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate who honed his skills at South Coast Plaza’s Water Grill. Open for lunch and dinner, fall menu highlights include sea bass al pastor, fish tacos, wild-caught spiny lobster with furikake butter and Alaskan black cod with sweet potato puree and charred broccolini. The salmon ceviche, replete with coconut leche de tigre, habanero oil and taro chips, is also another standout. 109 S. Glassell St. (at Chapman Avenue), Orange

Oiio Cafe: Bubble tea shop offers Instagram-worthy swirled drinks like matcha blast, black strawberry banana and brown sugar tiger milk tea.162 N. Glassell St., suite #A (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Omega Drive-In: Just like the same suggests, a classic drive-in joint serving up burgers, fries and onion rings (don’t forget a side of ranch!), shakes, sodas and more. 309 W Chapman Ave. (at Lemon Street), Orange

Ostioneria Siete Mares: For more than 38 years, this Orange staple has served Mexican food with a seafood bent. Highlights include fish tacos; a molcajete moreliano with 12 grilled shrimp, ribeye steak, grilled chicken, sausage, grilled cactus and more; shrimp aguachile, oysters, abalone, scallops and more. Bonus points here for the patio seating. 540 W. Chapman Ave. (at Pixley Street), Orange

ALSO SEE: The Orange County train-station dining guide: Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Irvine, Tustin

Pandor Bakery: Charming eatery dishing out omelets, sandwiches, salads (like niçoise, salmon, caesar), banana-pudding french toast, paninis, quiche and more. Being a bakery, it also specializes in a bevy of bakes, including mille-feuille, eclairs, macarons, and tarte tropezienne. 106 N. Glassell St. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Philz: San Francisco-based coffee shop does pour-over brews like no other. Don’t forget to grab a bag of beans and some choice grub while you wait for your coffee order to drip to rich, nutty perfection. 202 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

The Pie Hole: A sweet-and-savory pie shop first made popular in downtown Los Angeles, Among it many pies, one of its best is the Earl Grey tea pie, which features a layer of tea infused dark chocolate ganache, salty pistachios, tea-infused white chocolate mousse, house-made vanilla whipped cream and topped with pistachios. 177 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

The Pizza Press: Branded with newspaper industry-themed dishes, like the Herald (topped with white sauce, mozzarella, chicken breast), the Times (olive oil, chicken, red onion, barbecue sauce), the Tribune (red sauce, pepperoni, sausage, kalamata olives, ricotta), or the Jr. Editor (small pizzas for kids 12 and under), this national pizza chain is open seven days a week. 155 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Play Coffee: Play Coffee’s delightfully contrasting architecture, located inside the old Wells Fargo Bank in Old Towne’s plaza, is reason enough to pay this coffee spot a visit. Design excellence notwithstanding, the coffee and espresso drinks at this cafe, which uses beans by local roasters, are some of the best in town. 101 E. Chapman Ave. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Renata’s Cafe: Red-sauce Italian joint serving more than 20 types of pasta, seafood, steak, and poultry. The expansive wine list is impressive. 227 E. Chapman Ave., suite F (at Grand Street), Orange

Smoqued California Barbecue: Comfort food galore can be found at this barbecue spot, featuring avocado fries, “420 mac” (a cannabis-free concoction of Cornbread, mac and cheese, Texas chili, pork, bacon, corn, tomatoes, onions, cheese blend, sour cream, BBQ sauce and caramelized onions), burnt ends, brisket plates, pork plates, pulled-pork sandwiches and more. 128 N. Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue), Orange

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: Breakfast-brunch chain restaurant with all the usual suspects: bloody marys, omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches. 240 W. Chapman Ave., suite 101 (at Lemon Street), Orange

Streamliner Diner: Located inside the old Orange train station, a visit alone is worth checking out the architectural history. Dine right by the tracks on spicy fried cauliflower, fish and chips, grilled ribeye, more than 10 burgers, hot dogs, tacos and suds on tap. 186 N Atchison St. (at Chapman Avenue), Orange

Super Antojitos: This family-owned Mexican restaurant, going strong since 1985 when it opened its first location in Santa Ana, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The extensive menu features favorites like carne asada, tamales, barbacoa de res, burritos, seafood galore, tortas, ceviche and much more. 642 W. Chapman Ave. (at Parket Street), Orange

Two’s Company Cafe: Quaint little eatery offering breakfast sandwiches (egg, bacon and cheddar or egg, ham and cheddar), BLTs and panini sandwiches like pesto chicken, roast beef, chicken chipotle, or turkey cranberry. 22 Plaza Square (at Glassell Street), Orange

Urth Caffe: A boutique chain of Southern California restaurants known for choice coffee, organic menus, settings in historic locations (this one is inside a 1888 building smack dab on the plaza). The 5,000-square foot, 250-seat space with indoor and outdoor seating is perfect for noshing on latkes, green tea pancakes, caramelized banana pancakes, Nutella buns, prosciutto and cheese panini sandwiches and more. 100 W. Chapman Ave. (at Plaza Square), Orange

Wahoo’s Fish Tacos: This taco chain (more than 40 locations nationwide) serves tacos, bowls, soups, salads, nachos, quesadilla, burritos and more. 234 W. Chapman Ave. (at Lemon Street), Orange

Zito’s Pizza: This Orange County-born slice joint (with three Orange locations and one in Anaheim) offers pizzas, calzones, salads and sandwiches. 156 N Glassell St. (at Maple Avenue) and 1716 W. Chapman Ave. (at Feldner Road), Orange

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story featured The Wall on Plaza Square, but the alehouse has recently closed.

In addition to khao mun gai, a dish found available in street carts throughout Thailand, Rooster and Rice now offers khao tom gai (chicken rice porridge), fried chicken cutlets, fried chicken skins, Thai coffee and more. The restaurant’s signature Mother Sauce, created by and christened after chef/co-founder Tommy Charoen’s mother, provides the perfect punch of spice to accompany the savory signature dish.

The burgeoning chicken-rice empire was created by Charoen and restaurateur Bryan Lew, who joined forces in 2017 with another Bay Area Thai-style chicken-and-rice purveyor, Chick’n Rice, founded by the creators of delivery service Caviar. Rooster and Rice’s move to SoCal comes on the heels of the recently announced opening of Thai Town Cuisine, in Los Angeles, another similar, albeit larger, chain focused on fast-casual Thai food.

ALSO SEE: Ike’s Love and Sandwiches opens Huntington Beach location

“Most restaurant brands grow because they have an explosively popular offering or an air-tight operational model that makes them easy and inexpensive to scale. Rooster and Rice is one of very few brands that has both,” said Lew in a written statement, adding that the combination has “allowed us to grow rapidly throughout the Bay Area, and we’re finding increasing demand from neighboring markets.”

Rooster and Rice’s Irvine locale will have its grand opening to the public on Friday Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The first 50 guests will receive one free bowl and the second 50 guests will receive one bowl at 50 percent off.

Find it: 15354 Alton Parkway (at Ada Road), Irvine

The ninth annual Napa in Newport, which was held in Newport Beach for the first seven years until relocating last year, will take place this year at the tony Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. CureDuchenne, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, will team up with Meika Estates to host a dinner featuring cuisine by chef Ken Frank, owner of La Toque in Napa, which once held a one-star Michelin ranking. In addition to the modern French cuisine dinner, guests can bid on collectable wines, getaways and other unique experiences.

The benefit raises funds and awareness to help stamp out Duchenne, one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne, which has an average life expectancy of 27 years, is caused by mutations in the gene encoding for dystrophin, a protein that muscles require to properly function. People living with the condition usually succumb to lung or heart issues. It affects approximately 1 in 5,000 male births.

“As we continue to make strides in Duchenne research, funding is critical to bring transformative treatments to thousands that need them,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, in a written statement, whose son is afflicted with Duchenne. “None of it would be possible without our vintners, sponsors, and attendees that support this event and bring us one step closer to a cure.”

Over the past eight years, Napa In Newport has helped pull in more than $10.5 million for CureDuchenne, which has raised more than $50 million for research and funded 18 research projects to advance human clinical trials.

For more details about CureDuchenne, visit cureduchenne.org. To purchase tickets or buy a table, head to thenapawineseries.com/napa-in-newport. The event starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov 4.

Find it: 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point

Named after Don Miguel Gonzalez and Dona Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez, the husband-wife duo who founded Northgate Markets in 1980, the food hall will feature more than 20 food stalls, live music, shopping galore and a fine-dining restaurant. Unlike traditional supermarkets where one must zig-zag through parallel aisles while hunting for shelved food, this new food hall will allow for a more freeing shopping experience where patrons can saunter around the open and airy bazaar, grab a quick bite, and hit up local vendors, butchers, cheesemongers, tortillerias, and other specialty shops for day-to-day shopping.

A few highlights will include Aguas Frescas, a full service liquoria carrying imported beers, wines, tequilas and mescal; La Gonzalez Tortilleria serving birria, menudo and freshly-made tortillas; and sweet treats care of Pasteleria La Gonzalez and Dulces Artesanos. The food stands will also host Mexico City churreria El Moro serving churros and seven types of hot chocolate, tortas from Chiva Torta, tacos care of Los Guichos and carnitas by Don Miguel.

In addition to quotidian shopping, Mercado Gonzalez will also feature a couple of sit-down, destination-worthy spots: Maizano, from Jorge Salim and Javier Hernandez Pons, the duo who created LA Cha Cha Chá and Loreto in Los Angeles, will feature a menu that, as its name suggests, focuses on Mexican heirloom corn. Diners can look forward to dishes like mole, sopa de Lima, and sundry of memelas and tetelas. Salim and Pons will also open Entre Nos, a 6,000-square-foot outdoor bar adorned with tropical flora, which will offer a variety of libations including micheladas, mezcal, tequila and Mexican beers.

Mercado Gonzalez will also operate a commissary kitchen that will work with street vendors and budding culinary entrepreneurs that will, in addition to providing a space to prepare food, will help guide them with issues like food-safety certificates, costing out items and support with overall success.

The food hall, which will showcase murals by Claudio Limón, is part of the Northgate Markets family-run empire that has more than 40 locations throughout Southern California.

Opening day is Friday, Nov. 17. Hours will run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Find it: 2300 Harbor Blvd. (at Wilson), Costa Mesa

Here is a list of some (but not all) bakeries and markets in Orange County where you can get your hands on pan de muertos for the annual holiday, which falls on Wednesday, Nov 1 and Thursday, Nov. 2.

Anaheim: Brizuela’s Bakery (1721 W. Katella Ave., suite R), La Reina Market (508 N. East St., Anaheim), Max’s Baked Goods (3414 W. Ball Road, suite J), Northgate Market (929 S. Euclid St.), Panaderia La Pequena (888 W. Lincoln Ave.), Panaderia Los Volcanes (2659 W. Lincoln Ave.)

Buena Park: Panaderia Indio (8204 Commonwealth Ave.), Porto’s Bakery (7640 Beach Blvd.), Northgate Market (1120 S. Bristol St.)

Costa Mesa: La Espiga De Oro (805 W. 19th St.), Panificadora Bakery (2200 Harbor Blvd., suite E120)

Dana Point: Buena Vista Market (34065 La Plaza)

Fullerton: Panaderia Y Pasteleria (2230 W. Orangethorpe Ave.)

Garden Grove: Estrella De Mexicali (12859 Chapman Ave.)

Huntington Beach: Chelos Panaderia (18029 Beach Blvd.)

La Habra: La Central Bakery (764 W. La Habra Blvd.), My Bakery (350 N. Harbor Blvd.), Northgate Market (1305 W. Whittier Blvd.), Panaderia y Pasteleria la Mexicana (1951 E. La Habra Blvd., suite 1A)

Lake Forest: Efren’s Bakery (24601 Raymond Way, #7), El Molino de Oro (23532 El Toro Road)

Orange: El Molino De Oro (728 N. Tustin St.), La Espiga De Oro Panaderia Carniceria (East Wilson Avenue), La Reina Market (909 N. Tustin St.), La Poblana (604 W. Chapman Ave.)

Placentia: Mil Hojas (642 W. Chapman Ave.)

San Juan Capistrano: El Molino De Oro (31886 Plaza Drive), Mercado El Rey (32252 Camino Capistrano) and El Campeon Bakery (31921 Camino Capistrano, #14)

Santa Ana: Cafe Cultura (324 W. Fourth St.), El Gallo Giro (1442 S. Bristol St., #1A), El Metate Panaderia (1338 W. First St.), El Panadero (1818 S. Standard Ave.), La Rancherita Bakery (2709 Westminster Ave., suite B), Northgate Market (230 N. Harbor Blvd., 1120 S. Bristol Street, 1010 South Main St.), Panaderia La Mejor (1331 E. First St.), Panaderia Paloza (1701 E. McFadden Ave.), Rosas Pasteleria Y Panaderia (1009 S. Fairview St.), Tlaxcala Bakery Panaderia (1208 S. Standard Ave.), Soy Concha Bakery (709 N. Bristol St., suite J)

Stanton: Leobardo’s Bakery (11841 Beach Blvd.), Panaderia Cortez (7506 Cerritos Ave.)

“Having spent almost 20 years here, I know what makes it special but also what will take the Hobbit to the next phase,” says new owner-operator Matthew McKinney, who spent the last 10 years as the restaurant’s general manager. “The experience is going to stay largely the same, but people can look forward to everything being elevated a couple notches, from the food to the ambience to the décor.”

Fans of the Hobbit can look forward to a gentle renovation of the Spanish Revival-style home-turned-restaurant, which includes a new paint job, restoration of the hardwood flooring, and updating maintenance issues. “The Hobbits” legend by the door, handwritten by the original owner in calligraphy, that reads, “love peace and quiet (and) dislike machines … they like to laugh and eat (six meals a day) and drink … they like pranks and the giving and receiving of presents” will also remain firmly in place.

Along with structural and design upkeep, the menu will also see an upgrade care of executive chef Nick Torgerson (previously at the Loft at Montage Laguna Beach and Marché Moderne).

“There’s a parallel path between breathing new life into the building and to the menu,” says McKinney. “The menu will still be French-inspired but with a progressive American seasonal bent.”

Winning acclaim and a cult following since opening in 1972, including Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence and top ratings in the Zagat Guide, the Hobbit temporarily closed in October after then-owners Mike and Debra Philippi announced their retirement. The dining concept features a multi-course prix-fixe menu, which starts at 7 p.m. sharp in the wine cellar then leads upstairs for the main courses, with only one seating per evening.

Booking has commenced at the Hobbit, with all weekends in December already filled up; weekdays are still available. The restaurant is at 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. For more information, call 714-997-1972 or go to hobbitrestaurant.com.

From jack-o’-lantern sugar cookies to a full-monty shake to zombie doughnuts, these treats go above and beyond a bag of Hershey’s Miniatures. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list of all the Halloween fare available; consider it a jumping off point for finding the best Halloween goodies.

Black Tap’s Graveyard Shake: Located in Downtown Disney, this burgers-and-beer joint offers its annual Graveyard Shake, a concoction with M&M cookie pie, gravestone cookie, crumbled Oreo, gummy worms, whipped cream, chocolate shavings and orange and black sprinkles. And if that’s not enough, it comes with a chocolate-frosted rim and a wooden witch’s “brew” stick. 1540 Disneyland Drive, Ste 101, Anaheim

Calaca Mamas Cantina’s Mes de los Muertos brunch: Check out this Anaheim restaurant’s massive ofrenda while enjoying its Dia de los Muertos-inspired brunch, called “Mes de los Muertos,” that includes small plates like tuetano corn esquites and mango habanero guacamole, and main courses like the chicken en salsa verde. Don’t miss out on the deconstructed chocoflan or the El Regreso cocktail featuring grapefruit juice, lime, agave and cinnamon-infused reposado tequila. 1550 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim

Okayama Kobo Bakery’s Halloween buns: Known for its adorable kawaii Kobo Kuma bear (ursa-shaped soft buns filled with vanilla bean), this Japanese bakery offers spider, spiderweb, cyclops and delightfully creepy bear and kitten buns for All Hallows’ Eve. Don’t miss out on its autumnal offerings, like the bun stuffed with kabocha (pumpkin) custard. 155 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim

Salt and Straw’s Scoops and Skulls series: The Oregon ice cream purveyors’ Halloween dishes, inspired by founders’ Kim and Tyler Malek’s grandmother’s annual Halloween parties, will feature ice cream flavors that use house-made candies, pumpkin, and, yes, real edible bugs. To wit: The Great Candycopia comes with housemade candy inspired by Kit Kats, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, and Heath Bars, which are folded into salted butterscotch ice cream. Jack-o’-lantern pumpkin bread, a pumpkin-spiced ice cream with chunks of pumpkin bread and whipped cream cheese frosting. The Creepy Crawly Critters come with matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets from Don Bugito, a company trying to change how the world sees — and eats — insects. Chocolate Champurrado with sesame toffee, an ice cream honoring the Day of the Dead with pieces of palanqueta, a traditional Mexican-style sesame toffee. And finally, Blackberry and Masa Tamale Sherbet, a vegan mashup in tribute to Michoacan’s tamal from the Purépecha region: half masa coconut cream sherbet, half marionberry sherbet. Salt and Straw has two O.C. locations: 1550 Disneyland Drive, E, #103A, Anaheim, and 2001 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach

Smallcakes’ Halloween cupcakes: A witch’s hat, an Oreo spider, a cookie gravestone, and meringue ghosts can be found haunting the tops of Smallcakes’ array of cupcakes for the holiday. 16476 Beach Blvd., Westminster

SusieCakes’ ghost and jack-o’-lantern sugar cookies: Downright adorable frosted sugar cookies decorated like jack-o’-lanterns and apparition. Four-box (2 ghosts, 2 pumpkins) comes to $23.80, a platter (9 ghosts, 9 pumpkins) costs $107.10. If cookies aren’t to your liking, the bakery chain also has a candy corn-decorated cake that’s a gorgeous and tasty ode to the polarizing Halloween candy. Three O.C. locations: 25473 Rancho Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel; 2043 Westcliff Drive, #104, Newport Beach; 3321 Hyland Ave. suite J, Costa Mesa

Zombee Donuts’ horror doughnuts: With a name like that, how can you go wrong when it comes to sugar-laced spooktacularity? Founded by a mother-daughter duo who are die-hard fans of “The Walking Dead” and other zombie movies, this Fullerton spot bakes donuts in the likeness of Frankenstein’s monster, the Bride of Frankenstein (i.e., the monster’s mate), jack o’ lanterns, Freddy Kruger and Jason Voorhees. Halloween aside, Zombee now makes Mochi doughnuts (available Sundays and Wednesdays only). 802 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton

Ike’s latest spot, which will officially open in Huntington Beach in early November, has softly opened for business this week.

Shehadeh’s menu honors his hometown of San Francisco with sandwiches like the Robin Williams (which comes with halal chicken, Italian dressing, mushrooms and pepper jack). He even pays tribute to — avert your eyes, Dodgers fans — the San Francisco Giants with such meaty concoctions as the Barry Bonds (turkey, bacon, Swiss), Matt Cain (roast beef, salami, turkey and provolone) or the Hunter Pence (turkey, bacon, avocado, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, Swiss, cheddar, and pepper jack).

Ike’s has revealed two new sandwiches exclusive to the Huntington Beach shop: the Safari Surfin’, which comes with chicken-fried steak, Ike’s Double H Sauce, honey, and gouda cheese, and the Pacific City, featuring breaded eggplant, Ike’s Double H Sauce, avocado and pepper jack. All sandwiches are served hot with hot dirty sauce, a garlic aioli with a blend of hush-hush seasonings and spices (vegan sauce is also available).

Customers are also allowed to build their own sandwich if the vast menu isn’t to their liking. Sandwich buns come in Dutch crunch (another tip of the hat to San Francisco), sourdough, white, gluten-free or whole wheat varieties.

For the official grand opening, Ike’s will host an event on Friday, Nov. 10 where the first 50 people in line will get a free T-shirt, a free sandwich, and a chance to win free sandwiches for a year. Ike’s will also have special $7.97 sandwiches available all day, as well as a special appearance by Shehadeh.

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches has six other Orange County shops in Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Fountain Valley and Westminster. CEO Michael Goldberg said in a written statement, “Southern California loves Ike’s. We’re almost to 100 locations and we’ll be adding even more very soon.”

Find it: 18685-2 Main St. (at Delaware Street), Five Points Plaza, Huntington Beach