Message: | Yes, the markets in the Bay Area would spoil anyone. You realize, of course, that by moving to OC, you are moving to the suburbs and that life is very different for those of us living in the land of six-lane avenues and carwashes on each corner. Still, you should be able to find food here. I have.
There's a Bristol Farms in Newport Beach which is worth seeking not only because it has fresh bread and incredible cheeses, but also because there's a Peet's Coffee in the same shopping center. (By the way, NB also used to have a Graffeo's, but it closed down and has not reopened. There is one in Beverly Hills, though, which -- if you drink coffee -- you should bear in mind any time you make it into LA.) You could also go to the Wild Oats in Irvine, which (like BF) has a great selection of cheeses, breads, and fresh produce. They have other things, but that's mostly what I buy. The county also has a couple of Whole Foods markets, and they will be relatively convenient to you.
For seafood, Santa Monica Seafood has a couple of different locations here, and they're all excellent. There are a gaggle of Trader Joe's locations. They are starting to seem as ubiquitous as Starbuck's, and the quality just as variable. I recently stumbled into a new one in Irvine and it was like a 7-11 of gourmet food products.
Laguna Beach has a farmer's market on Saturdays, and it is well worth attending. A couple of my favorite cheese guys come from the Inland Empire (Claremont and Hemet) to monger, and I'm grateful that they do.
As other people have posted to you, La Brea Bakery is now distributing its bread in a manner similar to Acme, and you can find it in many markets and restaurants these days. Here's a stunner, in fact: Downtown Disney now has its own LBB. It's more expensive than the original location, the various varieties are not all represented, but it's still a treat to sit in the middle of Anaheim and have a grilled cheese sandwich on LBB fresh bread. (It is a small world: Boudin's is now a chain, and little Boudin'ses have popped up all over OC. You'll find one close to you in the Irvine Spectrum.)
Ethnic foodstuffs can be had with ease if you venture a little north, to Santa Ana, Anaheim, Westminster, Costa Mesa, and Long Beach. You might also seek out Zov's restaurant and deli counter in Tustin to try their bread. Many people here really like it. Also, once a week or so (because of the drive), you might want to make a trip to Los Alamitos and go to Al Dente, a really incredible Italian gourmet market that by some fluke settled in OC. Wait until you see their bread selection. I have also never seen a happier roomful of people than the clientele and employees here. I've decided that as soon as I finish typing this, I'm going there.
Many people bemoan this trend of everything becoming chains and spreading long and wide throughout the world. But having lived in the suburbs most of my life, it's a saving grace. You will probably find that most of the things you like you will be able to find in sufficient quantity and with remarkable ease. All it takes is a a curious mind, an agile spirit and a healthy appetite. It might not taste exactly the way you remember, and Laguna Niguel is certainly not the Mission District, but, as they say at the end of "The Wild Bunch," it ain't like it used to be, but it'll do.
Good luck! |