the OC

I think I found the Little Tokyo of Orange County! I'm so happy! Finally, some decent Japanese food, Boba, and some international fare - a great escape from the cultural wastelands of the southern part of Orange County - a.k.a Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, etc...

I decided to Hotwire my hotel this time around since my coworker has done it and has gotten great hotels instead of staying at our usual business Courtyards, Hilton Garden Inns, or Fairfield Inns. I like the Hilton Costa Mesa so far. It reminds me of the Hilton I stayed at for Cindy and Eugene's wedding, but not as big, not as new, and not as bright. Why is it that I always have to pay for parking down here? ugh!

I don't think I can live without Yelp. I only wish I had an iPhone where I can use the GPS enabled Yelp to find great places to eat around the area instead of having to go to my Hotel or at the office to look up places. I guess in a way I am excited to see what other technologies come up.

I drove past this little Japanese Grill on the way back from my Yoga class (where I also Yelped and found a cute little studio 3 miles from the Hilton.) After reading a bunch of reviews, I learned this little block is considered "Little Tokyo". How opportunistic that it's only located a block from where I'm staying.

You order and pick up at the counter. There's a "Members Only" area blocked off with rows and rows of Manga books. I wonder what it takes to become a member... It's 9pm, so there are a few people in this restaurant. Two Japanese older ladies sit two tables down. They serve Boba so I guess this isn't "truly" Japanese, but it is a cute cafe that provides free wireless! The food doesn't blow you away, but feels more like a home-cooked family restaurant where I can get $6 Yaki Soba than a "Grill" like its namesake.

Overall, pretty good hangout spot. Okay, time to finish up and go home!