Hmm, 70 miles to San Diego? Too much driving for me while on a short
vacation.

Overall I agree it's surprising there's not more great places in OC,
but its not enough of a wasteland to make me want to drive an hour+
(and if I did, it would probably be north to LA).

I actually liked 5 Feet a few years ago, although I've heard it has
suffered as guy expanded (and is no longer regularly in kitchen).

Not a romantic place by a longshot, but had good seafood at a huge
place (Gulfstream) in Newport couple years ago (and they waived corkage
on 2 bottles after we bought a bottle).

If we're in doubt, we always go to Westminster for excellent Vietnamese
food

I found 230 Forest in Laguna ok when we met Tom Shudic (TomS here) and
Kriss from WLDG last year. Being able to walk is always a plus, and I
think they charged us corkage for 2 bottles (and we opened 5-6).