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Main Course

The “pizzabirria” at Tacos Madre in Costa Mesa is a giant birria quesadilla. (Photo by Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Brad A. Johnson tried the 15-inch pizzabirria at the new Tacos Madre in Costa Mesa.

But is it pizza? Sort of. We’ll let him explain.

Eat of the Moment

The Earl Grey tart from The Bakery Cafe in Buena Park (Photo by Brad A. Johnson, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A tart treat

It’s easy to mistake the Earl Grey tart at The Bakery Cafe in Buena Park lfor a blueberry tart. But one mistake you don’t want to make is to gulp it down. Brad says the tart is “best savored slowly.”

Jacob Carter, a longtime employee at Lucci’s Italian American Deli, rolls out a cart of product for a customer atin Huntington Beach on Monday, February 14, 2022. Lucci’s will be closing on Feb. 26 after 50 years in Huntington Beach and 75 years in business. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Last chance for Lucci’s 

Lucci’s Italian American Deli in Huntington Beach will close after more than 50 years, said owner Rick Refice, and its last day of service will be Feb. 26. A neighborhood staple beloved by locals, it will be sorely missed. Anne Valdespino has more.

Restaurateur Russ Bendel has announced that he and his business partners will open Bloom restaurant, near Mission San Juan Capistrano, in late October. Seen here, left to right, business partners Kyle Simpson, Jared Cook, Russ Bendel and Gabe Whorley. (Courtesy of Bloom)

New eats in Old San Juan 

Downtown San Juan Capistrano has become a foodie dining destination and restaurateur Russ Bendel, owner of Sapphire in Laguna Beach, Vine Restaurant in San Clemente, Ironwood in Laguna Hills and Olea in Newport Beach, will join the pack. He and his partners will open Bloom in late October.

Wine always costs more in restaurants than in grocery and liquor stores, Eric Stenta, vice president of operations at Polly’s Inc., explains why and gives tips for getting the best deals. Seen here, a selection of wines served at Polly’s. (Courtesy of Polly’s Pies)

Insider wine tips

The toughest part of dining out is negotiating the wine list. How do you know what’s a deal and what’s a ripoff and why do wines cost so much more than at Costco? Experts answer these and other important questions—like the rules of engagement when it comes to corkage fees.

This Week’s Recipe

Beef Stroganoff is shown served atop wild rice, garnished with paprika and parsley. (Photo by Cathy Thomas)

Want to make a hearty Beef Stroganoff? Cathy Thomas has a recipe that dates back to the 1940s. Here’s how to make it.

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