We took one of our close friends to Haven Gastropub in Orange this week to celebrate his birthday and as usual our food was right on the money. Some people say that Haven is overrated, and I guess if you compare it to the likes of a Morton’s or some other “high-class” restaurant, I can see what one would feel that way. But what Greg Daniels and company are able to produce day in and day out with the quality ingredients, techniques and consistency at a fair price is unmatched in most of Orange County today. For just around $13 per person the three of us were left satisfied and pleased with a meal well done. Of course our bill was actually higher than that because we choose to get some libations and dessert, but that’s besides the point. So what did we eat? Well I only have pictures of my food since all the other items were things we have ordered in the past (Chips, Onion Soup, and the Haven Burger), so let me show you one of the most awesome sandwiches I’ve had in my life along with the greatest beer to have ever been produced on earth.
This pork sandwich had some many familiar flavors that danced on my tongue as I enjoyed every bite. The sandwich consists of pork confit, roasted heirloom tomato, gem lettuce, and herb aioli on artisan bread (the bread I assume is from Dean Kim at the OC Baking Company). You can find his bread at a number of Orange County restaurants, if you want to buy some awesome bread directly from Dean you can find him at the Old Towne Orange Farmers and Artisans Market on Saturday mornings.
Our second star of the meal was a bottle of Firestone Walker Brewing Company 14th Anniversary Beer that my friend and I shared. This beer wowed me at the Bruery‘s 3rd Anniversary party a couple months back and it still leaves a lasting impression on me as what exceptionally good beer can taste like. If you have a chance I highly suggest you find a bottle of this before it disappears, they only brewed it once!
Haven continues to serve great meals in a good atmosphere, if there was one thing to complain about it would be some of the “rules” that they have when ordering food. It used to say on the menu that wouldn’t make any substitutions, now the menu says Don’t be afraid to ask for changes or modifications, but don’t be surprised if we say “no”. I guess that is just the polite way of saying they won’t make substitutions or even additions, since Mrs. DanGarion was told she couldn’t get a piece of bread, even though she said we were willing to pay for it. It’s a petty complaint but at the same time a petty denial. It is something that is worth overlooking, because regardless of the piece of bread she loved her soup, and they did put an extra piece of bread in her soup for her.
[xrr rating=4.5/5]
Haven Gastropub
190 South Glassell Street
Old Towne Orange, CA 92866
T:714 221 0680
