Chapter One: The Modern Local

Chapter One: The Modern Local Restaurant Review:

Set in a converted bookstore in the heart of the burgeoning Artist’s Village section of downtown Santa Ana, Chapter One: The Modern Local radiates a cool, metropolitan style that’s rarely found in Orange County. The gastropub menu is filled with culinary expressions that infuse traditional dishes with a sense of uniquely contemporary flair, all prepared with a strong adherence to local, sustainable sensibilities. This marriage establishes itself through appetizers such as vegan ceviche with hearts of palm, cucumber, avocado and taro chips, and the rosemary sourdough plate with house-made honey ricotta, shaved apples and prosciutto. Entrées ranging from salmon Niçoise with olive oil-poached baby potatoes to cider-brined pork chop in a maple glaze are familiar and flavorful. Desserts like the peanut butter s'more tart and banana cake beignets add a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. Extended hours and a well-stocked bar pouring artisan libations make it an ideal place to chill out after a long day. Weekend brunch highlights kicked-up classics such as crème brûlée waffles as well as globally-inspired dishes, among them Peruvian lomo saltado.