Mix Mix Kitchen Bar Awards

Mix Mix Kitchen Bar Restaurant Review:

Downtown Santa Ana has been Orange County’s de facto hip place to eat for quite some time. Its cool factor has climbed even further with the presence of this intimate dining space, as executive chef/owner Ross Pangilinan elevates the neighborhood’s game with his globally-inspired contemporary venue. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he was previously at Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge in Costa Mesa for several years. He’s traded theater-going patrons for the hipster and foodie set without missing a step. Each dish is a whip-smart testament to the power of meticulous preparation, clean composition and nuanced creativity. The fun starts even before the initial round of starters, as each meal kicks off with a bowl of chicharrones. The official first course showcases Pangilinan’s commitment to building flavor profiles from international components, such as the pork cheek adobo with garlic fried rice, brown butter patted soft egg raviolo with herb ricotta, and Filipino ceviche comprising yellowfin tuna, coconut lime, Thai chili and pork cracklings. His inventiveness is augmented by subdued whimsy throughout the mains, most notably on the offering of hanger steak accompanied by loaded potato espuma and shallot marmalade. For dessert, a refreshing modern version of the Filipino classic halo halo allows Pangilinan further opportunity to show off his heritage. The wine list, while small, is carefully curated to stand up to the depth of every dish. Exit down the hall from the cozy dining room and you’ll end up in a lively bar area, equipped with a cocktail program whose ingenuity is in step with the kitchen.