Shop & dine outside the box at the Union Market in Tustin, CA | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 2:56 PM
LEISURE / FOOD & DRINK / DRINKS See also: food news, shopping, orange county ca
Shop & dine outside the box at the Union Market in Tustin, CA January 2, 2016 8:45 PM MST
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Unique retail & restaurants await you at the Union Market in the District, Tustin, California. Coming to Phoenix and Mesa AZ soon! H. Larson
Once upon a time, shopping was fun, meeting friends for cocktails was an event, and dining in a new restaurant, an adventure.
The good news is that those times are back, courtesy of the Union Market, located in ‘The District’ in Irvine, CA. The concept is ‘industrial http://www.examiner.com/article/shop-dine-outside-the-box-at-the-union-market-tustin-ca
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Shop & dine outside the box at the Union Market in Tustin, CA | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 2:56 PM
chic’ meets today’s retail/restaurant marketplace, where you’ll encounter unique boutiques and creative interpretations of world cuisine.
Owners Andrea and Russel Young came up with the concept about five years ago; influenced by The Ferry Buildings in San Francisco. They wanted to create a retail environment where small concept shops could get their start and have the ability to thrive and expand. Where, instead of competing, merchants and restaurant owners could work together, sharing ideas and products to create a cohesive, inviting environment for all. And have they succeeded! The Union Market is also in Mission Viejo and if you live in Arizona, you’ll be able to visit their locations in Phoenix and Mesa, opening in 2016. New shops and restaurants are being added to the mix all the time, making every visit a new experience. Each potential shop or restaurant owner needs to fit the co-operative vision of a synergetic community and only about 10% make the grade. During my visit, in November, with a group from the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, I was able to get a ‘sneak peak’ of some of the new culinary spots that were set to open in early 2016. Start your visit at the Central Bar – a cornucopia of cocktail creations that are fresh, innovative takes on the classics. Love Moscow Mules? Their version uses fresh ginger. ‘Liquid Chef’ Andrew Parish is always coming up with new thirst quenchers, like the Spicy Cuban, Mexican
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Shop & dine outside the box at the Union Market in Tustin, CA | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 2:56 PM
Bonfire or fresh fruit infusions. They even make their own tonic water. Just across the way is The Kroft– comfort foods for the modern world! The glass walled kitchen allows you to watch their chefs prepare crispy ciabatta rolls filled with spicy, Rotisserie Pork,,caramelized onions, salsa verde and a crisp arugula/radicchio blend. Go Canadiana – Poutine with Short ribs and Wisconsin Chedder or dig in to a bowl of their Deconstructed Chili Mac. Enter the halls of the KettlePour where your Lobster Tomato bisque is prepared in the most unusual way. Unique steam cookers (think upscale double boilers!) sit behind the marble bars, where your chef/educator creates cooked to order seafood bliss. Shrimp Gumbo, indeed! Market 2 Plate is one of the newer additions, serving up fresh salads, pastas and vegetable dishes. Healthy need not be dull as these flavorful plates attest. Cubed takes fresh fish, seafood and sushi to a new level. The CaliBowl (think California Roll in a bowl) is a prime example of how they take SoCal familiar fare spice it up a notch, and spin it in fun, tasty ways. Do you like Mai-Tais? How about Tiki Rooms and retro modern, space age décor? You will find a perfect paradise at Hatch! From the sparkling Formica bar to the Adventureland Tiki Lounge wallpaper, you can’t help but smile when you walk through the door. Add to the mix an amazing array of savory sliders and classic 1950/60’s cocktails and you’ll be saying "Don the Beachcomber" in no time. http://www.examiner.com/article/shop-dine-outside-the-box-at-the-union-market-tustin-ca
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Shop & dine outside the box at the Union Market in Tustin, CA | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 2:56 PM
Feeling like dessert or perhaps you just crave a mid-shopping pick-me-up? Cool down with a frozen delight from Front Porch Pops. Seasonal fruits, real dairy cream and an every changing array of flavor combinations await. No wonder they call themselves ‘happiness on a stick”. S’mores are classic Americana, but like so many of the merchants here at the Union Market, Torch takes things to a whole new level. Each scrumptious square is made just for you with fresh graham crackers, quality chocolate and vanilla marshmallow. Cookies and milk – how simple and classic can you get? What if your chocolate chip was also your cup and what if it were filled with organic, vanilla flavored milk? That’s just one of the ‘out of the box’ ideas at Dirty Cookie. Indulgent? Yes, but oh so worth it! Speaking of indulgent, check out Belage Bakery, for oh, so French macarons, pastries and cakes created with a Southeast Asian, Vietnamese twist. Crepes are on the menu at the Crepe Coop. These paper-thin delicacies are the perfect foil for fresh fruit and gelato or other tasty toppings. Stop by world renowned Portola Coffee Roasters and pick up one for the road. Beans are roasted at their location in Costa Mesa and they were recently recognized as the ‘Micro Roaster of the World’. Their Cappuccinos are fabulous, made with non-GMO milk from Strauss Family Creamery. Wander a little more through the alleyways of the Union Market, filled with clothing from one of a http://www.examiner.com/article/shop-dine-outside-the-box-at-the-union-market-tustin-ca
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Shop & dine outside the box at the Union Market in Tustin, CA | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 2:56 PM
kind designers, home décor from far-flung locations and fragrant blends at Spice & Tulip. Take your shopping and dining experience to a whole new level in 2016 – you’ll never look back. Disclosure: I was a guest of the Union Market. The opinions and descriptions above are strictly my own.
Hilarie Larson
San Diego Wine Travel Examiner
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