2011 - Page 2 of 6 - I Heart Old Towne Orange

New to the Hood: Marcus & Katie Avila Open El Ranchito

IHOTO Staff13 years ago8 years ago18 mins

At this point, most of you know that the Avila’s have come to OTO with their family-owned restaurant El Ranchito. I happened to be getting back from a Hawaiian vacation the day before they opened, so the next morning, with no food in the house, the family and I decided to pay them a visit for lunch. Of course, the universe played a little game on all of us that day and half the power was out in downtown Orange, including at El Ranchito. They were making it work though and still serving up their traditional recipes and margaritas! While this is pretty terrible for opening day, it made for a good memory and we had a great experience that day as well as the chance to meet owner Marcus Avila. We have been back many times since and it seems that each time, they’ve made another small change to what used to be PJs Abbey.

Labor Day Weekend in OTO = STREET FAIR INSANITY

IHOTO Staff13 years ago12 months ago14 mins

Can you believe it’s already back? The biggest 3 day event this town sees every year for over 30 years…yep, I’m talking about the Orange International Street Fair. It’s on it’s merry way and this event is INSANE. We’re talking people packed in, grubbing on a variety of bites from all over the world, drinking in the beer, listening to some tunes and just having a GOOD TIME!

A Slice of Old Towne Character, Don Kelly of Hoffman Radiator

IHOTO Staff13 years ago4 years ago26 mins

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Don Kelly, Custom Radiator Specialist, the other day to learn a little bit about him and well, I just loved him! He is the proud owner of Hoffman Radiator which has been a part of Old Towne Orange since 1946, definitely one of the oldest businesses in towne. Don himself took over the business in 1976, about 35 years ago and has been excelling at what he does since then.

Like Burgers? Check Out Blue Frog Cafe!

IHOTO Staff13 years ago12 months ago06 mins

Many of you may remember that I went and ate at Blue Frog Cafe on the first day they opened. I had no intention of really writing them up because that’s just not fair. First days are chaos and theirs was no different! I did like the burger that day, but many mistakes were made in both mine and my friend’s order. SOOOOO, today I went back to give them a real try. I’ve been hearing mixed reviews from you all, so it was time I headed in there myself.