Chapter One (the modern local) in Santa Ana

Ok so I went out with a friend of mine for a quick drink tonight in santa ana,  When most people think of santa ana they think "cholos" and lowriders but this city used to be an amazing city with amazing architecture like that of portland, oregon.  The stigma of santa ana and anaheim are bad and this is a reason why it doesnt thrive as much as it should . But let me be the first one to tell you that THINGS ARE CHANGING!.  Within walking distance there are 5 great bar/restaurants, and they have an amazing artist district.  Tonight we decided to check out Chapter One!

The place has a great gastropub/library feel. There is outdoor seating that surrounds the restaurant if you want to people watch or enjoy the summer air. Parking is not an issue, they have a parking lot for the restaurant and also a parking structure across the street.  Chapter One was opened by a guy who previously was a partner at another Gastropub in the Orange Circle called Haven.

DN Tip - A Gastropub originated in england in the 20th century.  Gastropub refers to a bar and restaurant that serves high-end beer and food.

So my friend and I immediately go to the hand crafted cocktail menu which is stellar.

I end up getting the Druid and he gets the brown suga.  The Druid was made with the knott 

which is an amazing whiskey , a hint of thyme and some other deliciousness.  The brown suga 

had a tequila base but finished very smooth with a hint of brown sugar and spice.

We were both starving so we ended up getting two appetizers , the stuffed squid and the 

scallops. The stuffed squid had great texture , fresh squid stuffed with green olives, sundried 

tomatoes and mushrooms finished with  a deep fried coating. The dipping sauce was as tomato coulis that tasted like a light, freshly grated salsa.

As for the scallops, a small portion and did not pop with flavor.  Scallops can be an amazing 

dish if done right but this one was average.

As we got down to the main course, there were many options to choose from, we chose the 

duck breast , mac and cheese (duh) and the Italian Burger.

The duck breast dish was great , very different in flavors than your typical duck dishes . It 

was served with a fresh waffle and strawberry reduction.  All the flavors paired well except for I

it might have needed a little heat (spice).  The Italian burger was great, italian spices, large portabella marinated and juicy, a crispy parmesan saucer that was 6 inches in diamater that gave a great crunch and a basil aioli that was light but packed with flavor. The Mac and Cheese was on point. An all time favorite of mine and probly everyone else in the world!!  We all know  Mac and cheese has been done so many times and in so many ways but few can make a great one.

This mac had all the great rich truffley flavor with a hint of of pearl onions and smokey bacon and was topped with a panko crust.  As we finished dinner a live jazz band was playing and it was absolutely the best end to a good meal and a long day.  There are not that many places like this in northern orange county so if you are around , it is a must see.

If you do visit Chapter One …… please visit Lola Gaspar which is a neighboring bar  / restaurant I will review next!!

DN Suggestion - If you live in orange county ...... a must see

FOOD -  4/5

SERVICE - 4/5

DECOR 4/5

MENU - 4/5