we're visiting friends in Orange County in a few weeks. Would like to take them out for a good meal...Where should we go? We like any type of food, as long as its good. Upscale, maybe, but not pretentious! If you have any suggestions, I'd be very grateful. Thanking you in advance,
jerri z.

Go to the California bb on www.chowhound.com . Loads of suggestions for those who love to eat!

Who says we are talking about California?

I know that Orange County California is a really beautiful place but....

I live in Orange County New York. Trees, mountains, old restored homes, wineries, farms, orchards, etc... Sadly this county is succoming to suburbanization. A Lexus dealer is being built...ugh...

If you are referring to NY go to the 'Copper Bottom' on Route 94 in Florida, New York.....

I am sorry for not making the location clear! I realized just after I posted it that I should've put California in my title! My apologies.... and I'll bet your location in N.Y. is much more scenic.... (O.C., CA. is not one of my favorite travel spots...!)

This might slip into the category of pretentious, but it would be special, and there's a good chance your friends haven't been there yet: Aqua at the St Regis in Dana Point. It's a second location of the restuarant in SF, and it's supposed to be special. There is also an Italian place in the hotel that I heard was good.

I also like Ti Amo, in South Laguna. It's not a "foodie" place, but it's consistently good, and the atmosphere is nice. That reminds me-- I know I rated it on Fodors Raves-- you should check there for other ideas.

Thought of one more: Gemmell's in Dana Point. It's a small place run by a chef who was formerly with a well-respected restaurant in Newport (now gone). Very good food, and also less well-known.