If you’re attending ALA’s annual conference in Anaheim, lose Mickey and rent some wheels

For those of us who grew up in Orange County (O.C.), Disneyland is the metaphoric morsel of food that gets stuck between the teeth of someone you don’t like. Yes, it’s obviously there and you could mention it, but pretending you don’t see it feels so much better. While D-land is a must-see for millions of visitors each year, there’s much more to Anaheim than that annoying mouse and a duck that doesn’t wear pants. Although Orange County is portrayed on numerous reality TV shows as a mecca for rich white people with questionable moral standards, in actuality, it’s a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions. Once you step outside the meticulously planned communities, such as Irvine and Anaheim Hills, you’ll find colorful neighborhoods teeming with people who are eager to share those aforementioned cultures and traditions with you. O.C. natives know not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to those banal-looking strip malls that pepper the area. Little Saigon in Westminster, Koreatown (aka Little Seoul) in Garden Grove, and Little Gaza in Anaheim are all perfect examples of the rich diversity that makes Orange County and neighboring Los Angeles so interesting. Of course, for those of you who appreciate the finer things in life, there are many lovely, upscale places to spend a hard-earned buck or two.

Illustration by Marci Roth

So if you’ll be in town for the American Library Association’s annual conference (June 26–July 2), leave behind whatever preconceived notions you have of Anaheim (if you have any at all) and hit the pavement. And if you absolutely must visit that giant, corporate-owned theme park… forego the greasy pizza next to Space Mountain and the overpriced burgers in Tomorrowland, and hit up the corndog truck at the end of Main Street. Locals know it’s the only thing in Disneyland worth eating. As for its rides, I’m a fan of the older ones: The Haunted Mansion, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Pirates of the Caribbean (or Carrots of the Paribbean, as I used to call it as a child).

Stuff To Eat

New York has Nathan’s. Florida has Waffle House. What about California? We’ve got Zankou Chicken. Dine with the locals at this casual Middle Eastern chain. The tri-tip schwarma wrap is scrumptious, as is the falafel, which has that wonderful crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside thing goin’ on that we’re always looking for. But the star is (not surprisingly) the chicken… actually, the star is what comes with the chicken. That little tub of unassuming spread that’s hanging out innocently next to your half or whole chicken is the best garlic sauce this side of the Mississippi. Zankou opens at 10 a.m., but I would suggest going for dinner, right before you retire to your hotel room, as that garlic smell will linger for hours and you wouldn’t want to offend any new friends you’ve made… it’s that strong. The price is right, too, with wraps around $5, and chicken plates starting at $6. Stifle that garlic breath by heading over to Sarkis Pastry, just a couple doors down from Zankou. Don’t miss the coconut cookies with apricot preserves, the individually wrapped mamouls stuffed with walnuts, and the other yummy Mediterranean sweets. But the highlight here is baklava, and Sarkis carries more than half a dozen varieties! Located in one of those unprepossessing strip malls is, strangely enough, a Vietnamese-owned diner that serves, get this, French-Canadian cuisine. What Café Casse Croute lacks in decor, it makes up for in fresh, homemade, and affordable fare. It’s closed for dinner, but breakfast is the headliner here. The stuffed French toast (with cream cheese and strawberry preserves) is a local favorite, and the strawberry crepe sits pretty in a pool of rum. The house-made sausage has a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the French onion soup has a splash of Tabasco. With most breakfast dishes under $6 and most lunches under $8 (filet mignon for $7.45!), this is the perfect spot for a quick, no-frills bite. Keep in mind, Café Casse Croute closes at 2 p.m., and only accepts cash. If you have transportation, as well as a love of delicious Thai food, it’s strongly recommended that you take the 15-minute drive to Thai Nakorn in Stanton. The beef Panang is tender and perfectly seasoned, and the fried fish filet with mango salsa has the perfect fish-to-batter ratio, with just the right amount of spiciness. As for the pad thai… well, you’re going to want to get one order for each guest—yeah, it’s that good. Good service, great food, plus beer and wine, and it won’t break the bank. Jagerhaus: corned beef hash, potato pancakes with applesauce, bratwurst, knackwurst, sauerkraut, curry wurst, cabbage rolls, schnitzel, imported brew (Bitburger, Spaten, and Doppel Bock)… need I say more? OK, fine: German chocolate cake. Happy? You’ll think you’ve stepped into a time machine and traveled back to the ’50s when you walk through the doors of La Palma Chicken Pie Shop. But this ain’t some knock-off or a bad theme diner… no way. This is the real deal. Although the hamburgers are said to be the best in Orange County, the chicken pot pie (with dinner rolls! and soup! and mashed potatoes! and dessert! all for under $7!) is as yummy and old-school as it gets. Ask for the gravy (which covers everything on the plate, like a blanket of liquid sunshine) on the side… and for heaven’s sake, eat a slice of rhubarb pie. Your diet can wait till tomorrow. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, skip the overrated Disney-owned Napa Valley Restaurant and head to Mr. Stox. Picky eaters, foodies, and strict vegetarians will all be satisfied with the selection. Start with buttermilk-dipped onion rings that are breaded with house-made bread crumbs, with Parmesan cheese and green onions added for good measure. Or relax with a “lobster latte”—a silky bisque topped with glazed cream. For carnivores, the osso buco in sweet vermouth may make you pump your fist triumphantly in the air (avoid a double fist pump, as you wouldn’t want any neighboring diners to think you’re uncouth). For veg-heads, a surprising number of the starters are veggie-friendly, and an entrée of tricolor penne pasta with Kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, and artichokes will quell those envious glances normally reserved for your meat-eating friends’ plates. The wine list is expansive (with loads of great choices by the glass), and the friendly waitstaff will happily point you in the right direction. Finally, don’t even pretend you didn’t see the words “Grand Marnier” next to the word “soufflé” on the menu. We all know you saw it, and we all know you’re going to eat every last yummy bite of it. Reservations recommended. On your way to the convention center, hit up Cafe Contigo, a Cuban coffeehouse, for what the locals profess to be the best coffee in Anaheim. If you have time, sit and enjoy the cozy atmosphere, grab a light breakfast (try the popular guava-and-cheese pastry), or a quick sandwich (the Cuban sandwiches will change the way you look at sandwiches… promise), or take advantage of the free wifi. Frozen yogurt shops have been popping up all over Southern Cal in the past year. Tangier than regular yogurt, this yummy treat is refreshing and when topped with assorted fruit is healthier than your typical frozen concoction. Yogurtland in Fullerton is my favorite: not only does it carry the largest assortment of flavors and toppings, it’s a do-it-yourself joint. For 30 cents an ounce, you can load up on toppings ranging from the ordinary (strawberries, chocolate chips, and sprinkles) to the unordinary (mochi, kiwi, cereal, and cheesecake bits). We’ve got some damn fine Mexican food in Southern California. Sure, you can get a mean burrito in San Francisco, but here in Orange County our Mexican food isn’t of the taqueria variety, it’s the sit-down, have-some-chips-and-salsa-and-a-strong-margarita variety. At El Farolito in Placentia, you’ll find the best homemade tortilla chips and salsa (free with your meal), as well as delicious Mexican standards in healthy portions at laughably great prices. EF’s a family-run joint, and the waitstaff couldn’t be friendlier or more attentive. If margaritas aren’t your thing, grab a bottle of beer from the cooler or order a yummy horchata, a cold drink made from rice and almonds. Every single friend who’s ever visited California has told you how amazing In-N-Out Burger is, and since you’ll be in town, you just have to see for yourself, right? Well, their burgers are good, but they’re not the best I’ve had (that honor goes to Zeitgeist in San Francisco), and they’re nothing to write home about (sorry!). That said, it’s cheap, the staff is friendly, and everything is pretty darn tasty. (By the way, the toasty bun is one of the best parts of an In-N-Out burger, and you can order yours “extra toast” if you want it even crispier.) The lunch rush is insane and the drive-thru wait is notoriously long, so go when you have some time on your hands and can eat inside. Finally (and please don’t think less of me), the fries dipped in a chocolate shake are heavenly.

Stuff To See

Located in Costa Mesa, about a 20-minute drive from the convention center, South Coast Plaza is an upscale shopper’s dream come true. In addition to Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co., this indoor tri-level mall features dozens of restaurants, cafés, and coffeehouses where you can relax and ogle those rich white people with questionable moral standards. Dine at Darya for fine Persian cuisine, or enjoy a romantic dinner at Hamamori, which serves exquisite sushi and fine sake in a sexy setting. Novice and professional musicians alike will enjoy the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ Open House and Preview Concert, which marks the unveiling of the 4,322-pipe instrument with a performance by Dr. Frederick Swann. Taking place in the beautiful, 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, this is a must-see. A five-minute walk from South Coast Plaza, this event will even out the mindless consumerism you just experienced at the mall, with a nice balance of cultural stimulation. If you just maxed out your credit card at Bloomingdale’s, not to worry; it’s a free event (although reservations are required), so you won’t do any more damage to your credit score. Sunday, June 29, 1 p.m. Although you’ll arrive a few weeks late for the American/Chinese Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch (no, seriously), the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace is odd and interesting in its own right. Whether you view the man as a villain or just a terrible president, it deserves a visit. It boasts “a 52,000-square-foot museum, 22 high-tech galleries, movie and interactive video theaters, the spectacular First Lady’s Garden, the President’s faithfully restored 1910s birthplace, and the flower-ringed memorial sites of President and Mrs. Nixon.” Spend an exciting Saturday evening at Costa Mesa Speedway watching daredevils on motorcycles whiz around the famous Bullring Oval. A weekly tradition for more than 35 years, this event is sure to excite… especially since it takes place on Motorcycle Demolition Derby Night. Saturday, June 28, 6 p.m.–10 p.m. The Block at Orange is a huge, open-air mall that’s a great place to stroll, window shop, or waste some time. But it also boasts a retro bowling alley; skate park; AMC Theaters; cigar lounge; a ton of boutiques and high-end shops; and over 30 places to eat, drink, and be merry. One of its best eateries, Café Tu Tu Tango, serves tapas in a festive, colorful atmosphere. Order a pitcher of sangria and sit in the open-air bar for some great people-watching. For a real treat, visit one of Southern California’s premier spas, Burke Williams, for a relaxing massage and seaweed wrap. Bookman is a favorite among locals, and for good reason. The staff of this used bookstore (with new books peppered throughout) is extremely friendly and helpful; there’s an excellent vintage cookbook section; and the walls are lined with books. Unlike most used bookstores, Bookman is actually organized; so if you’re looking for something specific, it won’t be hard to find (although this is also a great spot for wandering the aisles aimlessly for hours, perusing the eclectic selection). Stop by Pepperland Music next door and grab a rare LP to go with your mid-20th-century cookbook. If comedy is your thing, it’s worth the 20-minute trip to see NBC’s Last Comic Standing alum Josh Blue on June 27–29 at Brea Improv. And you’ll be just in time to catch Daryl Wright’s “Ignorance Is Bliss” show on July 2. Top comedians such as Louis C. K. and Dave Attell have been known to stop by to perform in Wright’s show, so this is one you won’t want to miss. Dinner and a full bar are available—but if you plan on dining, be sure to check the “will be dining” option when ordering tickets online (which is strongly suggested… and diners get priority seating to boot).

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Writer and blogger Georgia Hardstark lives in Los Angeles and is crazy about tamales.