old towne orange food tour

A Vintage Food Tour in Old Towne Orange

A Tasty Tour of Olde Towne Orange

by Cord Montgomery | Photos by Tim Edwards

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Cover Photo by Ruby’s Streamliner Diner

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – When I first look at the outside of Ruby’s Streamliner Diner in Orange, there isn’t anything wonderfully distinctive about it—and to many travelers, the same sentiment could be assumed of Orange County itself. Thanks to reality television, the OC is viewed by outsiders as a cultural wasteland; a place where plasticized housewives claw and snarl at each other over designer handbags. However, there is an extensive arts and cultural scene growing faster than weeds through cracks in the pavement—and many sightseers, even natives, simply don’t know where to find it – BUT – as my tour guide Joey would convey to you, there is hope for those of us who hunger for brick-laid architecture and charming hole-in-the-walls that serve delectable, fresh dishes you’ll rush to tell your friends about. That, as it turns out, is precisely why I find myself in the city of Orange today for one of several offered Olde Towne Orange Walking Food Tours —a series of food-centric guided tours promising an insider’s perspective into what makes the city of Orange so engrossing. I decided to take part in the Farmer’s Market Food & Culture Tour on a Saturday morning, mainly because I had no inkling the city even had a Farmer’s Market, let alone a plethora of charming locales. It pleaded to be sought after. As Joey explains, what makes the Streamliner Diner unique is it’s preservation of the history behind the city; how the “floor mat” in the entrance to the restaurant is actually a refurnished freight scale formerly used by a nearby train depot in the 1800’s. It becomes clear that there is much more than the naked eye would suggest to the City or Orange.

My tour group, which consists of younger and older couples—even a professional Santa Claus—are swapping stories and introductions as we are seated in the diner for a classic breakfast of French toast and maple syrup . Joey goes over a brief history of Orange, how it broke off from Los Angeles to be its own community—and how it has claimed its own identity ever since its development and expansion. Once breakfast is finished, the real tour begins. Joey drags a small cart of items behind him and leads us to a wooded area with a whispering fountain, fellow tourists stopping to appreciate the subtle beauty. Above it are bronze dials representing each branch of the United States military and an engraving in red marble declaring its dedication to “past, present and future veterans.” My photographer and +1 for the tour, a veteran himself, snaps photos before stopping to breathe in the understated splendor of the commemoration to not only veterans long passed and still living, but future veterans also. It is a humbling precursor to the rest of the day, and we make our way to the Farmer’s Market showcasing organic, locally-grown food the city creates—freshly-squeezed olive oils, fine cuts of beef, and even wine made from grapes in Paso Robles, yet bottled locally. I move through the smiles and dropped-dollar bills in the crowd, before picking up a bottle of red wine and returning to the tour group to admire the interior of the Dodge College of Film Arts —part of the Chapman campus—which possesses antique posters and unique art pieces such as Cinema Architectonica —a sculpture representing the emergence of cinema, a man and woman bursting through chiseled bronze.

The tour spans over four hours (9am-11am so bring some sunscreen). It is a cavalcade of factoids, history and charming stops, crossing many streets and blocks that allow you to soak up the sun’s rays and rustic buildings that populate the surrounding area, then weaving through neighborhoods with restored, colorful bungalows before finally stepping onto the sidewalks of Orange’s Main Street—which can be best compared to stepping out of a time machine to the year 1955. As a result of its noticeable old-fashioned appearance, it has been the location of many film shoots, That Thing You Do and Parks and Recreation to name a few. It is here where most of the stops are, many of which include quaint, antiquated homes transformed into cozy cafes and small businesses. In a county where the architecture of big business is often king, aiming for uniformity than identity, it is refreshing to see Orange is consciously conserving the beautiful, aged architecture. And this preservation of tradition is evident in every stop we take, like Rutabegorz —the former home of citrus farmers Annie and Danny Crawford—decorated to look like a home at the turn of the century—with knick-knacks, weathered wooden tables and featuring a menu that would please any health nut; or the Dragonfly Garden Store with charms, trinkets, and handmade clothing reflecting a color for any mood. Each stop has wonderfully passionate staff who accommodate and are willing to give you the personal service that will leave you smiling.  But where the tour really excels is the food. We have the pleasure of delving into the dishes of restaurants in “the courtyard,” an alleyway/plaza of restaurants, where places like Zito’s pass out samples of their Margherita pizza topped with crumbled feta cheese. The Olde Towne Diner serves us a fourth of their famous Olde Town burger —both dishes are precise turns on a classic that revel in fresh ingredients with every bite. Afterward, we cross the road and visit the Olde Towne Grinder & Ice Cream Parlor where they are passing out free samples of their wide array of homemade, pure cane sugar soda pop—a tasty companion to their crisp turkey sandwich served in bread that is freshly-baked every 15 minutes.

The last few stops are a little different. We visit a series of three vintage clothing stores where you can try on a weatherworn leather jacket and channel your inner Indiana Jones—or for the ladies, colorful dresses speckled in polka dots, a love letter to the glitz and glamor of old Hollywood. My personal favorite stop on the tour was the very kitschy Joy Ride: Vintage for Men clothing shop. In addition to having fedora hats and pinstriped suits straight out of films like The Untouchables , there are old crinkled photographs to purchase for a dollar, pencil-drawn advertisements straight out of Mad Men and strange oddities like mortician tools, skulls and a stuffed and mounted boar’s head wearing a fez. It is this embrace of everything culturally—weird or not— that makes the tour and local shops so great.

The last stop is Taco Adobe , an Orange county landmark with an alternating menu that specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine often with a habanero kick in the teeth. It is a fitting stop because the stand embodies the passionate work ethic and attention to detail that the bistros and shops in the surrounding area rightfully earn.  As we dine on blackened chicken street tacos with fresh cilantro and the hands on my wristwatch strike noon, the tour comes to a close, myself and fellow tourists leaving with a profound understanding of the flourishing culture of gastronomic delights Orange has to offer. Joey sends us off, recommending we spend the rest of our Saturday discovering gems of our own on the other side of town, the tour truly turning out to be a fantastic time—and for a $57.00 price tag for admission, it’s an absolute steal for natives and travelers alike.

To book your own tour, visit their website at www.oldtownorangewalkingfoodtours .

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Taking to the streets of Old Towne are Deanna and Renee, proprietors of the newly launched Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours. The two sisters are providing  fun and informative tours that bring foodies together for cuisine, shopping and socializing.

Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours

Food tours have become the big trend in cities across the nation, so it only makes sense that the best place in Orange County to start a food tour company is right here in Old Towne Orange.

Catering to foodies and travelers alike, Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours is a new venture started by two sisters: Deanna and Renee of Orange.  Launching their first tour last October, the dynamic duo has become so successful with their business, they’ve been selling out every weekend.

The three-hour walking tours of Old Towne eateries and shops includes stops at such places as Paris in a Cup , Citrus City Grille, Café Lucca, Zito’s New York Style Pizza , PJ’s Abby and Felix Continental Café.  But restaurants aren’t the only destinations on the itinerary.  Shops, florists and galleries are also participating.

According to Deanna, the big picture is to help market Old Towne Orange.

“Old Towne is the perfect spot for a tour because it’s become so restaurant friendly,” said Deanna, who also serves as catering director for Chapman University.  “Our customers are a mix of local residents, as well as people from South Orange County, Los Angeles and visitors to Anaheim.  We are working hard to market our tour to the hotel concierge in Anaheim.

Conducting four tours per weekend, Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours has just added an artwalk food tour once a month, featuring visits to galleries hosting in-person artist demonstrations, plus complimentary food and beverages.  In May, they plan to unveil another Old Towne Tour that focuses on Retro-Americana.

“We want to include all kinds of businesses in Old Towne,” Deanna says.  “It’s been so rewarding sharing the community with others and creating social opportunities for our guests to get to know one another and make new friends.”

For information, visit Orangefoodtours.com

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Walk and Talk with Deanna Durigon, Co-Founder of Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours

by Donna Estudillo | Jun 13, 2023 | Featured , Things To Do |

From left to right: Renee Dallas (co-founder, Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours), Donna Estudillo, Linda (tour guide), Deanna Durigon (co-founder)

I meet Deanna Durigon at one of her favorite Italian restaurants, Francoli’s Gourmet in Old Towne Orange. Naturally, she’d pick this spot, and not just because she’s Italian American, but she’s also co-founder of Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours (OTOWFT). In business since 2010, OTOWFT takes foodies and food eaters alike on tours throughout historic Orange, primarily through the city’s vibrant one square-mile historic district containing many of the area’s original structures.

Deanna greets me with a warm smile that makes me feel like we’ve been longtime friends. After a bit of friendly small talk, she dives right into a description of what we’re about to enjoy. She knows her Italian fare, having spent a good 3-4 years in Italy right after college, and she dreams of one day living there on a more permanent basis. I know I’m in for a legit Italian meal.

To start, we have a couple of spritzes (prosecco wine with a dash of a bitter liqueur commonly served in Northeast Italy), and the drinks quickly warm us up to girlfriend chatter. Soon, there’s laughter and talks about past loves, future aspirations, our shared challenges of parenthood, and aging gracefully. I wonder if I really have to write about food for this interview. Deanna is open and friendly so it feels natural to talk about anything. Eventually, our cioppino alla livornese arrives, and as we dig into this tender seafood assortment simmering in a spicy tomato sauce over perfectly cooked al dente linguine, we finally dig into the meaty history of Old Towne Orange and the Walking Food Tours created together with Deanna’s sister, Renee Dallas.

As a frequent visitor, I see Old Towne Orange as a harmonious blend of old and new, vintage and modern, classic and hipster. It offers a centralized hub of restaurants where one is bound to appeal to my current craving, vintage shops where I can find that unique dress that gets me a dozen compliments (at least), my favorite organic juicery for when I’d rather drink than eat my greens, cute little first date coffee shops, with a grassy plaza made for laying out on those mornings after a late night rocking to 80’s hits at one of the Old Towne bars. With new restaurants and businesses popping up all the time (recently opening The Piehole and expect to see Urth Café soon!), it’s a spot that keeps me coming back for more.

The Aussie Bean, a recent addition to Old Towne where a flat white is a must!

Deanna has been a resident of Orange since 1993, a testament to her love for the city, and partly why she is able to drop a ton of knowledge about Orange. Like did you know that Old Towne Orange is the largest historical district in the state of California (it’s on an official government list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation)? Deanna goes on to explain that this means when any restaurant or other business sets up shop, they have to keep the façade of the building looking original. Another nugget? The building housing Wahoo’s Fish Tacos was the very first structure built in Old Towne and back in the 1800s, it was home to the Vineland Hotel.

Tour guide Linda pulling out an old photo of the Old Towne Orange Plaza fountain

You can live in a city for years and love where you live, but that alone may not motivate you to start a city tour business, right? Right. So, how did the idea of OTOWFT come about? Deanna tells me, “Years ago, I had seen on the Food Network Channel these food tours in Brooklyn. The mother of actress Marisa Tomei actually started these food tours in Brooklyn, and I remember watching it and thinking, ‘Oh my god, the next time I go to Brooklyn, I HAVE to go on one of those tours!’”

She never did make it on a Brooklyn food tour, but eventually she did a walking pizza tour in Chicago. “On the tour, I was really watching the [tour guide] and started thinking I could totally start a food tour business here because I really know the restaurant scene, which is even more now than five years ago. After research, I found a tour in L.A. and a tour in San Diego, but nothing in Orange County. I thought, ‘I can do this!’ So, I called my sister and told her I have this idea and I don’t think I’d ever do it if you don’t do it with me.”

Fortunately, her sister Renee said yes. With Deanna’s 20+ years of experience in food management, a passion for food, and knowing the scene, combined with Renee’s experience in graphic art and communications, along with their shared love for the city of Orange, the business was born. After about three solid months of reviewing other food tour websites, reading through negative and positive reviews, building a website, and lining up routes, they had their very first tour. This coming October will mark its six-year anniversary.

Walking food tour in action

A couple months ago, I grabbed my walking shoes (walking boots, really) and a hungry friend, and with our heartiest appetites, we joined the Orange Sampler Tour, one of the three tours offered by OTOWFT. Without revealing all the juicy little deets and what we learned on th

e tour (because you’ve really gotta experience it for yourself!), allow me to drop a few pearls:

1. You will be fed well.

2. That bowl of soup at Felix Continental Café? It’s not soup.

3. During the holidays, Old Towne Orange may or may not be one of the best places to kidnap baby Jesus.

4. There’s a bread guy—the bread guy-at the farmer’s market you can’t miss. He bakes all the bread for the best restaurants in Orange County (and he knows all the best restaurant spots and chefs and will divulge upon inquiry.)

Cliff Notes version: On one or all of their three main walking tours, expect food tastings, a history lesson, behind-the-scenes action, shopping opportunities, cooking demos, and possibly some catchy jingles performed by your friendly tour guide. Did I mention food tastings?

So, Deanna and I top off our authentic Italian dinner with, of course, an authentic Italian dessert (tiramisu!) and talk about what makes the city of Orange so sweet in Deanna’s eyes: “It’s very community-driven. What’s old is new again…Young families are coming to live in Orange because they find the community, and one special thing is the farmer’s market—an amazing group of people started it and they really brought that old town community feeling to Old Towne Orange. There’s also going to be a new education farm where the community is going to learn how to grow vegetables and plant compost – a collaboration with Chapman University [also located in Old Towne] – tying the community together again.”

And with Old Towne Orange, that’s amore – even more than ever before. So, go on now, book your tour, guys. It’s easy—www.oldtownorangewalkingfoodtours.com. You’ll thank me later.

P.S. And thank you, Deanna, for sharing your knowledge and love for your town, and for the wonderful dinner. I hope to bump into you in the city soon! Maybe one day you’ll expand your four-woman group (WWHEW: Women Who Eat Well) to a fiver.

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I Heart Old Towne Orange

A guide to Old Towne Orange and Orange, CA

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Visit Old Towne Orange: Our Top Activities to Try!

It’s no secret that Old Towne Orange has become a OC destination hotspot. Don’t get us wrong, it’s always been a popular hang-out. However in recent years, it’s truly transformed into a location that all ages can enjoy. There’s activities, shops, and restaurants that satisfy a wide range of niches and personalities. If you live locally, you probably already know this. If not, you may be curious about what to do when visiting our community. We’ve put together our top recommendations to try that even our next-door neighbors would appreciate. Read on to find out our top activities in OTO!

First things first, let’s discuss transportation. If you’re anything like us, and love avoiding any possible parking mishaps, then you may want to consider taking the MetroLink ! Our stop is conveniently located just blocks away from the popular Plaza Park. If you’ll be traveling from any of the surrounding SoCal cities, chances are you can easily reach our stop. CLICK HERE for more information about the Orange Station!

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with bustling streets, beautiful architecture, and smiling faces around every corner. Revisiting your favorite restaurants is always fun, however there’s always something new and tasty try around here. If you’re feeling brave enough, you must sample a flavor of ice cream that you’ve never had before! We love sending out-of-towners to a  la mintue , and yes, the frozen treats are just as fancy as the name! They use organic and local ingredients to create ‘made to order’ batches of unique flavors like avocado, orange and honey, beet & goat cheese, and more. They’re always coming up with unique additions to the menu as the seasons and years continue!  

If you’re still up for trying something new, then why not take a class? Arts and crafts are no longer just for the kiddos! Old Towne Orange has many business that regularly host adult friendly classes to get your creative juices flowing. The Potting Shed by Carlisle frequently has fun DIY and guided courses like this Planter Driftwood class that we recently took. Dragonfly Shops and Gardens also offers a jam packed calendar filled with painting, beading tutorials, and much more for all ages! If you’ve always wanted to try a cooking lesson, then you must check out Le Gourmet Culinary ! Every day they offer cooking classes that sound too delicious to pass up. Consider making a date with mom at their Mother’s Day Brunch and French Macaron Classes this year!

If you’re into hunting for one-of-a-kind antiques, and thrifting for unique discoveries, you’ll love hitting all the vintage shops of Old Towne Orange. One could spend hours searching for hidden treasures throughout the hundreds of booths that venders sell within the many stores! We love decorating the home with antiques found in OTO, in addition to window shopping in search for inspiration. We are also home to the Old Towne Orange Flea Market every 2nd Saturday of every month !

Speaking of Saturdays, we can’t help but mention the fabulous  Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market . This is truly our favorite time of the week because this is when the community gathers to shop local/orangic foods, discover new finds, and listen to live tunes while strolling the market. There are always fun actives happening for all ages. The  Kid’s Club is held  every 3rd Saturday , along with a cooking demonstrations from local culinary enthusiast, Lisa Gilmore . See one of Lisa’s recipes we made on a recent blog post .

If theatre and the arts are your thing, Chapman University is always bringing something special to the stage. They are home to performers whose passion shines from the doors of the Musco Center of the Arts .  Grab dinner, drinks, and see what our local talent has created lately. This is a fun and inexpensive way to have a night on the town. From musical theatre to concerts, there’s always something fun happening here!

To truly experience the different flavors of Old Towne Orange, take one of THREE regular Orange County Walking Food Tours . Wear your comfortable shoes, because you’ll be walking around sampling tasty foods, making cultural/historical stops, and hitting up the best shopping destinations OTO has to offer. There’s so much to learn throughout our community, and this is a great way to soak up as much information as possible! Walking tours are almost every weekend. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, because preregistration is required.

There’s so much happening around every corner! Hopefully we’ve inspired both locals and visitors to get out and explore all the fun Old Towne Orange has to offer! Come explore our beautiful city. Don’t forget to tag I Heart Old Towne Orange while documenting your visit.

Last Updated on August 28, 2018 by

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Old Towne Orange Walking Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Fun places to go in old towne orange.

Take a step back into Orange County history with a walk through Old Towne Orange. The traffic circle at Plaza Park at the intersection of Chapman and Glassell marks the center of one square mile of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and antique stores. Treat yourself at California’s original soda fountain and spend the afternoon searching for treasures from the past. Here are a few of our favorite spots in Old Towne.

Best Places for Dinner

If you’re in the mood for BBQ, Smoqued California Barbeque serves up everything from beef brisket, smoked chicken wings, pulled pork, and St. Louis Ribs to sides of fried pickles, avocado fries and taterquiles.

If you’re looking for an authentic flavorful Northern Italian experience, look no further than Francoli Gourmet . They also have a wide selection of fine wines from every one of Italy’s twenty regions and you can take bottles to go too!

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen is a fun atmosphere with a dark but modern interior. Located in a prime location in Old Town Orange, reservations are hard to get but worth the effort. Avila’s El Ranchito is another great place to get Mexican food if you can’t secure a reservation at Gabbi’s. For an For more casual fare check out both the Pizza Press and Blaze Pizza where you can build your own pizzas.

Smoqued California Barbeque: 128 N Glassell St

Francoli Gourmet: 100 S Glassell St

Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen: 141 S Glassell St

Avila’s El Ranchito: 182 S Orange St

Pizza Press: 155 N Glassell St

Blaze Pizza: 101 S Glassell St

Zito’s Pizza: 156 N Glassell St

Byblos Cafe: 129 W Chapman Ave

Avila’s El Ranchito: 182 S Orange St, Orange

Best Places to Eat

A fun spot is the Filling Station Café . Another popular spot for breakfast all day, but their lunch and dinner menus are also full of traditional favorites. Diners will feel the nostalgia of the old days as they dine on old-fashioned comfort food at this gas station-turned café.

Bosscat is a fun and stylish place to eat – they serve lunch and dinner daily, and brunch  on Saturday and Sunday. Here you’ll find American fare and some Southern style with a twist. Try the pork belly poutine, shaved pork chop sandwich, and the cajun brick chicken. They’re also known for their extensive whiskey collection.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, try O Sea . They serve responsibly-sourced seafood in fresh, unique preparations like grilled wild Spanish octopus with spring pea curry, red potatoes, and pickled shitake mushrooms. They serve lunch and dinner daily, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11AM to 3PM.

Orange Elks Lodge #1475 is another great stop for lunch or dinner. You must be a member or be with someone who is, but the delicious meals are affordable and served in a fun and friendly environment. On weekdays, lunch is served from noon until 2:00 for $6.00. Sundays they have movies or sports on the big screen TV. Dinner is served every Friday from 6:00 – 8:00.

Bagel Me! has been serving bagels, egg melts, bagel sandwiches, smoothies, drinks and much more since 1997. Whether on the go or eating in Bagel Me! is a great option for a casual breakfast or lunch spot.

Watson’s Soda Fountain: 116 East Chapman – Closed

Filling Station Café: 201 North Glassell

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations : 118 W Chapman Ave.

O Sea : 109 S Glassell Street

Orange Elks Lodge: 211 East Chapman

Urth Cafe: 100 W. Chapman Ave.

Bagel Me!: 60 Plaza Square

Francoli Gourmet : 100 S Glassell St

Citrus City Grill : 122 N Glassell St

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Watson’s Soda Fountain & Cafe (@watsonssodafountaincafe) on Jun 29, 2017 at 5:19pm PDT

Best Places for Entertainment

The District Lounge is a great place to start or end the evening. Though not a dive bar, this lounge has a dark feel and features a modern juke box, a vintage photo booth, karaoke and two pool tables. O’Hara’s Pub is a well-known spot where university locals hang out. There are bar stools, booths and tables with plenty of televisions and music plus a couple of pool tables.

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar features and a wide selection beer and drinks, stone fireplaces amidst a lively atmosphere. Haven also has a specialized menu just for dogs. The Wall has a self-serve beer station featuring a lineup of 50-plus rotating craft beer taps that lets you skip the bartender and get straight to pouring yourself a beer. You’re charged by the ounce so try many or pour yourself a full glass of your favorite beer.

1886 Brewing Company features locally brewed craft beer on tap and a collaboration with another local, RiiP Beer Company . They have happy hour Monday through Friday, and Taco Tuesday specials, plus there are trivia nights and other occasional events for patrons to enjoy in the laid back brewery. Feel like hopping? Head over to Chapman Crafted to check out another local brewery. Bonus: They also have their very own crafted coffee.

The District Lounge: 223 W Chapman Ave

O’Hara’s Pub: 150 N. Glassell St

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar: 190 South Glassell Street

The Wall: 80 Plaza Square

1886 Brewing Company:  114 N Glassell Street

Chapman Crafted : 123 North Cypress Street

Best Places for Dessert

Old Towne Orange is loaded with dessert places it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. Ice Cream? Check out After’s Ice Cream . An Artisan Bakery? Pandor Artisan Bakery will serve you up. Pie? Well check out the Pie Hole . Candy? Tiddlywinks has a nice selection. And don’t forget many of the restaurants serve up delicious desserts.

After’s Ice Cream: 117 N Glassell St

Pandor Artisan Bakery: 106 N Glassell St

Pie Hole: 177 N Glassell St

Tiddlywinks Toys & Games: 129 N Glassell St

Best Antique Shops

Country Roads Antiques is full of country collectibles with a garden in the back. Outdoors you’ll find patio décor, plants, and other fun items. Antique Station and Orange Circle Antique Mall are packed full of rooms overflowing with everything from fringed jackets and collectible Pyrex to lava lamps and lunchboxes. Kids will love seeing old Loony Toons memorabilia, read-along picture books that came with records, and old porcelain mugs that came with the purchase of a meal at McDonalds.

Country Roads Antiques: 204 West Chapman

Antique Station: 178 South Glassell

Orange Circle Antique Mall: 118 South Glassell

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Country Roads Antiques (@countryroadsantiques) on Sep 7, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT

A Few More Favorites

The Army Navy Surplus store has everything from camping supplies to military gear and more. Kids and adults alike love this shop for the hours that can be spent searching through lanterns, pocket knives, and tents. Music lovers would stop in to Mr. C’s Rare Records to browse the vast selection of vinyl. Just a few steps away from the heart of Old Town is Chapman College. Take a trip to the basement of Leatherby Libraries for a free visit to the Huell Howser exhibit . The exhibit features images, texts, and memorabilia from the late host’s adventures filming PBS’s popular show California’s Gold. He helped teach others about so many wonderful and unique locations around California, and the exhibit continues to educate and inspire.

Army Navy Store: 131 South Glassell

Mr. C’s Rare Records: 148 North Glassell

California’s Gold Exhibit at Chapman College: 1 University Drive

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Enjoy Orange County (@enjoyorangecounty) on Jun 17, 2019 at 2:41pm PDT

Best Time to Visit

Visit Old Town every Saturday from 9:00 – 1:00 for the weekly farmers market operated and managed by Orange Home Grown . Located at 303 W. Palm Avenue, the event features fresh local ingredients, local artisans, a kid’s club, yoga classes, cooking demonstrations, live music, and more. For those interested in learning more about growing their own food, Orange Home Grown has an Education Farm to introduce the community to growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. The farm is at 356 N. Lemon Street.

The Orange International Street Fair has been happening since 1973. Every year on Labor Day weekend, 15 streets surrounding Plaza Park are packed with ethnically diverse food vendors, entertainment, arts and crafts for kids, dancing, local artisans, and vendors from around the community. A fantastic community event that is fun for the whole family.

There are a number of other exciting annual community events hosted in Old Towne like Treats in the Streets and the Tree Lighting Ceremony .

If you’re looking to stay overnight, coming in Summer 2022, The Richland will be opening its doors in historic Old Towne Orange (137 Maple Ave.). The new luxury boutique hotel & event space located within the historic plaza will feature 12 guest rooms and a 1906-era living room bar and lounge for guests to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

About Old Towne District | Orange, CA

Plaza Historic District

The Old Towne District consists of the City of Orange’s original commercial core of historic structures dating from the 1880’s to the 1930’s, surrounding the Plaza at Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue. The Plaza was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 9, 1982.

Downtown Core

The Downtown Core serves as a backdrop for the Plaza District. It is comprised of the eight blocks surrounding the Plaza Historic District, bounded by the centerline of Maple Avenue on the north, Almond Avenue on the south, Grand Street on the east and Lemon Street on the west.

Spoke Street Corridors

An area within the Old Town district consisting of all properties with frontage on North Glassell Street from Maple Avenue to Walnut Avenue, South Glassell Street from Almond Avenue to the Garden Grove (22) Freeway, East Chapman Avenue from Grand Street to Cambridge Street, and West Chapman Avenue from Lemon Street to Batavia Street.

Trolley tour: Food, wine and vintage homes

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• Orange County
• Things to Do

Things To Do Restaurants Food and Drink

The portions are small enough that each time the tour bus stops in front of a restaurant and the serving trays appear, the appetites kick in.

The O.C. Wine Trolley tour is the brainchild of real estate broker Al Ricci, top left. When he first began the tour of the city of Orange's historic district, Ricci cooked the food himself. Now 14 restaurants in Old Towne serve up everything from fancy hors d'oeuvres and grinders to desserts along Ricci's 2-hour tour of vintage homes and businesses. There's also a wine steward on board.

The Palm Market, at the corner of Palm Avenue and Cleveland Street, is another sight on the tour. The market, with living quarters upstairs, has been in the middle of its residential neighborhood since 1926.

Ricci points out the quaint Old Towne Chapel. A big sign in the front yard says it's available. Say, isn't that the real estate broker's name on the sign? Yep, Ricci owns the church, too!

A notable home on the tour: The Shaffer House, built in 1874. It's the oldest surviving house in Orange.

Film makers love Old Towne when they need a small town setting. On the tour, Ricci points out this residence at Maple and Shaffer streets, which was in the 2000 movie, "Big Momma's House''. By the way, Ricci owns the home.

The trolley passes a "Bank of Italy'' sign on a brick wall in the plaza -- the first bank here. The bank later became the Bank of America. But it wasn't in this building, Ricci says. It was across the street, where Wells Fargo is located today. The sign on the brick building was actually only an ad for the Bank of Italy.

One of the houses pointed out on the tour is at 242 W. Almond St. The 2,000-square-foot house made news a few years ago when it was bought from the city for $1, then moved from its site 4 blocks away and restored for $120,000.

The last stop comes with a historical tidbit, too. Ricci says Rod's is the oldest liquor store in Orange County.

The Trolley pulls in to its last stop for the night, at Rod's Liquor near the downtown Plaza. From there, tour goers can head back to any of the restaurants, if they like, for more food.

Driver Tony Suskie readies the trolley for an evening of touring Old Towne. Ricci pays the driver and the wine steward, but the real estate broker says he also gives some of the proceeds from the tour to charity, including Meals on Wheels.

Wayland keeps the food coming. Several years ago he had a gig on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise. At one point on the Old Towne tour, he grabs the mike and recites his Jungle Cruise spiel with dizzying speed. This gets laughs from the crowd. More wine?

Desserts served on the tour include frozen yogurt shaped like a pie, with butterscotch sauce, and strawberry and cherry chutney from Cherry on Top, and mini banana nut cupcakes from The Perfect Circle.

Restaurant workers wait as the trolley pulls up near Francoli Gourmet, which on this night serves the riders risotto with porcini mushrooms and bruschetta with sun-dried tomatoes.

The food served at intervals through the tour includes such gourmet hors d'oeuvres and appetizers as Beef Wellington and fresh Atlantic salmon, as well as small grinders, pulled pork and pizza.

Ricci entertains tour-goers with historical trivia. Quick, what was Orange's original name? (We'll tell you in the last slide.) Though the tour isn't a 2-hour commercial of all his listings, it helps to brand Ricci as the authority on Old Towne and its past. "I want people to say, 'Hey, that guy knows his stuff,' '' Ricci says.

Sommelier Windy Merrill explains the vintage and tasting notes of the Chardonnays, Pinor Noir, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon served on board.

Jeremy Wayland, a Realtor who works with Ricci, rides along the sidewalk on a Segway as the trolley makes its way around town. Then he ducks into the restaurants to help the workers serve up the delicacies.

The trolley before the evening gets underway. It has 13 wooden benches, each set with plates, napkins, utensils and bottled waters. Each person on board is charged $40, and is served food and wine throughout the trip.

Ricci bought the trolley from Disneyland and spruced it up. He plays catchy oldies from the '50s and '60s, including Leslie Gore and Tom Jones -- throughout the night as the trolley winds through the 1-square-mile that makes up Old Towne, the largest district of historic homes on the West Coast.

A real estate broker in Orange has branded himself in a novel way. ‘Old Towne Al’ Ricci doesn’t just take out ads and knock on doors. He bought an old trolley from Disneyland, spruced it up, and now gives 2-hour tours of Orange’s historical community of vintage homes, complete with food and wine, every Friday night. On a recent outing, workers from 14 restaurants jumped on board throughout the trip with trays full of hors d’ oeuvres and desserts. Click through these photos to check out the trolley tour – and glimpses of Old Towne Orange .

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Orange County Historical Society

Home of the Orange County Historical Society

May 2018 Event – Historical Walking Food Tour – Saturday, May 12th – Old Towne Orange

Come join the Orange County Historical Society for its annual field trip excursion.  This year we are excited to have planned a Vintage Orange Food Tour through Old Towne Orange on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The tour will provide you with historic and architectural stops, delicious food samplings from a variety of restaurants, visits to distinctive one-of-a-kind shops, exclusive access to Chapman University Film School and seating at Farmer’s Market seasonal cooking demonstration. (Demo subject to change w/o notice) We will not be taking a bus, but meeting up at Ruby’s next to the Orange Train Depot.

You will be responsible for getting to the meet up location the morning of tour. Normally the tour price is $69.00 per person, but for OCHS members/non-members the cost is $45.00/$50.00 per person and includes gratuity.  We need a guarantee of 20 people to attend with a maximum limit of 40.  Early bird registration deadline is Friday, March 30, 2018 and cost of tour is $45.00 per person for OCHS members only.  After the early bird deadline, the tour cost goes up to $50.00 for OCHS members, same as non-member price.  So sign up early as space is limited!

Click here for a printable flier or purchase tickets online with the PayPal link below. To Purchase tickets for multiple people, first add the ticket for your Primary Registrant to the cart, then return to this page before completing your purchase and add additional tickets for the remainder of your party.

You will receive a confirmation of registration via email. All other pertinent information regarding the tour such as meet up location map, parking instructions etc., will be sent to you via email within two weeks of the tour date. OCHS looks forward to having a fantastic historical foodie fun time in Old Towne Orange!

Moscow Food Tour

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Description

Visiting Russia is like flashing back in old times – the times of Tsars and Tsarinas, Peter the Great, Lenin, Communists and Stalin.

On our Food Tour you’ll see all  the most historical areas of Moscow , and try  Russian pelmeni, Ukranian borsch, Georgian Khachapuri , as well traditional hospitality, coziest and amazingly beautiful interior.

All food is included!

We can add/drop some places to make it more/less historical, cultural or foodie.

We can include food markets and street food.

The price and menu for this tour varies depending on number of people, season and duration of the tour. All tours are always customized to make you happy. You are welcome to pay $20 per extra person in cash on the tour (starting from 2nd traveler).

The menu for our food tour is pre-set, but you can buy something extra in cafes, if you wish. 

Let the Fun begin!

Hotel pickup

We’ll start with historical downtown and walk around Kuznetsk Bridge, Petrovka street, Kamergersky lane, Stoleshnikov lane and Mokhovaya street. Expect architecture from different epochs, monuments to Russian leaders, Moscow Mayor’s house and Russian state library – the biggest in Europe.

Lunch at Korchma, Ukranian traditional restaurant

Korchma is famous for its great atmosphere, interior and food. Best Russian and Ukranian traditions in one place! Our lunch will include:

• Lean sorrel borsch
• Podolsky Salad,  incredibly juicy and crispy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, cauliflower, carrots and greens;
• Zrazy with mushrooms and spinach
• Chicken soup with noodles
• Spring salad with cucumbers, radish, eggs, green onions, lettuce and mayonnaise
• Chicken schnitzel with stewed cabbage

Walk around Kitay Gorod, Bolshoi Theater, historical streets of Moscow.

2 options for snack: either Georgian or Siberian cuisine

1. Tbilisi snack in traditional Georgian restaurant (choose  one)

• Khachapuri with compote (Russian sweet drink from berries), or
• Porridge with persimmon, or
• Chirbuli – fried eggs with saffron, or
• Tkvila chakhokbila – fried eggs with tomatoes, or
• Borano – omelette with Imerulo cheese, or
• Curd rissoles with greens, or
• Home-style matsoni yogurt with honey or jam, or
• Penovani – cheese puff pastry, or
• Sinori – fried pastry rolls with tvorog (cottage cheese) filling, or
• Churchkhela – Georgian nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, or
• Pumpkin cake with orange juice, or
• Baklava, an Eastern sweet made form puff pastry, honey and walnuts, or
• Medovik – classic honey cake with smetana cream.

2. Snack in Altai restaurant, Siberian cuisine with old Russian traditions in historical Zamokvorechye area (choose one)

• Atlantic herring fillet, onion rings with roasted potatoes on the coals, fennel and amber vegetable butter, or
• Julienne chicken – sliced ​​chicken with fried mushrooms and onions cooked in cream with cheese crust, or
• Traditional Russian pancakes with the main ingredient of your choice – rustic sour cream, homemade jam, Altai honey, or
• 3 kinds of little pies: 1. with sauerkraut, carrot, salt, pepper, eggs; 2. with potatoes and mushrooms; 3. with potatoes, onions, mushrooms, mushrooms, salt, pepper, eggs, or
• Sausage-roll with beef, pork, onion, butter, salt, pepper, eggs, or
• Vinaigrette – classic Russian salad with boiled potatoes, carrots, beets, sauerkraut, cucumbers, beans flavored with fragrant herbs and butter, or
• Deer milk – two kinds of rep milk caramel crust.

Walk along Tverskaya, the main street of Moscow.

Walk around zamoskvorechye area, the most beautiful and ancient district of moscow., fun time in gorky park.

• The most popular place among locals, absolute must do when in Moscow. Sitting on a bench on fresh air in front of fountains and sipping traditional Russian tea, or having a yummy ice-cream, specialty of Gorky Park – whatever you prefer.
• Your guide will leave you in Gorky Park after the tour so that you take your time and discover the park, as it’s huge. From there you can head to Neskuchny Sad (Not boring Garden) and Sparrow Hills, as they are now part of Gorky Park.
• You can just as well take a night river cruise from Gorky Park or Sparrow Hills – it would be a perfect end of the day

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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