Johnny Manana’s (the Former Ortega’s) in Ocean Seaside

Johnny Manana’s
4888 Newport Ave
Ocean Seaside, CA 92107
619-222-4205

By Judi Currry

I’ve wished to do this restaurant ever because it opened. Ortega’s was considered one of my favorites of Ocean Seaside, and I used to be very curious to attempt the restaurant that was taking up for them.  Tonight Steve and I gave it a attempt.

Let me begin by saying that the meals was, for probably the most half, superb. Nonetheless, there have been sure “happenings” that make me uncertain if I’ll go there once more.  However first for the evaluation.

Once we walked in there have been two teams sitting at two separate tables and one girl ready for her order.  She stopped me and advised me I’d be completely “delighted” with the meals and to inform all my buddies about it. I heard her choosing up her order and telling David, the cashier, that she was taking it on a bus residence.  There was just one different person who got here in whereas we had been there, and she or he had a “to-go” order.

There have been a number of laminated menu’s on the ordering location on the counter, and Steve and I every took one to have a look at earlier than inserting our orders.  (It’s attention-grabbing to notice that I assumed I’d take one residence with me whereas writing up this evaluation, and I’d return the menu the following day after I wrote the evaluation.  David advised me that these had been the one menu’s he had – there have been about 15 of them, and he couldn’t let me take one residence. He urged that I make a replica of it, which I had already accomplished.)

The meals menu was attention-grabbing – there are Starters, together with chips and salsa, or guacamole, or dips, rolled tacos, hen tenders and fries, and “Ceviche of the Day.”  I’ve received a number of contests with my Ceviche, so was stunned to see that it was $15 a serving.  I didn’t order it! There have been separate objects for Quesadillas, Enchilada’s, Entrees, Taco’s, Burritos, Sides and Extra, and an inventory for “Johnny’s Children” which listed hen tenders and cheese quesadillas.  The costs assorted, and weren’t horribly costly, however weren’t cheap both.

Steve determined that he would have an order of “Carnitas Fries” which was described as “Mexican pulled pork, cheese, bitter cream and guacamole.” It was listed at $15.50 and it was served on crispy French Fries.  It was fairly massive, and there was ample guacamole in addition to the pulled pork.  Steve took nearly half of it residence for lunch tomorrow.

I fluctuated between the Shrimp Burrito, sustainable grilled shrimp, rice, black beans, salsa fresco, cheese and Verde Chipotle sauce ($13.50) and the Shrimp Enchilada, which was listed as “Sustainable grilled shrimp, cheese and crimson sauce” for $16.    I selected the Burrito, which was massive, scrumptious, and somewhat bit spicy.  There’s a salsa bar obtainable to the diners, and I actually didn’t want to make use of any extra salsa as a result of what it was cooked with was greater than ample.  I additionally took an important deal residence for lunch for the following day.

Along with the common menu, Johnny Manana’s additionally has a drink menu, which consisted of three margarita’s; Michelada, Bloody Mary, Johnny’s on the Seaside, Pina Colada’s, Coronarita, Moscow Mule and Paloma.  Steve and I made a decision to order the “Mexican Sweet Margarita” which was made with Agave, Triple Sec, Lime, Watermelon Puree, Topatio, Chamay and Tajin Rim. It was $11 and though it was very tasty, it didn’t style like a margarita. (Maybe that’s good!)

Over all of the meal was very tasty; we each loved all that we ordered BUT there have been some down sides.  Let me inform you about them so you’re conscious of them.

The meals was served on parchment paper.  Often there’s nothing mistaken with that BUT because the paper acquired moist it gathered the liquid, and a number of other instances whereas slicing into my burrito the paper additionally tore and ended up on the underside of the burrito.  I wanted to take away it, often with my fingers.  The paper is pointless, and really spoiled the meal for me.

However … it didn’t spoil it as a lot because the fixed swatting of flies as each Steve and I attempted to eat our meals.  The flies had been throughout – massive ones, little ones, tiny ones, and so on. They had been on the meals, within the meals, on the plate, and so on., and we spent an excessive amount of time swatting them away.  I’m not positive what the reply to this downside is aside from protecting the doorways closed, but it surely was annoying and, in a approach, upsetting as a result of it was continuous.  Each time Steve or I left our desk to go to the salsa desk considered one of us needed to stand guard to swat on the flies that had been touchdown on the meal.  One fly was so small it seemed like a flea.

So total, once more, I’d say that the meals was fairly tasty.  The drink was totally different, and I’d not order it once more, however that will not cease me from ordering a unique one.  The price of the meal was greater than I anticipated – $67 and I left an  further tip.  I do know that every one eating places have raised their costs however I’m not positive that I’d return to this one quickly.  Sure, it was good – however…..

And I’ve to say that the angle proven me after I stated I used to be taking a menu that I’d be returning left a lot to be desired.  He advised me that he couldn’t let me take it; that he solely had a number of.  I advised him I’d return it “tomorrow,” however that was not accepted.  I’ve not skilled that angle earlier than, and it didn’t go away a nice feeling.  However I have to reiterate once more that the meals was good; the over-all atmosphere left one thing to be desired.