Orange County Specialties

Treats without the Tricks!

In the mood for something indulgent during your visit? Here are five treats sure to please straight from the locals' mouths...

• Balboa Bar - On Balboa Island in Newport Beach, enjoy the famous Balboa Bar, a square vanilla ice cream treat on a stick, dipped in chocolate and rolled in your choice of candies or nuts.

• Date Shake - The Crystal Cove Shake Shack, a historical landmark on Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, opened in 1946 and was recently purchased by Ruby’s. Today, you can still ask for the famous Date Shake, a blended drink of dates and ice cream, or try the locals' favorite Monkey Flip – a peanut-buttery concoction.

• OC-tini– The Montage Resort & Spa, an exclusive upscale resort in Laguna Beach, welcomes guests to enjoy The OC Martini – a mix of Bacardi ‘O’ Rum, Cointreau and fresh orange juice – in their lobby lounge overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

• Boysenberry Pie - Today, every boysenberry in the world can trace its roots back to Knott’s Berry Farm. The boysenberry – a cross between a blackberry, a red raspberry and a loganberry – was named after its creator, Rudolph Boysen. Walter Knott was the first to commercially cultivate the boysenberry on his farm, which later became America's first theme park.

• In-n-Out Burger – Southern Californians and beyond crave the simple and delicious menu at the Orange County-based, In-n-Out. Made up only of burgers, fries and shakes, the menu does have a few secret orders. If you’re especially adventurous, try your burger “animal-style” with extra sauce and grilled onions.

Back to OC Insider - Fall 2006