Michelle & Andy
Our Favorite Places
Ramos House Cafe
This little restaurant on the strip of old town San Juan Capistrano, has a place in our hearts. With seasonal menu rotations and where every dish has a home-made feel, it is a place we go back to time and time again. We have had shared many meaningful conversations and moments here as a couple, with family, and with friends. With all this said, our last visit here was on our engagement day. If you can, ask to be seated on the front porch! Michelle's Order: Crab Hash w/ Smoked Bacon Scrambled Eggs, Vinegar Tomatoes & Sweet Potato Crispies Andy's Order: Basil Cured Salmon Lox w Toast Points & Baby Herbs *Always order a buttermilk biscuit with apple butter - you wont regret it!
Play Coffee Orange
Play coffee has been a local spot that we have visited since they opened. To be completely honest, Michelle was not a fan of this place when their first location in Fullerton opened but Andy changed her mind when she had a sip of an espresso tonic on a hot summer day, since then, that’s been her go-to order no matter the season. This is actually where Andy met with Michelle’s mom & grandparents when he asked them for Michelle’s hand in marriage. A lot of special conversations have been shared here and we always end up meeting someone new and chatting. If you’re up for something a little different, we both recommend the espresso tonic!
Hopper & Burr
This has been a coffee shop that we have gone to for many years now! Hopper & Burr is the place we go to where we want to try a unique, seasonal drink. From soft herb and cucumber tonics to burnt honey lattes, they have a lot to offer from their rotating menu. As for our staple favorites, Michelle enjoys their avocado toast with a soft egg with an iced mocha (depending on the day) and Andy enjoys a cappuccino.
Work In Progress
Wip is a go-to for when we want a breakfast and coffee! This place is small and usually crowded but definitely worth the wait for their breakfast burritos & sandwiches. Michelle’s Order: bacon breakfast burrito with a lime espresso tonic (unless there’s a seasonal drink involving orange or pistachio - she always like to try something new!) Andy’s Order: The Fresh Sando with pastrami & a lime espresso tonic
KIT Coffee
KIT (Keep in Touch) is one of our go-to's for when we want a little food and coffee. Our staple is the bacon breakfast burrito! Our usual location we visit is in Newport at the West Cliff plaza so then we can take a little stroll on the trail to the left of the coffee shop. The trail will lead you to a beautiful overlook where you can watch boats sail. Michelle & Andy's Order: Bacon Breakfast Burrito & an iced creme brulee latte (when its in season)
Balboa Island
We love taking a stroll with our pup, Cedar, around Balboa Island and taking in the fresh air. Over the years in our relationship, the island is a go-to when we want to talk about our seasons of life or simply when we need a change of environment. Michelle also enjoys window shopping and loves going into her favorite store at the island, Blu Canoe. A little shop filled with curated culinary & home goods.