If you’re in need of fun, delicious, and trendy eats this summer…. I got you covered! I am compromising a list of my favorite places to dine this summer- whether it be based on location, or great summer menu items! I will be updating this list all summer- so stay tuned for the “Best Summer Bites”!

• The Pizza Press, Huntington Beach 
  • Founded in 2012, Pizza Press has been expanding quickly ever since. Recently, the Huntington Beach location opened- making it the 10th location. When I visited, it was my first experience at a Pizza Press. I don’t often dine at any of these fast-casual pizza chains, but it is safe to say that I would definitely return to PP. This lunch was one of the most fun I have had by myself- thanks to the wonderful staff.
  • I “published my own pizza and salad” which was fun. There are tons of toppings to chose from- the bourbon bacon, ricotta cheese, and goat cheese were really what sealed the deal for me. Something about the freshness and flavors of these toppings just made my pizza THAT memorably delicious. PP also makes their own ranch- something that I am not typically a fan of, but LOVED here.
  • This location is located one street over from Main St. in Huntington Beach, so it definitely makes for the perfect lunch or dinner while at the beach!
  • Be sure to sign up for their loyalty program… at the grand opening of each new location, you can snag a FREE PIZZA! Sign up here : www.thepizzapress.com/gpg

• True Food Kitchen, Newport Beach
  • TFK is one of my favorite healthy eateries – (see my other posts!) – and I love that they change their menu seasonally! As if the GORGEOUS Newport Beach location wasn’t “summer-ific” enough, the new menu items definitely are!
  • I had a chance to try the new :
    • Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad – A very light dish to start! Chunks of heirloom tomatoes, red AND yellow watermelon,
      drizzled with white balsamic, and topped with marcona almonds & chèvre (aka goat cheese). Definitely simple goodness!
    • Heirloom Tomato Pizza – My FAVORITE VEGAN pizza – ever – tweaked a little bit for the summer menu. It is now topped with tasty roasted Heirloom tomatoes, but still has the KILLER True Food Kitchen, house-made, Vegan, almond ricotta! To-die-for, and you would never know it’s 100% vegan!
    •  Pan Roasted Chicken  – I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this dish, because it seemed a little too simple for me. When the dish came out, I saw a whole chicken atop of a mix of corn, green chickpeas, fresno chilis, feta, and cilantro pumpkin seed pesto. The first bite of chicken had me sold. SO perfectly cooked, tender, and packed with flavor. The chicken’s vegetable bed was the perfect accompaniment. You really cannot go wrong with anything if it has TFK’s cilantro pumpkin seed pesto.
  • As always, I left True Food Kitchen feeling healthy, fresh, and satisfied. Service is ALWAYS on point, just like the food! Chef Chris Polley is the sweetest, and he surely loves what he does!
• Pita Jungle, Newport Beach. 
  • With only one California location in Newport Beach, (they are based in Arizona) Pita Jungle often gets overlooked or missed, which I am trying SO hard to change! The food is SO good, healthy, and fresh.
  • Many people don’t know that they have a KILLER HAPPY HOUR from 3-6 pm with TONS of tapas for $2-$4 !
  •  I am addicted to their Curry Chicken Salad and Caramelized Cauliflower, but always find a seasonal item that hits the spot!  I recently fell in love with their NEW SUMMER MOROCCAN GAZPACHO. Packed with flavor and served cold, making it perfect for a hot summer day.
  • Located right off the 73 Freeway – definitely a perfect summer stop – especially for happy hour if you are looking not to break the bank!