It is the intermingling of the crisp and briny breeze from the Pacific and the arid Santa Ana winds blowing out of the desert Southwest, the spice of south of the border and the urban sophistication of the Los Angeles metropolis to the north; it is garnished with a wedge from its own citrus groves and then served with a sunny Southern California smile.  That is how one describes the cuisine of Orange County—and, that of her newest, faithful devotee: Café Grill.

There is no one better to encapsulate and present to its diners the taste of a region than one whose palate has been attuned to the unique characteristics of her stew.  Restaurateur and culinarian James Peters was born and raised in Orange County.  While still a young man working in his family’s local restaurant, he began to discover exactly what it is that makes food delicious to Southern Californians.  He completed his formal training at Orange Coast College and after a prestigious externship in Yorkshire, England, Chef James came home to further hone his skills in the kitchens of hotels and renowned fine-dining establishments in his backyard.  And now, has taken what he has learned and struck out on his own.

Café Grill is the culmination of Chef James’ education, experience and inspiration.  The menu boasts a diverse selection of original entrees of fish, steaks and sandwiches, complemented by soups, salads and bread made in-house, and accentuated by a cellar of boutique wines from select California vineyards.  The ambiance is quintessentially Orange County—transplanting one to the chic yet relaxed Pacific coast—decorated with paintings by local artists.

“It will be an experience to dazzle the senses,” promises Chef James, who hosted the grand opening on Tuesday, June 8.