As we all stagger, fall back and re-stagger back to normalcy, I’ve decided to begin an old event with my dad that I loved. Adventure days. In early 2020, once a week, I would take my dad somewhere he’d never seen or visited, in and around Los Angeles. And then we would find a new place to dine, finalizing the day. We visited the US Bank Building, the Rose Bowl and saw unique institutions like The Last Bookstore. Great days they were and now, as I try to spend time with him, between doctor appointments and other events, I will multi-task those moments with adventure moments.

Recently, my dad and I visited Cambaleche in Fountain Valley. It’s an Argentinian-Italian dining concept off the 405 and Magnolia in Orange County. A good looking space, it has a few unique touches. A full bar, upon entering the restaurant, opens the space lined with dark wood tables. Along one of the walls was the full wine collection, also available for To-GO. The solid, Argentinian influenced wine list includes some fine Malbec’s, such as Catena Zapata. Next to the wine collection was a little market. For a finer dining institution, this was the first time I’ve seen a market attached to the restaurant. I purchased a couple bottles of their Chimichurri sauces.

The menu was a stout menu of a mixture of Argentinian staples with Italian stand-outs. My eye was immediately caught by the Paella, which I ordered. And it did not disappoint. Outstanding, it was certainly one of the five best Paella’s I’ve ever had. The look in my dad’s eyes suggested that, he too, should have ordered the Paella. Now, his Jumbo Shrimp dish was also delicious but my dish stood out. The combination of Clams, Mussels, Jumbo Shrimp, Chorizo and perfectly immersed Saffron rice, created a joy of a dish. It was a delight.

The cuisine was terrific and set a good backdrop for a great time with my dad. I couldn’t give a full lowdown of our conversation but it was filled with anecdotes and laughter. It is a true joy to spend time with him.

Cambaleche gets a hearty thumbs up from me and my only sadness is that it wasn’t busier. I hope, my friends, that you read this and make the short trek to Orange County and Fountain Valley. It will be well worth your time and maybe, you’ll have your own adventure.