Gabbi’s: Good Rep, Shaky Performance

Posted on January 5, 2008

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Had it not been for the Mexican-style tables and chairs out on the sidewalk, I might have given up looking for Gabbi’s in downtown Orange, Calif. There is no signage outside, making it a true insider’s destination.

Gabbi’s has a reputation as a nouvelle Mexican diner, and judging from my one visit and perusal of the lengthy menu, the restaurant does mix traditional Mexican dishes with some American flairs.

I was tempted by the lunch special of the day, grilled swordfish, but as soon as I ordered, I had second thoughts. It’s rare that a restaurant can turn out a tender filet of swordwish.

Indeed, the dish I was served proved tough and not very flavorable. Serving the fish with some sweet plaintains didn’t seem to help as the tastes didn’t complement one another, however Mexican the plaintains were. The bed of rice upon which the fish rested wasn’t very memorable either.

I’ll give Gabbi’s a pass on this one since I know from my experience that swordfish is a tough fish to untoughen. I’ve tried everything from marinating it in milk overnight to soaking it in club soda, and none of those methods seemed to help.

I’ll stick to the traditional Mexican enchiladas and the like on my next visit.

However, as I was walking back to my car on the streets of charming Old Town Orange (the only downtown there is, and it’s very quaint), I passed Felix Continental Cafe, which serves Mediterranean dishes.

There, I could’ve gotten a grilled halibut for $10.50. Gabbi’s swordfish set me back $22–at lunchtime!

» Filed Under Food News Tags: Tags:Felix Continental Cafe, Gabbi's