Chef Jason’s Playground is now open

Chef Jason Quinn, formerly from the Lime Truck, opened his own restaurant called Playground located at 220 E. Fourth Street in downtown Santa Ana.

I was invited to the soft opening on Wednesday, November 16, and my friends and I decided to order everything from the menu and share.

The menu looked like a flashback of all the favorites that the Lime Truck once served.  To me,  the food that Jason created is why I became such a fan of the Lime Truck!

The food is made fresh, by hand, and based on seasonal availability. Melissa Produce is the main produce supplier, Blackmarket Bakery does their desserts,  and portions are tapas style, easy for sharing with friends. In fact, its best if you bring a group of friends so you CAN try everything!  It truly is a feast for the eyes and palate.

The restaurant has a full bar, with beers on tap from the local breweries.

The official opening date is Friday, November 18.  There’s 2-hour meter parking around the area (free after 8pm) and a parking garage a block away.  Playground is opened at 11:00 am and closes when the last customer leaves (that’s what Jason said!). They are closed on Mondays.

Follow them on twitter at @PlaygroundDTSA

Welcome to Playground

 
The list of beers on tap

Brussel sprouts with country ham
Butternut squash with Duck Confit
Tandori chicken
The dining area is communal style

The Playground Burger
Blistered shishito peppers with edamame
Duck fat fries
Pork bellies in a steamed bun
Handmade buccatini
Homemade pickles
Chopped salad
Our bread, your butter
PEI Steamed Mussels
Risotto with fresh moscovy duck
Queso Fundido with House goat chorizo, ghost chili, queso chihuahua & corn chips
Homemade gnocchi
Chef Jason saying hello
Hangar steak with creamed spinach
Farmer Daughter’s pudding
Thanksgiving woopie pie

Oct 5: Santa Ana, The Lime Truck @ United Way Kick Off Event

The event is free and proceeds will benefit the OC United Way

Sept 27: Food Truck FUN*raiser

Sept 24: Santa Ana Family YMCA Food Truck Fest

Bring the entire family and join us for a fun filled day at the Santa Ana Family YMCA Food Truck Fest.  There will be music, silent auction, beer garden and bar, and a GREAT selection of gourmet food trucks!  A portion of each sale goes to support YMCA programs for children at the Santa Ana Family YMCA.

Sept 16: Santa Ana, Food Trucks at OCEA

September 15: PogiBoyTruck emailed saying they are backing out.  No reason why.

Santa Ana: Panfiniti

Hawaiian Steak Panini from Panfiniti

Roast Turkey Panini

Santa Ana: Dos Chinos

Dos Chinos is serving lunch on Tuesdays in Santa Ana, on the corner of Main Street and 17th Street, across from Norm’s Restaurant.

Normally there’s a huge line at this truck, and so its been difficult to get food here.  Today I lucked out, and was able to pick up the Oahu Garlic Shrimp Bowl (shhh.. its not on the menu), which is garlic shrimp cooked in a coconut sauce, tossed with pineapple, cilantro, onions, purple cabbage, topped with sour cream over garlic rice.

Oahu Shrimp Bowl (minus the sour cream)

Aug 14: Craft Beer & Truck Tasting

Santa Ana: BaconMANia

BaconMANia was at the OCEA Food Truck Friday event, and we picked up the BLT and the Mac-N-Cheese over Fries

June 17: Santa Ana, Food Truck Friday at OCEA