Who Song and Larry’s. The name itself sparks curiosity, doesn’t it? This isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a Cal-Mex Cantina with a story as rich as its flavors. Imagine two globetrotting best friends, Who Song and Larry, traversing the world, collecting tales and tantalizing their taste buds with diverse cuisines. Upon returning to California, they sought a place to share their adventures and the incredible food they encountered. Unable to find the perfect spot, they created it themselves, giving birth to Who Song & Larry’s in Orange County.
Located conveniently in the Century Promenade, near the Honda Center in Orange, Who Song & Larry’s has transformed the space formerly occupied by Acapulco Restaurant into a vibrant and sophisticated dining destination. The interior is a visual treat, boasting beautiful chandeliers and an artsy, warm ambiance with rich walls and comfortable furnishings. Guests can choose from various seating options, including the main dining room, a lively indoor/outdoor bar and lounge, or the outdoor patio complete with relaxing beach palapas and a cozy 10-foot fire pit. Regardless of where you settle in, a fun and delicious experience is guaranteed at Who Song & Larry’s.
The heart of Who Song & Larry’s lies in its globally-inspired menu, expertly crafted by Executive Chefs Johannes Bernau and Loreto Alcala. Chef Johannes’ diverse background, encompassing Japanese, Dutch, and Indonesian culinary influences, is evident in the eclectic menu. His impressive culinary journey includes working alongside world-renowned chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Jose Andres, bringing a wealth of expertise to Who Song & Larry’s. This fusion of culinary backgrounds results in a menu that takes diners on a flavorful trip around the world, all within the comfortable setting of this Orange County gem.
Our culinary exploration at Who Song & Larry’s began with the Dips and Chips. This starter is a delightful introduction to the restaurant’s vibrant flavors, featuring house-made chips that are wonderfully thin and light, accompanied by two distinct salsas – a classic salsa and a daily special. On our visit, the special salsa was a refreshing ‘Tropical Salsa’. The bean dip served alongside offered a unique BBQ smoke flavor, a welcome departure from the standard bean dips found elsewhere.
Next came the Jalapeño-Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, an appetizer that truly lived up to the hype. These grilled wild Mexican shrimp, wrapped in crispy bacon and enhanced with roasted jalapeños and manchego cheese, are simply divine. What initially seemed like a familiar dish was elevated to another level by the addition of the roasted jalapeños and creamy manchego. The accompanying BBQ Jam sauce was so irresistible, we were tempted to take some home! This is an absolute must-try appetizer when you visit Who Song & Larry’s.
Who Song & Larry’s boasts an impressive drinks menu, and Bar Manager Fabian ensured we sampled some of their best cocktails. We indulged in a selection including the Sorta Skinny Margarita, a lighter take on the classic; the tropical Mango Margarita with a Chile Pequin rim for a spicy kick; the sophisticated The Traveler, and the fruity Strawberry Moon Shaker. Each drink was expertly crafted and thoroughly enjoyable, showcasing the bar’s commitment to quality and flavor.
For a lighter option, we opted for the Seared Tuna Salad. Featuring sushi-grade tuna perfectly seared – just a touch on the edges, as we prefer – and served with kale, fennel, crispy avocado, and a pepita-cilantro dressing, this salad was exceptional. The tuna was incredibly tender and silky. This dish was so satisfying that it could easily be enjoyed as a full entree.
Intrigued by the sushi offerings at this Cal-Mex Cantina, we sampled the Mexi-Crunch roll, featuring crab, chicharron, chipotle sauce, avocado, and cucumber, and the Surf + Turf roll with spicy tuna and carne asada. While both were interesting, the Mexi-Crunch stood out as our favorite, offering a unique textural and flavor combination.
From the ‘Social Eats’ section of the menu, we tried the Charred Mussels. These Penn Cove mussels, cooked with onions, garlic, jalapeños, celery, carrots, wine, and butter, and served with grilled bread, were a fantastic sharing appetizer. The broth was flavorful and perfect for dipping with the grilled bread.
Taco lovers will be spoiled for choice at Who Song & Larry’s, with ten different taco varieties on the menu. We sampled seven of them in a beautiful sampler platter: Braised Pork Belly, Carnitas, The El Dorado, Carne Asada, Beef Short Rib, Camaron Silvestre, and Dirty Bird. Each taco was visually appealing and packed with flavor, proving that you can’t go wrong with any taco selection here.
Moving on to the main courses, the BBQ Ribs were a standout. These tender Frenched pork ribs, glazed with a chipotle BBQ sauce and served with fries, were incredibly easy to eat – the Frenched preparation meant the meat effortlessly came off the bone. The chipotle BBQ glaze was perfectly balanced, offering a sweet and smoky flavor without being overpowering.
The Lobster Mac & Cheese Enchiladas are a unique and intriguing dish. This grown-up mac and cheese, made with a blend of muenster, manchego, gruyere, and Oaxaca cheeses, is rolled into enchiladas, topped with buttered panko and cilantro. This dish is certainly a conversation starter, transforming a classic comfort food into something unexpected.
For a lighter yet satisfying entree, the Lemon & Herb Chicken is an excellent choice. Featuring Mary Pitman’s organic free-range chicken breast, pan-seared with lemon, herbs, and seasonal vegetables, this dish is both refreshing and flavorful. It was just as enjoyable as leftovers the next day, proving its enduring deliciousness.
Despite being quite full, we couldn’t resist trying the EPIC Burger, a dish not currently listed on their online menu but well worth asking about. True to its name, it was indeed epic and easily one of the best burgers we’ve ever tasted. It’s a must-try for any burger enthusiast visiting Who Song & Larry’s.
To conclude our culinary journey, the desserts at Who Song & Larry’s were equally delightful. The Avocado Split, a creative twist on the classic banana split using fresh avocado, dulce de leche ice cream, pecan brittle, and XO sauce, was a unique and surprisingly delicious combination. The Apple Pie Tacos, featuring sautéed apples, cinnamon crumble, and whipped cream, offered a fun and tasty take on American apple pie.
Are you intrigued yet? Who Song & Larry’s offers a truly unique dining experience, blending global flavors with a fun and inviting atmosphere. Embark on your own culinary tour around the world at Who Song & Larry’s. We highly recommend a visit!
Who Song & Larry’s Cal-Mex Cantina
1535 W. Katella Ave.
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 639-9550
