Orange Tree Deli

For my first retreat into the wilderness of Orange County, I had to forage for food.  Luckily, with this up and coming trend called the Internet, it was a fairly easy to find a new eatery.   Now, I should admit, I’m a huge fan of both Living Social and Groupon, so I must credit them for a couple of my suggestions throughout this blog.  May I also suggest to you, my loyal fan base, to start using one or both of those.  I found Orange Tree Deli thanks to Groupon Now, which provides sweet deals to be redeemed by the end of the time allotted. 

With my little voucher in hand, I headed on my way down Tustin and onto Lincoln Ave.  It’s right on the corner so easy to miss, but you’ll be sorry if you do.  I was skeptical that my first outing would be much of a success, but this little hole-in-the-wall deli is a gem.  Don’t miss it.  I got there towards the latter end of lunch, so it was bustling.

The options were fairly overwhelming, but on a small handwritten sign, I read “Italian Turkey Burger Special.”  It was like music to my ears… or rather my eyes.  Either way, I was pretty pumped for my Tuscan turkey excursion.  And as it arrived, I was once again, I knew I was in for a rare treat.  Turkey with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes on a fluffy bun sided by old-fashioned steak fries and pink lemonade?  I hit the jackpot.  Normally, this would have cost me around $8, but Groupon, my dear old friend, did me one better.  Online I was able to snag a deal for $10 worth of food for only $5.  So, not only was I able to enjoy my meal for half the price, but I was able to weasel my way into a free cookie a la my Groupon voucher.  Now, I realize $10 for a meal sounds like a lot, but this was a monstrous sandwich, and when you add in the fries it can serve as a meal for two or two meals for yourself.  Or in my case, one giant party in my mouth that I shared with no one because, yes, I’m just that greedy.

Orange Tree Deli

124 East Lincoln Avenue
Orange, CA 92865-1137
(714) 998-9330

http://www.orangetreedeli.com/

Mission Statement:

Before I even begin this blog, I have something I feel I must confess:  I’m not a particularly social person.  I’m somewhat of an introvert actually.  I’ve spent the last four years here at Chapman University isolating myself.  Sure, I have friends, but when I find something that works for me, I tend stick with it over and over again.  For example, my favorite restaurant in Orange was Arnone’s Little Italy over on Tustin, until they went shut their doors.  I must have gone there three dozen times.  It was my staple go-to.  But now, I find myself in a crux of my life.  I heavily relied on an old friends to show me around town and introduce me to activities and restaurants in the area, but since most of them have moved since graduating and I find myself yet again alone. 

So now, in an effort to save myself from a self-induced solitary confinement, I am forcing myself to explore this area.  Even more challenging is the fact that I’m from nowhere near Orange County and after four years of living here, I’m still not completely sure exactly what you Californians do for fun.   On this blog you’ll find suggestions and reviews from budget-friendly restaurants and recreation.  I know we’re all on a budget here, so to narrow my focus down, I’ll be reviewing and suggesting anything under $15.  Who knows?  Maybe we’ll even find free entertainment—or should I say, the best kind of entertainment? 

If you have any suggestions, comments, or complaints feel free to let me know.  My ears are always open so leave me a comment.