The food hall trend has landed in Irvine. Located on Michelson between MacArthur and Jamboree, this food hall is in a renovated strip mall smack in the middle of high-rise office complexes. So, to me, this area afforded a ready-made market for lunchtime customers.

TRADE is a little different from the other food halls I have frequented in the last few months. The food vendors form a circle around an outdoor seating area. There is also a Center Hub that provides a full bar for the more leisurely lunchtime (and after) crowd.

My foodie friend Sandy had trouble deciding – I went straight to Butterleaf and ordered a veggie burger. I am trying to be good. After checking all the vendors a couple of times, Sandy decided on the spicy tuna bowl at Megadon (Hawaiian and Japanese fusion). We were both well pleased with our choices. My burger smelled so good I picked it up before I remember to take a photo – hence the dent in an otherwise “perfect” picture

Whatever your culinary preferences, you will probably find something to suit you here. Portside serves fish, Two Birds offers chicken in many forms, Sweet Comforts speaks for itself, Dos Chinos – Mexican of course, gyros for something Greek, and Sandwich Society.

Maybe you would just like to come on by and hang out. There is shade if you are not a fan of sun in your face. Those inside chairs are quite comfy.

So many places, so little time. There are a couple more food halls on my list. They are popping up everywhere. I have one in Santa Ana and one in Long Beach.

Stay tuned….