Two weeks ago a colleague of mine told me about a unique establishment in California named The Crosby – part book store, part restaurant. This seemed a fantastic combination of two of my favorite things and I immediately planned a Friday night jaunt to the city of Santa Ana, just south of Los Angeles.

The understated exterior of The Crosby immediately declares itself as the hip spot in town, while quiet music smoothly emanates from open glass doors. As myself and my date walk in we can clearly hear a guitar being played by the bookshop clerk, and we see the restaurants youthful and lively clientele fully occupying the floor and bar. We peruse the art books and monographs in the store, and a few minutes later we are seated at our table. The spatial transition from book store to restaurant is ideal; whether feeding the mind or the stomach, there is enough space to ensure proper enjoyment of either.

The Crosby’s interior is simple and inviting. Dozens of 1980’s style boomboxes brilliantly line the walls, and the ornately crafted bar lends an air of elegance to the otherwise satisfyingly minimal design of the space. Our waitress appears and kindly helps us select our dinner and appetizer. We choose the stuffed mushrooms to start; they are excellent when combined with a cold Chimay or glass of any white wine. Gourmet pizza is the Crosby’s staple; for dinner we share the Creole Shrimp and Mediterranean pizzas. The Mediterranean’s meaty kalamata olives and tomatoes are excellent, and the Creole’s pan sauteed shrimp and mozzarella cheese garnished with cilantro nicely accentuate each others qualities.

Head Chef Aron Habiger stops by our table, and observes that as younger people become more savvy in their taste for finer foods, beers and wines they begin to look for a place that can accommodate their expanding palate. Of course they still want to feel comfortable, both socially and financially, and this is exactly what The Crosby hopes to offer.

The Crosby just opened for business this past April and is off to a wonderful start, despite initial resistance from City Hall and trouble with obtaining proper liquor licenses. Proprietors Phil Nisco, Mark Yamaoka and Chris Alfaro have endured, and along with their young and creative staff will continue to work out a few small kinks and refine their distinctive venture. When next in Los Angeles or Santa Ana, be it for business or pleasure, do not miss The Crosby.

/// Details about The Crosby

400 N. Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701 The Crosby Website

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