Show 688, July 18, 2026: AnQi’s Sunday Brunch at Bia Hoi with Restaurateur Elizabeth An

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Adam Bell

The House of An restaurant group (Beverly Hill’s Crustacean) has cooked up a new and highly interactive brunch concept at AnQi at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa called Bia Hoi Marketplace ( pronounced bee-ah hoy. ) The next date is Saturday & Sunday, August 1^st & 2^nd. (Sunday, August 2nd is sold out.)

“Bia Hoi is inspired by the lively street-side beer and food culture of Vietnam, reimagined through AnQi’s lens — chic, energetic, interactive, and very guest-experience driven. On the first Sunday of each month, AnQi’s managing partner, Peter Meemalayath, and his team transforms AnQi into an interactive marketplace filled with curated food stations, bold flavors, chef-driven moments, and the lively spirit of Bia Hỏi.”

“Diners feel like they’ve been transported to a modern food market in Vietnam featuring authentic Asian cuisine and beautiful decor at every turn. Additionally, diners will be just as excited about the very reasonable price of just $65++ for the bountiful array of delicious fare and interactive stations offered at Bia Hoi.”

“Our goal is to create something fresh and exciting for South Coast Plaza guests,” says Peter Meemalayath. “A brunch experience that feels fun, cultural, interactive, and shareable, while still carrying the elevated dining experience that AnQi is known for in Orange County. This is not a buffet — it is a market-style brunch designed to be explored, tasted, and enjoyed.”

House of An’s Elizabeth An is our guide to the delectable world of Bia Hoi.

Show 235, August 5, 2017: House of An Executive Chef Tony Nguyen, Pop-up Crustacean Menu at AnQi, Costa Mesa

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Adam Bell

As Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen™ that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant.

The pop-up version of Crustacean’s highly acclaimed menu will be available at dinner only Monday through Friday in the Q Lounge at AnQi, which like its Beverly Hills counterpart has won acclaim for its signature style of Euro-Vietnamese cuisine and An’s creative use of Asian herbs and spices in her cooking.

Reservations are required and are limited to 60 guests a night and should be made by phone: 714.557.5679. AnQi is located at South Coast Plaza, 333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa

The pop-up Crustacean menu at AnQi will include 10 appetizers, four main courses and two desserts.

The tantalizing appetizer options include Turmeric Grilled Calamari ($15), with saffron, orange zest and peanut mustard sauce; Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs ($15), made with basil, tofu, tempura flakes and Gochujang sauce; and the addictive XO Noodles ($18) with scallops, shrimp, chicken, bird’s eye chili, shallots and Hennessy cognac.

Among the choices for the main courses are Rack of Lamb ($46), made with chardonnay flambé, Steamed Seabass ($49); and An’s Famous Roasted Crab ($65), featuring An’s garlic sauce and secret spices and available in or out of the shell.

A mouthwatering dessert option is Grandma Diana’s Famous Banana Fritters ($12).

Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Appreciating Lobster

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Adam Bell

Everything you’d want to know about enjoying Lobster.