A two-star ParkAve in Stanton
Before it was Beach Boulevard, the Orange County road that leads straight to Huntington Beach was known as Highway 39.
That was back when Clifford Ronnenberg's parents owned a dairy and roadside diner, which is now the site of the citified ParkAve restaurant. The retro-style neon spelling out the name at the edge of the parking lot shines like a beacon among tacky motels, new town houses and the usual strip malls. Stanton is not what you'd call fancy, more working class Orange County than upscale. And that's to its credit.
The building is low-slung stone ornamented with an original Sputnik-inspired Googie ball. The restaurant's name is spelled out in a flowing retro script in brass beside the door. Inside, it's retro all the way, and that goes for the classic American fare as well. Oh, with some updates too.
For the rest of S. Irene Virbila's review, and to look at a photo gallery, click here.
Photo: Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times
People rethink Stanton thanks to the Park Ave: great staff, David and Monsuir are just the best. Food and prices are outstanding, they make all their own ice creams, dressings, herb butters, I could go on but won't. Take the drive, it's well worth it.
Posted by: The Hughes | August 16, 2009 at 03:55 PM