Hi, I’m Kelly von Hemert. Thanks for visiting my Orange County food blog, Galley Girl!
I freelanced the food column for OC Weekly from 1996-2000 and wrote restaurant reviews for Riviera Magazine from 2000-2009 and I’m currently freelancing articles for Orange Coast Magazine.
When I go out, I am anonymous, pay for all my meals and don’t accept comps. If I’m working for a periodical, they reimburse me. It’s the only way to be fair and write a balanced review.
The reason I write about OC restaurants is because I love them and have the utmost respect for this hyper-competitive, super-volatile industry. Try to imagine working in a business where much of your product is 100 percent perishable-overnight! Chefs, restaurateurs and servers are amazing people.
Thanks for reading, referring and leaving comments!
Kelly,
I can not wait to go. Next time I am over there…. it is a must.
your words have me salivating and I am always into to trying new things!
You are a great writer! You definately need to branch out and write more! Write articles for Sunset Magazine.
I cannot wait to try a sea salt coffee. I am always looking for new things to try, so thanks for sharing….
We love 85 Degrees and have been going there since right after it opened. The sea salt coffee is a real treat-why did my doctor have to decaffenate me? My favorite pastries are the cheddar filled rolls and the buttery twist with the garlic, cheese and green onions on top. They have wonderful almond squares and coconut. Their dough is typically slightly sweet even for the savory pastries. I found that I can’t get my heart set on a particular pastry before going in because they often run out even though they bake all day long. We took our friend who is a Chinese professional chef who was enamored with the incredible moon cakes and the beautiful purple and white taro rolls. Very traditional Taiwanese and the line is always out the door. Incredible find and so worth the wait.
Love your blog. I want to make the soup!
You know I love your writing. Did I really just read “pendulous beauties” in your description of a butternut squash?!” I especially enjoyed the eating local twist! So very Barbara Kingsolver of you.
Kelly,
Thank you for sending this to me. I am starting to get more into cooking at home and love trying new recipes. The Butternut Squash Soup sounds amazing. I love making soup and will try it for sure.
Kelly, keep the great reviews coming!!!
Kelly von Hemert? Wait, wait. Don’t tell me. I know this one. Fun blog! I’ve bookmarked it. Have you ever reviewed Rutabegorz? It’s one of Maryann’s and my faves on the count of we got engaged at the one in Fullerton.
I love Ruta’s! Thanks for reading, Steve! Happy New Year!
Kelly, we will follow you anywhere on the planet! Your review of The Haven in orange was spot on! We are so happy that your blog introduced us to this warm, fun loving pub, with organic food & french fries!!! A little something for everybody! Tell me more where should we go next!
love this blog!
I’m glad you like it, and after missing my Mardi Gras summons, I owe you more than a couple of blog posts! Thanks for reading!
Hey Kelly – Thanks for the mention of the Cabernet Brownies!! We would love to invite you to come by the bakery and sample more of our treats and some of the other Marche Noir products. Feel free to email or call at 949-852-4609 when you have a chance!
Eat Your Wine!
Chef Rachel
If I had one wish, it is that Galley Girl would harness its passion for food, a illuminate the masses on a more regular basis. More local reviews! I love the recommendations!!! (Have you tried the no-frills, vegetarian “Loving Hut” in Orange?)
You ROCK!
Rachel,
If eatin’ wine is wrong, I don’t wanna be right! Cannot wait to try more products. Love them all so far, and I do mean all. I’ve been shopping Blackmarket at OC Certified Farmer’s Markets for many moons now!
Kergan, Galley Girl is coming off a temporary sabbatical to Montana where huckleberry shakes, cherry pie and buffalo burgers rule! Also lots of local bacon and jerky. If ever it were time for GG to go temporarily veg, and way healthier, it’s August 3!
Will post soon: thanks for reading!