RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Restaurant Dining Reviews

Boneheads at the Orchard

Offers Peri Peri Seafood at Miniscule Prices

with Glori Fickling

Bonehead:  “Anyone who ignores the experts and conventional wisdom achieves great success against steep odds” says this unusual eatery. Thus, it follows that “anyone serving seafood this tasty at such affordable prices, must be a bonehead.” We heartily agree after entering the premises past a capacious patio alive with happy diners indulging their appetites, because we immediately glance through an immaculate glass fronted kitchen where the crew is enthusiastically tossing shrimp, chicken, and an assortment of finfish plus fresh vegetables atop a sizzling wood-fired grill.  We then observe prices starting with clam chowder for $1.99 and note top price for entrees is $9.99. as posted on framed menus at a rear checkout station. Place your order, pay in advance, then sip a stem of wine, mug of beer or serve yourself a soft drink from the refillable station while awaiting your delicious repast. This may be no frills dining, but quality is top of the line. 

Recalling my initial visit here months ago, my hungry trio raved over an appetizer of shrimp enveloped in creamy peri peri flavors  On this current visit, my duo was equally pleased over tasty Portobello mushroom tacos and delicious soup du juor.  This hearty potage was laden with light peri peri seasoned chicken chunks and veggies.  The spicy South African condiment is the Bonehead signature, seasoning many recipes and may be added to taste from four table containers boasting varying degrees of heat  Aside from sweet potato fries and fish & chips, healthful grilling is the route for salmon, tilapia, mahi mahi, grouper and shrimp, the latter especially intriguing value at $8.99, served on a pair of elongated skewers, each spearing perfectly al dente crustaceans. Entrees include a choice of such flavorful toppings as sautéed piri piri mushrooms, pineapple salsa and cucumber lime yogurt.  Gorgeous grilled slabs of zucchini and slender asaparus spears are among zesty vegetable options. 

For a mere $4.99 you may add a skewer of shrimp to any order. Hearty salads at $4.99 include Greek and Caesar, add $4.50 for fish, chicken or portobellos.  Small fry dine for $4.99.  And, whatever else, do save room for the lusciously decadent key lime mud pie ice cream dessert.  Boneheads is the sole California franchise, several other venues located in Southern states.

23704 El Toro Rd. at The Orchard.

Lake Forest  949 581-3474

www.gotoboneheads.com