2015 Experts’ Guide to Anaheim

The annual industry get-together in the OC has very specific purposes and goals – introducing new product, placing orders, reconnecting with colleagues and friends, and learning about developing trends in the marketplace – but, even with the busiest of schedules, you’ll likely find yourself with some “down time” while in Anaheim.

To this end, last year we reached out to a few of our friends in MI to find out about what restaurants, bars, clubs, and activities they seek out beyond W. Convention Way. The response from readers and visitors to mmrmagazine.com was so enthusiastic that we’re bringing back this somewhat lighthearted (but nonetheless valuable – trust me, you’ll get sick of the offerings at the Marriott, Hilton, and yes even the still-new-to-the-NAMM-scene food trucks) feature. The 2015 installment of “Experts’ Guide to Anaheim” finds veterans of the NAMM Show sharing some suggestions for activities and locations within a short walk or ride from the Convention Center which can provide a welcome (even if only brief) break from the “business” of NAMM.

"Only when I am at NAMM could I ever go to a place like Downtown Disney where I can get my shopping on! Sephora has my favorite lipsticks and of course I could never miss the Roxy Store.  And let's not forget how many Christmas presents are purchased at the Disney Store.  Top all that off with a cup of Café Dumond and a beignet from Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, and you have yourself an amazing experience!"

– Tish Ciravolo, Daisy Rock Guitars.

“There are so many great restaurants to go to, but the Napa Rose restaurant in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is one of my favorite places for business dinners during NAMM. The atmosphere is upscale, yet cozy and their Angus beef short ribs are absolutely delicious. Quite honestly, I don’t remember eating anything that wasn’t awesome. Overall, I had a sublime experience at Napa Rose and I can’t wait to go back. I highly recommend you check it out.”

– Laura Taylor, Guitar Center.

“As a NAMM show attendee since 1987, my fondest memories are getting off campus to break up the intensity of the show. My riding-Space-Mountain-at-midnight days are over, but I have found some nearby, unique excursions. My favorite dining area is the old city of Orange. It's only a 10-minute cab ride east on Chapman, but you feel like you are going back in time to a movie set from the ‘40s. The restaurants offer a range from upscale American to authentic ethnic. For a memorable time, try the Cuban-style Felix Continental Café and be sure to try the Fricassee de Pollo with a mojito or Cuba Libre. A place farther up the road (about 30 minutes) with the best view in Orange County is Orange on the Hill. If you're a NAMM veteran, you have to go there at least once. A new, must-do experience at NAMM is the TEC awards show on Saturday night in the Hilton. Now in its third year, try to wrangle a ticket to this event. Although it's not off campus, it feels like we all landed in Hollywood and the jam session at the end is always inspirational.”

– Brad Smith, Hal Leonard Corp.

“For those of you wanting to step outside the hustle and bustle of NAMM for the evening, Luigi's in Fullerton is a dynamite Italian restaurant with a great neighborhood feel that's been a must-go-to-during-NAMM for many of us for decades. Luigi's is less than four miles from the Convention Center, but a world away once you walk in the door; the perfect escape from a busy day. Very casual, no frills, always busy, an engaging staff. My order? Tortellini D'Angelo – chicken-stuffed pasta with Italian dried and domestic mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce – I leave with a smile on my face and a full tank, ready for another busy day at NAMM!

– Nick Rail, Nick Rail Music

“Well, as Anaheim is only a stone's throw from our factory in El Cajon… when I'm there, here's a place I like to stop: It's off the beaten path, but the new Anaheim Packing House is a great place to explore after a long day at the show. It features a variety of artisan restaurants, specialty food shops and bars in an old fruit processing plant. If you're looking for a place to enjoy a quiet, casual ‘pick up and go’ meal, this is a great place to explore.”

– Chalise Zolezzi, Taylor Guitars 

“Our go-to place the last couple of years has been The Catch – a quick, 5-minute cab ride on Katella.  Great seafood and customer service – you must order the Calamari Provençale.  You'll all thank me later. I've also had great meals at Catal in Downtown Disney.  For a truly special meal, you can't beat the Napa Rose restaurant in the Disneyland resort.”

– Lori Supinie, Senseney Music, Inc.

“There are two places that we find ourselves returning to year after year. One is Carolina's Italian Restaurant on Chapman, which is fairly close by. If you're on a diet, all bets are off when you hit this place – everything imaginable and lots of it, plus hundreds of beers from around the world.   It’s casual, friendly, loud, and lively. Get there early or starve in line! The other is Darya Persian Restaurant on N. Tustin in Orange. It’s a bit more formal and pricey, but well worth the trip. The appetizers are awesome and just about everything on the menu is delicious. Make sure you bring someone from out of the country and volunteer him or her for belly dancing when the entertainer hits your table. Have your phones ready for some priceless videos.”

– Cliff Castle, Audix Corporation 

 “I don't have a special eating or drinking place, but I love to go running before I hit the show (or after as time permits). Running gets my energy up and carries me through an entire day at NAMM. Running around the grounds at Disneyland is my track of choice. During the early morning it's serene and at night it's beautiful. Plus, you don't have to deal with cars or intersections!”

– Robert Sulkow, GAMA

“Whenever I can break away for an evening in Orange County I enjoy going to the Whitehouse, which is located in Anaheim not very far from the Convention Center. To begin with, the setting is enthralling. It's a historic house build very early in the 20th century that offers a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. The photos on the walls of all the celebrities like Andrea Bocelli and political leaders like President Carter who have eaten there create a special tone. The food doesn't disappoint, either. It's an upscale steak house that also specializes in northern Italian cuisine. Although it's not the cheapest place you'll find, the portions are generous. Given the ambience and cuisine it's a great place to go if you're celebrating an anniversary or birthday at NAMM."

Berenice Chauvet, Chauvet DJ

"If you have a break from business dinners and just want to wear some comfortable jeans and have a fun, casual night out, head over to La Casa Garcia on West Chapman Avenue. A quick cab ride will bring you to some of the best Mexican food ever. Also, check the events schedule at the nearby City National Grove of Anaheim. They usually host live music or comedy shows WNAMM week, and the food is decent, too. Or, for something more upscale with a chic vibe, visit Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney. "

– MI marketing & PR veteran Leslie Buttonow

"We really like Roy's in Anaheim and try to go every year for a pre-show dinner.  It's a long walk or a short cab ride from the Hilton, so pretty convenient. Their menu changes often and everything on it is solid, but their calamari is my favorite and they do a pretty good job on a few specialty rolls. They also have a very respectable – though limited – wine list. If you go, be sure to try a ‘stoli doli,’ just to stay in tune with the Hawaiian theme."

– Tom Schmitt, Schmitt Music

“One thing DeDe and myself like to do is sit at an outdoor bar in the middle of downtown Disney and have a few overpriced cocktails and people watch. You can’t beat the Pastrami on Rye at the Starbucks at the Marriott.”

– Todd Heid, Heid Music