I was really excited to head to Anaheim to see something completely new that I had been hearing rumors about for a while now: The Anaheim Packing District!  I had so much food that was really amazing.  But first, a bit about the building itself!

It was actually converted from an old Sunkist packing house built in 1919, where they packaged up oranges.  You can see the railroad tracks on the backside of the building where they probably shipped everything off!

The inside is just beautiful!  Everything has been revamped and revitalized with lots of eateries and shops inside every nook and cranny.  The group that developed the area is the same one that created The Lab and The Camp, a couple of places in Orange County that I love!

As soon as you walk in, there are lots of pretty items for sale, plus the decor is just gorgeous.

As for the people and restaurants that inhabit the space, the yarn art below spells out the names of the restaurants and businesses.

There was a beautiful room off to the side, where we heard from Shaheen Sadeghi, the lead developer.  He envisioned the space as a place where young entrepreneurs could come to encourage his motto of “Localization, customication, personalization; not homogenization.”

I love that they incorporated much of the original history, such as the original wood floors, and kept the orange motif in much of the decor, as a homage to the building’s first purpose.

Now, to some of the businesses!

I ordered “A Twist of Cane” which had “Rhum Clement VSOP, fresh-pressed cantaloupe, lemongrass syrup, Charaeu Aloe Vera liqueur.”  Refreshing!  Later that night, I tried the “Hanky Panky” which was made with “Broker’s gin, Carpano Antica vermouth, Pernt Branca, and orange oils.”

I was maybe a bit in love with the rustic decor.  🙂

I sampled some wonderful beef, rice and chorizo, chicken, and three kinds of ceviche!  I cannot wait until they open with their huge fish counter as well!

The chocolate drink with cacao nibs and the avocado breakfast from Lemon Drop were so fresh, light, and colorful!

Georgia’s is the first restaurant from Gretchen (in the orange), who worked in the food business as a caterer.  Along with her trusty team (including her daughter), she is looking forward to opening up and serving up some soul food!

I chatted with the couple from Dark180 for a bit about all of the wonderful chocolate blends and the chocolate “trends.”  Besides the wonderful caramel and their original hot chocolate blend, I loved the Thai White Chocolate drink with lychee whipped cream.  Divine!

This was the first restaurant I saw walking in, and I was looking forward to trying some of the sushi.  Next time, I definitely want to taste some ramen!

I had both the Fried Chicken Sandwich and the French Dip.  There was also a Porchetta sandwich that I couldn’t try (no pork for me), but I was already sold on the deliciousness.  The entire place was buzzing and there were lots of people waiting to chow down on their sandwiches.  I’m definitely coming back to try more!

Coincidentally, I walked by the Fountain Valley location of Buy ‘N Bulk when I headed to a nearby restaurant.  I didn’t have the time to walk in, but I was really interested.  This time, I bought some tasty veggie chips!  Oh, and there was a ton more items…

This place was hopping too, with lots of hot pots being dished up.  Yum!

I tasted the Blueberry Raspberry Cheesecake from Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream, and it was ridiculously good.  Next time, maybe Nutella Crunch?  There are so many flavors to choose from!!!

As you know, I am already a fan of The Iron Press!  Check out this post.  🙂  I had a Fried Chicken & Waffle Skewer with Jalapeño Maple, plus one of their newest creations for dessert.  It was the Mini Cap’n Crunch Berries + Milk Waffle: Captain Crunch Berries Infused Waffle, Drizzled w/Milk Glaze + Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream.  Crazy!  Coincidentally, one of the managers had a grandmother who worked in the Packing District when it was still used to pack oranges.  She was even honored and featured in the newspaper for being the fastest packer around.  I love that little nugget of history!  🙂

Now, for a few more places that I hope to try soon!

ADYA:  Traditional Indian food combined with the fresh produce of California

Wheat and Sons Butcher/Rotisserie:  A nose-to-tail butcher that offers “locally sourced organic meats and produce, rotisserie items, market inspired sandwiches and sausages, and award winning Charcuterie.”  And the cook in me loves that they have high-quality whole duck for sale.  Mmmm…

Pop Bar:  Handcrafted Gelato, Sorbetto & Yogurt on a stick.  Yes, please!

The Chippy Fish & Grill:  The last time I had good fish and chips was in London.  I’m definitely due for a try!

Now, for a few restaurants that are coming soon!

I already love Ecco, and I am looking forward to trying it in the new location!

And before I leave the building, you might hear of a hidden speakeasy called The Hidden Rabbit.  I had a mini-tour of it from one of the people-in-the-know, which was super fun.  Have fun finding it!

Besides the loveliness in the Packing House itself, they developed a park just outside the building!

It has several gardens with edible items, and they now have a farmer’s market on Sundays!

The building just across was converted from an old Packard building.  It houses an Umami Burger and the Anaheim Brewery, two awesome reasons to visit!

This is the spectacular view towards the Packing House from the Brewery.  So pretty!

Anyways, I love the whole concept, the feel, and the energy that the entire place has.  It is beautiful, has history, and really celebrates the community.  I cannot wait to go back!

Packing House
440 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 635-1350
anaheimpackingdistrict.com