Chef Jason Quinn, formerly from the Lime Truck, opened his own restaurant called Playground located at 220 E. Fourth Street in downtown Santa Ana.

I was invited to the soft opening on Wednesday, November 16, and my friends and I decided to order everything from the menu and share.

The menu looked like a flashback of all the favorites that the Lime Truck once served. To me, the food that Jason created is why I became such a fan of the Lime Truck!

The food is made fresh, by hand, and based on seasonal availability. Melissa Produce is the main produce supplier, Blackmarket Bakery does their desserts, and portions are tapas style, easy for sharing with friends. In fact, its best if you bring a group of friends so you CAN try everything! It truly is a feast for the eyes and palate.

The restaurant has a full bar, with beers on tap from the local breweries.

The official opening date is Friday, November 18. There’s 2-hour meter parking around the area (free after 8pm) and a parking garage a block away. Playground is opened at 11:00 am and closes when the last customer leaves (that’s what Jason said!). They are closed on Mondays.

Follow them on twitter at @PlaygroundDTSA

Welcome to Playground

The list of beers on tap

Brussel sprouts with country ham

Butternut squash with Duck Confit

Tandori chicken

The dining area is communal style

The Playground Burger

Blistered shishito peppers with edamame

Duck fat fries

Pork bellies in a steamed bun

Handmade buccatini

Homemade pickles

Chopped salad

Our bread, your butter

PEI Steamed Mussels

Risotto with fresh moscovy duck

Queso Fundido with House goat chorizo, ghost chili, queso chihuahua & corn chips

Homemade gnocchi

Chef Jason saying hello

Hangar steak with creamed spinach

Farmer Daughter’s pudding

Thanksgiving woopie pie