PJ's Abbey in Orange and a little Orange County history

 

Yesterday I took Marcy to PJ'S Abbey in Orange for a belated birthday lunch. And although she tried to assure me the waitress didn't hate me for asking if they served Coke (not Pepsi) and if it came from a fountain (not the bar squirt gun), I could sense her hostility.  As if drinking Pepsi is the most normal thing in the world. 

 I tried to convince our waitress I would be "low maintenance" the rest of the lunch, but I proved to be the diner she had feared--as if asking for two dressings on the side is a sin or something. 

PJ's Abbey would be the place to ask for forgiveness for all my dining iniquities since it was a church up until 1994. The large stained class window in the front difuses the light streaming in on the lunch-time crowd.  

(See Marcy's picture of me getting the picture of the window.)

 

The artwork throughout the old church is rustic and original, made from old doors and recycled elements. 

After lunch we cruised The Circle. I'm not sure how I feel about all the changes going on around there--lots of the old antique stores have close and newer shops are coming in. Watson's is still there, as it has been since 1899. 

 Local writer Chris Epting sent me his book "Vanishing Orange County" and in it he had this picture of Watson's along with pictures of Sam's Seafood in Huntington Beach and other restaurants still standing in Orange County.

In his introduction he mentions the piece  I wrote for the OC Register called  

"You know you grew up in Orange County in the '70s if..."

For instance your brother looked like mine in his 5th grade class picture.

 

If you're into Orange County history, you can order "Vanishing Orange County" here. 

Comments

[The Glamorous Life]

Kinda a downer to say OC is Vanishing. I prefer to think it is evolving. I know lots of places are gone but in some cases they have been replaced and have helped to revitlize an area that would otherwise be looked over. Downtown Orange is a perfect example. It was a sad little collection of Antque stores until the 90's when the city allowed liquor licenses...and resturants came. And then clothing stores, and apron stores and cupcake store and still antiques survive....I will have to check out his book. I am sure it will be a walk down memory lane for me.....even if that walk is a bit of a downer.

Again. Great photos.Again.

[chrome3d]

Always Coke for me. Pepsi is somehow...cheap.

[Kate Parker]

Love that top picture from P.J.'s! It is such a great place to eat. I too will only drink Diet Coke. Anything else, forget it. Have to check out that book. Thanks for the tip.

[Suz]

Great pictures Suz and it looks like it was a nice lunch for you both. NOT the waitress. She is still mumbling something about coke on tap..yadda yadda...

[Mental P Mama]

Oh no. No Pepsi for me. What a great place!

[Grant Forest]

Great photo. Looks professional.
I'll have to get a copy of that book. It looks good. I think there's a picture of me around somewhere that looks just like your brother.

[fancy feet]

How great - to have a restaurant in an old church. I love that.
There is nothing wrong with wanting two dressings or asking if they served coke. I get it.

[Elaina Avalos]

I've lived in New Bern & Greenville, NC since moving back here. New Bern is the "birthplace of Pepsi" and Greenville is home to the Minges family who own one of the giant Pepsi bottling companies. Guess what's hard to come by in these parts? Guess what soda I don't like? Uh huh, Pepsi. Just another reason I'm happy to be returning home! :)

On another note, I LOVE the pictures. I love the different textures showing up in that first one, Suz. Awesome!

[nik]

After reading Marcy's post and then yours, I'm getting a flashback to the scene from When Harry Met Sally where Meg Ryan orders... ;) there's a vlog idea for you!

Great pics!!!

xoxoxo

[Baby Favorite]

I loved your post from Nov 2007 about growing up in the 70's! I could relate to almost every, single one.

I forgot about the Japanese Village Deer Park until I read about it in Chris Epting's book description. Wow!

[LuckyMe]

Pretty pictures, Suzanne.

Your brother looks like my 5th grade boyfriend. That was 1970! OUCH! Love the hair, the shirt, the necklace!

[Kara-Noel]

I love OC history!! My Great Grandparents were some of the founders of Placentia. We still have the founder's home on Bradford Ave! Though now it is technically in Fullerton because my great aunt hates Placentia now because of some road consturction on her land. Funny story...
Join in my wedding linky tomorrow... I would LOVE my readers (all 2 of them) to see your OC blog!!
http://elislids.blogspot.com/

[Orange Native (Natalie)]

FYI, it's the PLAZA, not the "Circle." Reference the sign at each end of the historic district and ask any shopkeeper on the block.

Only people from out-of-town call it "The Circle." If you want to be accepted as a local, you need to call it The Plaza. Just ask Epting...

[suz Broughton]

Dear Natalie:
I tried to email you a response but you didn't use your real email address, so I think the possibilities of you responding to this are slim:

I'm working on a podcast about this subject and I was wondering if you would want to be interviewed?
I have been going to The Circle for 30 years and I've interviewed many, many "natives" who call it the Circle. I understand the reasons behind it being behind "The Plaza" and would love to get you to speak about them. I haven't been able to find anyone in my street interviews who call it "The Plaza."
Please respond and let me know if you are interested. Please!
Thanks
Su