SUNDAY BRUNCH

* It’s Sunday, and there are so many crepes and omelets from which to choose. Here’s a sampler of Sunday Brunch destinations in Orange County, culled from recent stories. Other reviews can be accessed at https://www.calendarlive.com/go/discover

Royal Thai: Authentic Taste of Far East in Newport

Royal Thai has come up with brunch selections that venture away from the usual spring rolls, pad Thai and curry. Owner Sumeth (Sammy) Tila said his four Royal Thai restaurants in Southern California (two in San Diego and two in Orange County) used to serve the fruity rum drinks called Mai Tais for its My Thai Brunch. The meal has been refined to include unlimited champagne. For $11.95, it’s hard to beat this kind of bargain, especially in pricey beach towns.

As the original Royal Thai, the Newport Beach location is the most timeworn, but affordable prices have earned it a reputation as a reliable and popular spot for locals.

Brunch begins with two first courses: katong thong, a crisp pastry shell filled with minced chicken, onion, chiles and curry spices topped with a cucumber chutney; and tila salad, which is grilled chicken served with red onions, tomatoes, bean sprouts and lettuce in a creamy sweet and sour dressing.

Of the entrees, angel wing, curry, hot basil shrimp and mint leaf pork are the most authentic. Although they come spicy hot, all dishes can be made to order. The angel wing is a giant chicken limb stuffed with glass noodles, ground chicken, onions and spices.

Royal Thai Cuisine, 4001 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, (949) 645-8424; and 1750 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8424. Sunday brunch served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

* A new Sunday Brunch review will run next Sunday in the Orange County Calendar.