The Eat Index: OC is a weekly newsletter that arrives in your inbox on Wednesdays. Subscribe here.
Main course
Brad A. Johnson tried the 15-inch pizzabirria at the new Tacos Madre in Costa Mesa.
But is it pizza? Kind of. We’ll let him explain.
Eat of the moment

A tartlet
It’s easy to confuse Earl Gray pie at the Bakery Cafe in Buena Park with blueberry pie. But one mistake you don’t want to make is to swallow it. Brad says the pie is “best enjoyed slowly.”

Last chance for Lucci
Lucci’s Italian American Deli in Huntington Beach will close after more than 50 years, owner Rick Refice said, and his last day of service will be February 26. A staple of the neighborhood loved by locals, he will be greatly missed. Anne Valdespino has more.

New Restaurants in Old San Juan
Joining the pack will be restaurateur Russ Bendel, owner of Sapphire in Laguna Beach, Vine Restaurant in San Clemente, Ironwood in Laguna Hills and Olea in Newport Beach. He and his partners will open Bloom at the end of October.

Insider tips on wine
The hardest part of dining out is negotiating the wine list. How do you know what’s a deal and what’s a rip off and why the wines cost so much more than at Costco? Experts answer these and other important questions— such as the rules of engagement in terms of corkage fees.

Want to make a hearty Beef Stroganoff? Cathy Thomas has a recipe that dates back to the 1940s. Here’s how to do it.