It was a few short years ago I got to meet Andy “Cool” Nguyen in person over a quaint lunch at a local Persian restaurant.

At the table was a conglomerate of young entrepreneurs, a majority of which in their early 20s, putting it all on the line for a mere chance at working a job they could feel positive about, push a vision they thought was their own, and in the case of Andy, launch a successful clothing line at a time where every sneaker head thought it was their duty to do the same.

Everyone at the table that day explained what was going on in their life, their hopes, their fears (the economy was tough, why the hell would you start your own business?) and where we wanted to be in the coming years. Andy and his team of friends had put together a line of 6 hand-designed shirts and were ready to pursue the dream in a lofty way. They were confident in their product, but the fear of a ruthless economy could be heard in his voice.

Could he make it through those troubled waters?

In short, he did.

At a time when businesses folded, cuts were made and people were getting laid off, Andy and his team took their garage-style operation, remained diligent and came out the other end a full-fledged fashion power house.

A few short years after that meeting-of-the-minds over some quality Persian cuisine, Andy’s clothing project, IM KING, had blossomed into a go-to apparel choice for a myriad of celebrities. Encompassing a complete apparel portfolio ranging from their eye-catching graphic t-shirts, to button-ups, jackets, hats, bottoms and a host of accessories, they’ve grown a long way since their initial batch of 6 t-shirts back in 2006.

Today, IM KING clothing is stocked in over 900 stores across the nation, including their flagship location in Downtown Santa Ana that opened in the last quarter of 2011.

Even with the growth, Andy keeps the vibe light, still punching away his daily eating habits on the company’s blog, not afraid to be personal, critical and dare I be lame — hungry — on a daily basis. So who better to approach about their five favorite foods?

Any follower of his Twitter account will quickly remind you how often this guy eats out, and it’s never at the same place twice. So when I approached him to talk about his five favorite foods, he wanted to keep it strictly to his local stomping grounds — Orange County.

The result is a compilation of five Orange County locations Andy simply can’t live without, and he will always come back to. Here they are, in his voice:

1. Seafood Cove

I’ve been eating here for as long as I can remember.  They now have a second location which also serves great Dim Sum. I come here for a lot of the dishes. The best hot and sour soup you can find, don’t forget to sprinkle on the pepper. The house special lobster and chicken are to die for. All the butter and MSG might clog your arteries, but it’s all worth it. The deep fried tofu with the sweet and sour sauce is goodness in every bite. The oily greens aren’t healthy but it makes you wish you were. You pretty much can’t go wrong with anything here. Be prepared to fall asleep and feel like crap afterwards. — Seafood Cove (Garden Grove, CA)

2. California Shabu-Shabu

I’ve been to many, many shabu places, and none beat this spot. It’s not the meat quality that wins, but the sauces that trumps all other local options . Often imitated, never duplicated. I always order the regular beef plate. I keep the usual veggies that it comes with. I begin marinating my meat in chili oil, green onions, garlic, radish, and ponzu sauce. When cooked, the meat packs on tons of flavor. The ponzu here isn’t too sweet, it’s just right. The Goma here is also a step above. A secret recipe that I just can’t get enough of — I drizzle it all over my brown rice. The soup base for the udon in also another secret. By far the best shabu place ever! — California Shabu-Shabu (Fountain Valley, CA)

3. Pho 86

The area of little Saigon that houses this restaurant has the best pho you can find, and that’s including Vietnam. For me Pho 86 and Pho 79 are my go to places. The Vietnamese staple, Pho, is a popular dish with everyone in the area. I’ve grown up eating this dish, so I can tell the difference. Pho 86 has the best meatballs for pho. I order the pho tai Bo vien (pho rare beef with meatballs) along with a side side of the tiet (which is some sort of beef blood) it makes your pho that much better. Don’t forget to add the mint, lime , bean sprouts, pepper, Sriracha and hoisin sauce in your bowl. I love this place! Best hangover food! — Pho 86 (Westminister, CA)

4. Mick’s Karma Bar

Bang for your buck this is the best gourmet burger you can get. Michael, the owner is an amazing cook. He understands how to make a burger. The “karma burger” will run you about five dollars. It’s big and it’s fresh. The beef is extra juicy, the bun nice and toasted. The greens, tomatoes, and onions needed on a classic burger are all accounted for. The secret sauce is light but tasty. The first bite will make you say “who”a! How can any burger this good, be this cheap?! Every time I bring someone here they leave talking about how good the burger is. — Mick’s Karma Bar (Irvine, CA)

5. Nha Hang $1.99

No longer is the food here $1.99, but the food is still as good as I remember. The most popular dish here is the deep fried chicken with red rice and the special black sauce. I always order a side of sunny side up egg with it. Even at $3.75 this meal is still a steal. The red rice is much more flavorful than the regular white rice. The chicken looks weird but drenched in the sauce will make everything right. This hole in the wall spot may look janky, but the chicken will make you rethink where you’re at. They also have this grass jelly dessert that you won’t find anywhere else. Mixed with red, green, grass jelly and coconut. It’s so good! Six dollars well spent. Nha Hang $1.99 (Westminister, CA)