Who’s the Boss? | Bosscat Serves up Whiskey and Comfort Food in Orange County

True to its roots, Bosscat is a 5,000-square-foot modern whiskey-focused eatery with a generous open-air bar and patio, open to the vast greenbelt in the park. The newly rebranded TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar is a 2,800-square-foot, beautiful and intimate sushi haven with an awesome patio. 

Bosscat, Photo by GBH Photoworks

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The two restaurants recently hosted the grandest of grand openings, with 750 people flocking to Lakeshore to enjoy whiskey samples from the top brands, Aperol activations and samples, photo opportunities, VIP spaces and more. The successful grand opening gave Orange County a taste of the new stylish home for Bosscat and TEN and a sampling of their fine food and drink offerings.

“It has surprised us how many of our most loyal guests did not realize we owned both concepts,” co-owner JT Reed says. “This move has given both restaurants a chance to expand their identities while solidifying their relationship with one another”

It’s no exaggeration to say that Bosscat is the place to be for whiskey lovers—with a stash of over 300 bottles they are sure to have something to impress even the most discerning whiskey drinker. And if you crave American comfort food, you won’t be disappointed by the dining menu. Pork belly poutine, crispy fried chicken sandwiches and 12 hour beef short ribs are just a few of the delectable staples that you’ll find on the Bosscat menu.

At TEN, the sushi-centric menu features innovative and flavorful takes on the Asian dishes you know and love. If you’re a fan of flavorful fresh fish, you’ll love the expansive options available as well as an impressive variety of specialty sashimi that is sure to make your mouth water. 

The design narrative in both restaurants came directly from co-owner Leslie Nguyen. With TEN she wanted the environment to exude femininity. The space is sexy, safe and glamorous, with each corner holding its own meaning.  

Upon entering, the large indoor cherry blossom tree (symbolizing ‘rebirth’) catches your eye, and the ground-to-ceiling street art mural by California artist Jason Roose draws you in. Every piece of design detail is personal to Nguyen’s complex life experience.  

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Bosscat and TEN co-owners Leslie Nguyen and JT Reed

Just 100 feet away, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations has a masculine, refined sense. The Orange County building is new but was designed to feel lived in, with the whiskey room and library as the heart of the space. The classic “Bosscat” design elements—reclaimed wood, cobalt blue booths and a fish tank peek-in kitchen—remain part of the vision, yet upscale and polished.

Co-owners Reed and Nguyen have been on an energetic rise with additional restaurants opening in Houston this year. Every restaurant will hold elements of one another, but like any family, each will have its own personality and unique traits.  

Bosscat, Photo by GBH Photoworks

About [Bosscat Kitchen & Libations] Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique menu of American comfort food. It offers a high energy, open spaced concept to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and whiskey barrels are prevalent in the space. One of this restaurant’s most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, which houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskey like Pappy Van Winkle to a shot of Jameson and a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone’s taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. The beverage program is focused highly on the craft and showcases its commitment to a good drink by constantly evolving the menu. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The focus is American comfort food that will always pair well with whiskey. The chef cultivates new ideas with seasonal produce, meats, and spices. On weekends, you can find crowds waiting to get in for an exciting brunch filled with mimosas and clever takes on breakfast dishes (think: “Fruity Pebbles French Toast” and the “Donut Burger”).  Bosscat is committed to creating a fun and unique dining experience.  For more information please visit www.bosscatkitchen.com

About [TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar] For the past twelve years,  TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar has been an establishment known for Asian Fusion and a full service Sushi Bar, growing to become the go-to hot spot for Asian dishes and stand out, unique sushi.  TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar provides a sophisticated dining experience within an Asian inspired setting, rich with color and ambiance.  The menu is hyper-focused on fresh, quality ingredients.  TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar aims to be innovative with the ethnic menu and provides a hip, cutting edge vibe to their guests.  For more information please visit www.tensushicocktail.com