Readers' Choice: Vote for Favorite New Restaurant

Editor's Note: Voting in the poll will close at 11:59 p.m. on August 17, 2012.

The economy has been tough on restaurants over the past few years, but that hasn't stopped new ones from stepping up to the plate.

Patch wants to find out the favorite new restaurants that have opened in the last year or so in Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores and Trabuco Canyon. We also want to know why, because different joints offer different advantages.

Maybe you like someplace that offers quick, inexpensive convenience such as Togo's, or you like the relaxed big atmosphere of B.J.'s, or perhaps the upscale offerings from Embarcadero. Then again, maybe the garage door stylings of Bruxie is just too cool to pass up.

Whatever your taste, let us know which restaurant has piqued your interest and which one you recommend to your fellow Patch readers. And no, you can't pick the unbuilt In-N-Out slated to open later this year.

We'll take nominations until July 9, then we begin voting for the Patch Readers Choice Awards for 2012. At that point, no matter how you slice it, you fork over your votes, spoon up some compliments, and eventually drink in the results.

Yeah, we know, "Here's a tip: Knock it off with the puns."

Very well—just let us know which restaurant whets your appetite.