Recalling ‘17s Savory Sensations

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By Christopher Trela & Catherine Del Casale | NB Indy

Another year has come and gone and with it 52 weeks of memorable dining experiences.

Trying to reflect back on our favorites was a challenge, but we managed to come up with a list of our top 10 dining experiences and 10 honorable mentions.

The list is alphabetical.

Andrea’s duck ravioli, a chef-created recipe.
Andrea’s duck ravioli, a chef-created recipe.

Andrea at Pelican Hill Resort, Newport: Chef Troy Mendoza was recently promoted to chef de cuisine and is continuing the restaurant’s reputation for superb cuisine. On our last visit, he prepared a classic prosciutto and arugula thin-crust pizza for us, along with two seasonal specials of scallops and duck ravioli. The latter is his own recipe. The pizza flavor combination is insanely good. The service is still impeccable. One of the finest dining spots in OC.

Crack Shack, Costa Mesa: Celebrity chef Richard Blais brings his chicken concept to 17th Street and is an immediate hit. Why? Fun upbeat atmosphere, friendly staff, and terrific food that matches the ambiance. The French fries are some of the best in town, the biscuits are delicious, the poutine a must, and the sandwiches all creative and a lovely mess to eat.

Lighthouse Café, Newport: A still-hidden gem on Balboa Peninsula, Lighthouse Café is owned and operated by Ruby’s Restaurants, although you’d never know it because the menu is as far cry from Ruby’s burgers and fries. The seasonal menu offers options such as short rib grilled cheese sandwich served with tomato soup, and addicting beignets. The casual setting overlooks Newport Harbor. The dog friendly patio is a terrific place for breakfast.

Marche Moderne, Newport: Chef-owner Florent Marneau relocate from South Coast Plaza and reopened last fall in the Crystal Cove Shopping Center. New items fill out a menu with classic Marche favorites. Our last over-the-top experience included a butter tasting. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and food in general. The ambiance is upscale but unpretentious. Can’t wait to go back.

Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Santa Ana: We were devoted fans of chef Ross Pangilinan when he helmed the kitchen at Leatherby’s Café Rouge at Segerstrom Center. For more than five years, he created clever menus that excited the senses. He left Leatherby’s last year and opened Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in downtown Santa Ana, well worth the short drive. The menu changes frequently and Ross’s attention to details create works of culinary art that are both fun and serious. From Sunday brunch to weekday dinners to a multi-course chef’s table experience, Mix Mix just keeps getting better. And the cocktails are also elevated beyond the norm.

Sampling French dishes at Moulin.
Sampling French dishes at Moulin.

Moulin, Newport and Laguna: Normally open for breakfast and lunch, Moulin also offers special prix fixe dinners on Tuesday and Thursday nights that are fun and a great value. Their beaujolais nouveau wine dinner in November was a blast, as is their steak frites night. A Laguna Beach location opened earlier this year and while smaller offers crepes and French-style hot dogs. No matter which location you try, c’est magnifique!

Royal Hen, Newport: Taking over the Amelia’s Restaurant spot on Balboa Island, Royal Hen opened earlier this year and has been a local go-to spot for fun home-style cuisine. Last time we dined here, the off-the-menu offerings were more interesting than the menu dishes. These included a burger and chicken pot pie, the best Christopher declared has sampled. Not that you see chicken pot pie on many menus. The restaurant is cozy, and makes you want to wander around town after dinner and maybe grab a Balboa bar across the street.

Side Door/Five Crowns, Newport: Five Crowns continues to experiment and evolve its menu, and has added wine dinners and other special events. Side Door has added a monthly cheese event and in January they’ll host a special tasting party of the previous four month’s worth of cheeses (plus gourmet charcuterie and breads). These are two restaurants where we always anticipate a great experience–and always get one.

Water Grill, Costa Mesa: We’ve been impressed with the restaurant that replaced Scott’s Seafood near Segerstrom Center and South Coast Rep. Lunch is less crowded and more relaxing, with sunlight streaming through the windows to highlight the nautical décor. The seafood is fresh (the fish and chips are fabulous) and the sauces are a perfect accoutrement. Catherine dubbed this a “sea to table” restaurant. Good wine list and good service.

Zinque, Newport: The first restaurant to open in Lido Marina Village a year ago, Zinque offers good food with a view. Catherine says it’s an easy spot to meet up with friends for a drink and appetizer at the bar or even a full dinner. Catherine loves the unique menu options, including the interesting flatbreads. As she notes, “different options for different palates.”

Honorable Mention

Andrei’s, Irvine: Near John Wayne Airport, Andrei’s consistently delivers an excellent dining experience thanks to a creative menu.

Bayside, Newport: Consistently excellent service and dishes, and the nightly live music (Ron Kobayashi plays piano there most Thursday nights, and the Friday night jazz jam session is always a great time).

Chianina, Long Beach: We snuck over to try this upscale steak house. Wow, expensive but worth every penny.

Fig & Olive, Newport: Yes it’s loud at night, but lunch and early dinner reveals delightful menus in a classy setting.

: A new chef is livening up Las Brisas.
: A new chef is livening up Las Brisas.

Las Brisas, Laguna: A surprise this fall was a new chef doing some wonderful things in the kitchen to make the cuisine match the fabulous view. Don’t miss the new burger with foie gras aioli.

Lido Bottle Works, Newport: Another Lido Marina Village newcomer that is chef driven and creative.

Montage/Studio, Laguna: Christopher has dined here several times and attended special food events and cannot say enough good things about the culinary program at the Montage, and Studio.

Provenance, Newport: Tucked away in a small shopping center, Chef Cathy Pavlos is constantly creating amazing cuisine. The warm biscuits alone are worth a trip.

Sushi Roku, Newport: Our favorite sushi spot. Inventive menu includes more than just sushi. Christopher loves the sake flights and the over-the-top desserts.

The Winery, Newport: This restaurant has garnered numerous awards for its cuisine and wine list, and with good reason. Chef Yvon Goetz loves his wild game, and has a menu focused on hearty fare as well as seafood. Terrific view matches the service.

 

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