Newport Beach Magazine: December 2018/January 2019
Jalapeno and Mango cocktails | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Taste of the Town
Garden-Fresh Gastronomy
Malibu Farm brings its celebrated, vegetable-centric cuisine to Newport Beach.
Renowned farm-to-table restaurant Malibu Farm has planted new roots at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. With its two original locations on the Malibu Pier, as well as other recent additions at the Nobu Hotel Miami Beach in Florida and Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Hawaii, this new space continues the eatery’s motif of gorgeous, seaside locales. And, considering the exponential popularity of fresh, seasonal fare in our iconic beach town, the company certainly chose a picturesque place for its first Orange County location.
Situated right on the water, overlooking Newport Harbor, the restaurant’s indoor-outdoor setting includes seating options for every outing: tables for the traditionalist, a lounge area for kicking back with friends and Instagrammable spots for the social media guru, as well as a bar top for those in search of sensational libations.
When it comes to drinks, the agave-based cocktail menu consists of delicious concoctions that pair perfectly with the garden-fresh elements in every dish. Each one is named after its primary ingredient, such as the Mango, which incorporates the sweet tropical fruit in a mango- and dill-infused pisco (South American brandy) as well as a Cuban mango tea agave, which is finished with lemon juice, egg white froth and a dill garnish. Other creations include a mezcal-based Smoke, rum-filled Coconut and the spicy, tequila-centric Jalapeno.
Cauliflower crust pizza | Photo by Dondee Quincena
The latter sip brings the heat, which is complementary to the avocado huarache, a flatbread-esque appetizer that is ideal for sharing and a must-try because of its exclusivity to this location. Both tastes are certainly piquant, with the modern huarache’s jalapeno-ricotta spread, creamy avocado, crunchy watermelon radish and sweet honey-lemon vinaigrette allowing for a satisfying balance of sensations—including the tingle of spice that lingers on your lips.
Another standout starter is the vegetable-forward cauliflower crust pizza (ideal for those who enjoy a softer base) topped with an arugula-basil pesto, melted mozzarella, bright heirloom tomatoes, wild arugula and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Like various other menu items, this recipe was brought down from the Malibu Pier restaurant due to its popularity, in order to offer only the best plates to Newport diners.
Butterflied branzino | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Other longtime favorites that can be found on this menu include the crabcakes with caper aioli, burrata salad with seasonal fruit and a maple-balsamic vinaigrette, miso-tahini salmon and spaghetti squash lasagna. On the other hand, exclusive items include the Newport Nachos, which are smothered in queso blanco, Monterey Jack cheese, creme fraiche, pickled jalapenos and Fresno chiles; a second huarache with traditional Greek salad toppings; the Malibu Farm Chicken Parm; and a beautiful, butterflied branzino.
The fish is light and flaky with bursts of earthy flavors from the vegetables on the plate, creating an incredible marriage of land and sea. Or, for a hearty vegan option, turn to the creamy coconut curry brimming with tofu, zucchini, bell peppers and cauliflower, all on a bed of jasmine rice—and carnivores are welcome to substitute the tofu for another protein, such as chicken.
When it comes time for dessert, chocoholics should indulge in the grilled chocolate cake, which is deliciously moist and topped with a bit of salt, with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream being the ultimate accompaniment. Also on the menu are three cake flavors that can be paired with any of the eatery’s ice creams. Adventurous diners would be remiss not to try one incredible combination that we discovered: the olive oil cake with lemon-basil ice cream. This herbaceous dessert has a prominent basil flavor with a slightly sour aftertaste from the lemon and a fruity finish from fresh strawberries, making for an ending that truly exemplifies the naturally decadent and creative cuisine for which Malibu Farm is known.
Tip: Check out the company’s home goods store, located adjacent to the restaurant, for a curated selection of decor, apparel and books, such as the official “Malibu Farm Cookbook.”
