Dec 17

Dec 17 Pacific Coast Magazine: Summer 2019

Steak and potatoes | Photo courtesy of Marín von Blöm — Steak and potatoes | *Photo courtesy of Marín von Blöm*

Buzz: Eat & Drink

Rising Restaurants

Orange County is a foodie destination, and with standout eateries popping up all along the coastline, from Bourbon Steak at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point to Arc Butcher & Baker on Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula, there are innovative places to try around virtually every corner.

Arc Butcher & Baker is the newest culinary venture from restaurateurs Marín and Noah von Blöm of Arc Food & Libations in Costa Mesa. The couple’s Newport Beach location offers ready-to-serve, take-home meals for up to four people, including seasonal Duffy Baskets for picnics on the water, as well as a full-service bakery, butchery and a dine-in menu. Be sure to try one of the delicious cuts of steak like a rib-eye or tomahawk, which are all available to enjoy on-site or at home.

Also on the Balboa Peninsula is The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub & Kitchen at Lido House hotel, which serves as an homage to the city’s former leaders and the old City Hall that once stood on the same plot of land. Nautical elements can be found in the interior design as well as on the menu, which features a sea of fresh catches. For an especially unique experience, book a seat at the chef’s counter, a new offering that includes a seven- to 12-course menu, which changes daily.

The interior of CdM Restaurant | Photo by Lily Fassnacht — The interior of CdM Restaurant | *Photo by Lily Fassnacht*

Moving down Pacific Coast Highway into Corona del Mar, diners can discover a new concept from the people behind A Restaurant (also located in Newport Beach) that is appropriately called CdM Restaurant. Corporate Executive Chef Jonathan Blackford helms the kitchens at both dining establishments, with this new eatery focusing on classic-yet-creative American dishes with an elevated, modern twist. One such offering is the Dirty Pasta with duck bolognese, shavings of ricotta salata cheese and fried sage leaves all atop house-made rigatoni pasta—a perfect embodiment of the chef’s talents.

Over in Laguna Beach, diners can have a taste of authentic Italian cuisine at Oliver’s Osteria, which is located at The Hive in Laguna Canyon. Owner and Executive Chef Erik de Marchi brings his roots from Imola, Italy, to town with handmade pasta as the star of his menu. Ask your server about the daily specials, or opt for a secret menu item: the bottarga, a spaghetti dish that incorporates a delicacy of salted, cured fish roe both in an olive oil-based sauce and sprinkled on top of the pasta.

Downtown Laguna Beach is home to a couple new restaurants, with one exceptional spot being Ocean at Main. Presented by owner and Executive Chef Craig Strong, formerly of Studio at Montage Laguna Beach, this casual-yet-refined dining establishment features a menu full of plates that look and taste divine. Though the lunch and dinner menus surely shine, those who like to enjoy an alfresco weekend brunch should stop in for Scarlet’s Favorite Five Spice Pancakes, a tribute to Strong’s daughter who asks him to make the breakfast dish for her nearly every day.

A broccolini pizza at Ocean at Main | Photo by Baldemar Fierro — A broccolini pizza at Ocean at Main | *Photo by Baldemar Fierro*

Another renowned Orange County chef and restaurateur, Greg Daniels, recently opened Harley Laguna Beach in the space that formerly housed Three Seventy Common Kitchen & Drink. Come to this eatery for California fare with international influences and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all in a modern and eclectic setting. Savory menu items will tantalize taste buds, while the roasted pineapple upside-down cake makes for the perfect dessert as it features a bit of smokiness from cooking the tropical fruit over the kitchen’s wood-burning oven as well as a bit of spice from a black pepper ice cream.

Coming soon to south Laguna is The Drake, which is scheduled to open in mid-August. This restaurant will also present modern California fare with a touch of global inspirations as well as daily, live musical performances of jazz, R&B and blues in a piano bar lounge. Father-son duo Paul and Nick Gstrein will be leading this kitchen, putting out delicious dishes like a venison steak Diane with Madeira sauce and exotic mushrooms.

Further down the coast in Dana Point is Bourbon Steak at Monarch Beach Resort, a highly acclaimed concept by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina. This modern American steakhouse uses Mina’s signature method of butter poaching steaks before putting them on the grill, with select cuts finished tableside. Though the beef certainly takes center stage, diners would be remiss to forgo the fresh shellfish platter appetizer with oysters, shrimp, king crab and half a lobster, which can be served ice-cold or sizzling hot.

With so many enticing new restaurants, the biggest decision will simply be which one to try first. (Arc Butcher & Baker: 949-877-0190; arcbutcherbaker.com) (The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub & Kitchen: 949-524-8500; lidohousehotel.com) (CdM Restaurant: 949-287-6600; cdmrestaurant.com) (Oliver’s Osteria: 949-715-0261; oliversosteria.com) (Ocean at Main: 949-715-3870; oceanatmain.com) (Harley Laguna Beach: 949-715-1530; harleylagunabeach.com) (The Drake: 949-376-1000; thedrakelaguna.com) (Bourbon Steak: 949-234-3900; michaelmina.net)

Meet Ashley

This born-and-raised Maui girl works as a freelance content creator who specializes in writing and editing for both print and digital publications, as well as producing short-form videos for social media. Her favorite topics to cover are travel, food, and spirituality with an emphasis on witchcraft.