Dec 7

Dec 7 Newport Beach Magazine: April/May 2018

Letter from the Editors

From the day I started dressing myself, I’ve always loved floral prints and would often wear apparel adorned with roses or tropical blooms—and, notably, still do. So, when I read “Flower Power” (page 26), I was ecstatic to discover that not only is this trend still alive and well, it has grown to become even more vibrant and bold. Especially in the spring, it can be hard to stand out among the real blossoms and other on-trend fashionistas rocking this look, but here, we show you how to implement abstract designs and bright colors to truly make your ensemble pop. With tips from a local stylist and popular pieces that are available in stores now, you can easily establish your roots in this colorful and timeless style.

Taste of the Town

Harborside Hot Spot

Fresh offerings abound at Lighthouse Bayview Café, with a luxurious dine and dock option.

Lighthouse Bayview Café offers a unique dine-and-dock option | Credit Micah Luke — Lighthouse Bayview Café offers a unique dine-and-dock option | *Credit Micah Luke*

When it comes to dining out in Newport, there’s nothing quite like relaxing on the waterfront while looking out on the harbor from the cozy interior of a lighthouse. Though not functional as a warning beacon for boats, the maritime decor certainly adds extra flare that makes Lighthouse Bayview Café—which actually looks like its namesake structure—stand out among its coastal neighbors.

Steamed Manila clams and bacon | Credit Dondee Quincena — Steamed Manila clams and bacon | *Credit Dondee Quincena*

And, adding to the atmosphere, diners can travel to the restaurant in style aboard small boats of their own or from companies such as Lido Marina Village-based Electric Boat Rental, which offers 10-person Fantail or Volt 180 boats and an eight-person Bruce. Perfect for the warmer spring weather, ride through the harbor and dock right in front of Lighthouse Bayview Café, then either come inside or opt to stay onboard and have meals delivered boat-side to enjoy at the dock or take away.

No matter how or when you choose to dine, there are myriad menu items that were recently introduced for spring, so as to incorporate only the freshest ingredients. In addition to new dishes, the restaurant now also offers separate lineups for lunch and dinner, giving guests even more options than when these menus were combined.

Before diving into the list of dishes, quench your thirst with an East Coast-inspired cocktail: the Eastern Standard, which comprises vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, cucumber and mint for a refreshing sip that still packs a punch, or a current special, the Mad Manhattan, which is Lighthouse’s rendition of the classic whiskey drink. If you’re looking for a morning libation, try Buddy’s Bloody, a bloody mary that is served in an oversized Mason jar and comes with all the fixings.

Chile de Arbor seafood pasta | Credit Micah Luke — Chile de Arbor seafood pasta | *Credit Micah Luke*

You’ll need some food to fill your belly along with that enormous cocktail, and there are plenty of new dishes exclusive to the breakfast menu, including the lobster thermidor omelet, French toast made with King’s Hawaiian sweet bread and mango compote, and a heaping stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with blueberry coulis and vanilla mascarpone sauce.

The lunch menu features two new sandwiches: an achiote chicken breast club with pepper bacon, guacamole and chili mayo, as well as the balsamic portobello mushroom sandwich with arugula, roasted tomatoes, provolone and pesto mayo. Red meat lovers are sure to enjoy the Mexican-inspired grilled skirt steak plate with chimichurri sauce, cilantro-scented rice, guacamole, pico de gallo and black beans. And if the nautical atmosphere inspires your taste buds, order the chile de arbol seafood pasta, which comprises clams, mussels and shrimp, all served on a bed of spaghetti and finished with a spicy tomato sauce.

You can also order the seafood pasta during dinner service or, for a smaller plate, try the Manila clams and bacon appetizer that comes drenched in a decadent white wine butter sauce and tomato confit. Another new dish is the thyme-braised bone-in chicken, served with a summer succotash, corn pudding and roasted chicken jus. Or, if you’re still dreaming of those portobello mushrooms, try them after being marinated, grilled and presented on a bed of “fried rice” made with ground cauliflower, peas, carrots and shishito peppers for a bit of a kick, with a sweet chili and sesame vinaigrette to balance out the flavors.

Of course, the menu still includes fan favorites like the hearty braised short rib grilled cheese with tomato soup, for a spin on the classic comfort food pairing, as well as the seared Hokkaido scallops with veggies for a fresh yet creamy seafood dish. And don’t leave without trying one of the eatery’s notoriously creative desserts, such as the mango sorbet served on top of juicy mango chunks and topped with fresno chilis for a tinge of spice, or the espresso creme brulee with blackberries and chocolate-covered espresso beans, which has such a subtle coffee flavor that even those who don’t like the beverage will enjoy every bite.

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.