Found out recently about a restaurant that will be opening up in Newport Beach I think right near the 3Thirty3 Waterfront restaurant on PCH in about a month. It's going to be called Sol Cocina (not Sol Cucina). Their PR people sent me some pictures of the food they will have and I'll be adding more information shortly about their menu, their chef, when they're going to open, etc.
Here is their initial press release:
SOL COCINA
Vibrant Baja cuisine in a contemporary setting infused with old world charm.
Newport Beach, Calif. (June 4, 2009)—Introducing SOL Cocina, a new restaurant and bar opening in mid July that will bring the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Baja California Coast to Newport Beach. Led by Executive Chef Deborah Schneider, a 2009 James Beard Foundation Book Award Nominee, SOL features innovative Baja-inspired cuisine in a modern setting that infuses old world Mexican charm with urban comforts.
SOL's menu offers signature regional recipes along with Schneider's own Baja-inspired creations, resulting in the perfect combination of authenticity and ingenuity. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, including Pacific fish, American Wagyu beef, Heirloom pork and locally raised vegetables, Schneider has created an exciting menu filled with signature
antojitos (small plates) and Baja-style street tacos—prepared in an exhibition kitchen surrounded by counter seating to give guests a genuine feel of eating at a taco stand on the Baja Coast— along with innovative entrees and desserts that are uniquely Baja.
"Our menu reflects the way we really like to eat in Southern California and Baja— simple, fresh food that's full of flavor and a focus on our beautiful Pacific seafood," explains Schneider. "Baja cooking is much lighter than traditional Mexican food—we love cooking on the wood grill, we make our own salsas and sauces every day with local fruits and vegetables, and we make your food fresh in front of you. That's Baja."
Mouthwatering creations are sure to please even the most discerning palates—from
Rainbow Guacamole made with buttery avocado and a selection of fresh fruit, nuts, cheeses and
chilies; and
Pibil-Roasted Fresh Fish on a Banana Leaf is made San Felipe-style and topped with a tequila lime cilantro beurre blanc and pineapple-jicama salsa; to
Kurobuta Carnitas Tacos made with shredded pork,
chiccharones, avocado, onion, cilantro and tomatillo sauce; and
Lemon-Garlic Mezcal Chicken Tacos topped with avocado sauce, onion and cilantro.
SOL's décor, created by acclaimed restaurant designer Thomas Schoos, features a modern interpretation of the traditional Baja coast that's as innovative as it is welcoming. Inspired by the laid back Baja California beach vibe, the 170-seat restaurant features rich textures, natural elements, seductive lighting and sophisticated touches. Plush leather chairs, wrought iron accents, antique bronze lanterns and distressed wooden doors bring a rustic feeling, while modern design elements—like steel and lucite cocktail tables filled with colorful Mexican trinkets—create a contemporary sensibility.
SOL Cocina's expansive bar is sure to be a local hot spot, featuring a full-service bar with over 50 varieties of tequilas housed in a three-foot double-tiered tower at each end of the bar, each framing a vintage mirror with a hand-forged nail frame, while a central fireplace gives off a warm, soft glow to create the feeling of sitting around a friend's backyard fire pit. The bar's 'outdoors brought indoors' elements seamlessly blend traditional indoor and outdoor materials throughout to create a warm, inviting, relaxed ambience that will easily appeal to the laid back luxe Newport Beach community.
Located on the Balboa marina, boaters can dock just steps from SOL's outdoor patio, making it easy to enjoy the restaurant's signature Baja cuisine and cocktails after a day out at sea. Located at 251 East Coast Highway in Newport Beach, SOL will be open for lunch and dinner daily from 11am to 11pm, with the bar open until 2am. For more information, please visit
www.solcocina.com.
Labels: newport beach, sol cocina
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