Chef Hansel Bailey Shares Newport Beach’s Best Dining Spots
Newport Beach, largely recognized for its marvelous coastline, is a town with a wealth of restaurants that place a premium on fresh ingredients, locally grown vegetables, and delectable dishes.
Hansel Bailey, a professional chef with extensive experience working in numerous kitchens throughout the United States, highlights some of the best restaurants in the Newport Beach area that encompass fine dining.
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
At Farmhouse, you can get a firsthand look at outdoor dining, with this Newport Beach garden offering a setting that resembles the south of France, combined with a view of the luxuriant retail operation, professional chef Hansel Bailey states. Farmhouse partners with farmers, fisherman, wine, and spirits makers who are completely aware of the ingredients that go into their products and how they are produced. Every week, Farmhouse owner and executive chef Rich Mead heads to the Santa Monica Farmers Market to acquire his ingredients, which serve as the inspiration for the farm-to-fork dishes. Bring your appetite, absorb the rustic surroundings, and chow down at one of the town’s best restaurants.
A Restaurant
A Restaurant was originally developed as a restaurant and service station, professional chef Hansel Bailey says. Today, it houses a contemporary American menu that is consistently changing, though always honoring the restaurant’s relationships with various local farms and suppliers. Starters include brussels sprout leaves and spicy yellowfin tuna, while the main courses include tasty, fresh dishes like the Maine diver scallops, Atlantic salmon, and Mary’s organic chicken piccata. Add in the cozy atmosphere and affordable prices, it’s no wonder that this fine-dining restaurant is approaching its 100-year anniversary since first opening in 1925.
Billy’s At The Beach
Serving the Aloha Spirit for upwards of two decades, Billy’s At The Beach provides mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine and an oasis of an atmosphere, professional chef Hansel Bailey claims. With fresh seafood, classic steaks, island-inspired favorites, world famous Mai Tais and waterfront views, you are certain to receive a full dose of the Hawaiian experience and the incredible cuisine that stems from it. Their Mai Tai Survival Kit comes with four Mai Tais and two Beach Burgers. Appetizers range from coconut shrimp — golden fried and served with a Thai sauce that is both spicy and sweet — to Hawaiian BBQ ribs, consisting of a half rack of slow-roasted baby back pork seasoned with house rub and glazed with Billy’s homemade sauce.
CUCINA Enoteca
If you’re on the prowl for pizza and pasta in Newport Beach, then CUCINA Enoteca is your spot to find a California twist on traditional Italian meals. Eating outside will only complement the overall experience, as the outdoor patio is gorgeous and reminds one of a greenhouse. Much of the menu is prepared from scratch, including their pasta, pizza, antipasti, cheese, and salami. A restaurant with a warm and welcoming environment, as well as a wine list that exceeds 250 varieties to add to your fine dining experience, CUCINA Enoteca is bound to leave you with a rich, full-flavored aftertaste.
Bear Flag Fish Co.
Using seasonal, fresh ingredients, Bear Flag is constantly attracting locals and newcomers, particularly because visitors have the option of buying seafood by the pound to cook up themselves. Their seafood, all of which is fresh, sustainably sourced, and seasoned superbly, is guaranteed to give you a healthy meal without diminishing any of the savory flavor. Sample one of their fish burritos and, as professional chef Hansel Bailey says, you too will attest to the succulent seafood that is available at Bear Flag.
