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Wednesday
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Sunny. Mild.
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82°F/
57°F
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Thursday
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Haze. Mild.
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78°F/
57°F
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Friday
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Passing clouds. Mild.
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77°F/
57°F
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EXPLORE O.C. | | | | | | | 4500 MacArthur Blvd
Newport Beach,
CA
92660-2053
949-476-2001 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Enticing bambú is the signature restaurant of this luxurious hotel, known for its pyramidal shape and atrium-like common areas. The restaurant, set in the center of the main atrium, is surrounded by palm trees and fresh flowers. As a result, it's like something out of a storybook and is just the scene for a romantic tryst for two. One of its most well-attended events is Sunday's champagne brunch, a feast of carved meats, sushi, made-to-order omelets, luscious desserts, crepes, and seafood. Adult $59, child (12 and under) $30.
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| 3201 E Coast Hwy
Corona del Mar,
CA
92625
949-673-3524 | | | | | Description: CORONA DEL MAR. Expect a trendy crowd at this hotspot, where superb American cuisine ranges from roast prime rib to jambalaya. Ask a regular, and you'll likely be told that passing up Bandera's famous cornbread is an unforgivable mistake. The Southwestern-inspired interior offers a welcome respite from the bustle outside the rock fireplace is an especially cozy touch. In addition, the bar has emerged as a popular hangout for Newport Beach's suave, sophisticated crowd. Indeed, while a cool, jazzy soundtrack fills the air, plenty of patrons pose and preen over favorite cocktails.
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| 900 Bayside Dr
Newport Beach,
CA
92660-7460
949-721-1222 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. One of Newport's more exclusive restaurants, chic Bayside has garnered quite a reputation for itself, thanks to deftly-prepared seafood and an atmosphere more Beverly Hills than Orange County. A favorite with the young and trendy crowd, Bayside is an exercise in juxtaposition: Gallery-like dining rooms and a sleek bar contrast with a vine-draped exterior, reminiscent of a spaghetti Western set. The menu is equally fascinating, composed of dishes like Pacific grilled swordfish and risotto with pancetta-wrapped tiger prawns. A 4-course prix fixe menu is $49.95.
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| 315 PCH
Huntington Beach,
CA
92648
714-374-7273 | | | | | Description: HUNTINGTON BEACH. Orange County residents have been blessed with this excellent Southwestern-tinged restaurant. Kudos go to a sidewalk patio that's perfect for people-watching, to awesome views, and to a beachside bar. Celebrities are said to stop in frequently, but you'll be hard-pressed to notice them when mesmerized by grilled mahi mahi with papaya slaw and lime butter, rare ahi rolls, lobster tacos, and Alaskan king crab legs. You'll also find several beef and steak dishes.
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| 690 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach,
CA
92660-6494
949-760-4920 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. The Palm Terrace, the signature restaurant of one of Orange County's most exclusive hotels, is locally renowned for its elegant, unpretentious setting and Californian-Mediterranean menu. Coral-toned walls, fresh-cut flowers, European furnishings, and a unique collection of modern art set the tone for an unforgettable meal, whether it's a romantic dinner or a much-needed early morning boost. As "DiRoNA" and "Wine Spectator" have surmised, the Palm Terrace is a special place. .
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| 2407 E Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar,
CA
92625
949-673-3750 | | | | | Description: CORONA DEL MAR. A charmingly romantic alternative to Orange County's various hip eateries, Rothschild's enjoys a primo location off famous PCH. It also boasts a distinct refinement highlighted by French-inspired woodwork and original 19th-century artwork. Suggested entrees on the Italian-tinged New American menu include egg and spinach fettuccine with sautéed shrimp and crabmeat, and beef tournedos topped with pâté and mushrooms. Since space is limited, reservations are essential.
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| 2531 Eastbluff Dr
Newport Beach,
CA
92660
949-718-9650 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. At this upbeat bistro, savvy tourists and long-time locals adore chef-owner Rich Mead's sublime regional American cuisine. Indeed, you'll find no pretense or snobbery inside these Spanish mission-style walls; rather, the casual air and friendly waitstaff quickly make everybody feel at home. Menu highlights include a grilled portabello with Swiss chard and papaya mustard, roast chili-crusted lamb rack with red pepper coulis and red wine reduction, and grilled balsamic salmon with roast asparagus and new potatoes. Complement your entree with a selection from the eclectic wine list, which features labels from Santa Barbara to the Russian River Valley. Brunch draws high marks from area critics thanks to specialties that range from a tomato-basil omelet with fried potatoes to blue corn huevos rancheros with black beans.
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| 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach,
CA
92648-5307
714-960-7873 | | | | | Description: HUNTINGTON BEACH. The Hilton's award-winning restaurant lets guests enjoy continental-inspired fare inside, surrounded by palm trees and Mediterranean-styled decor, or al fresco on the enchanting garden patio with breathtaking views of the ocean and the beach below. Brunch at Shades is an upscale affair a lavish buffet with fresh fruit, omelets, pastries, and the like. Adults $39; children 12 and under $15. Reservations are accepted but aren't necessary.
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| 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach,
CA
92648
714-845-4776 | | | | | Description: HUNTINGTON BEACH. Signature restaurant of the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, The Californian has won over more than a few critics. Its setting affords views of a lovely courtyard garden, a reflecting pool, and even the Pacific. Adding to the restaurant's romantic allure are linen-covered tables, ochre walls hung with contemporary art, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace. The menu offers several tasty twists and turns: South Pacific ono with green bamboo rice and Thai coleslaw, California cioppino with handmade brandade gnocchi, and breast of Sonoma Muscovy duck with port wine-strawberry gastrique.
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| The Ritz Restaurant and Garden880 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach,
CA
92660-6387
949-720-1800 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. This highly-acclaimed establishment has earned approving nods from "Wine Spectator" and "Condé Nast" and for good reason. The contemporary continental menu is complemented by refined, country club-like decor: The elegant Escoffier Room features suave Georgian accents and copper rotisseries while the sophisticated Wine Cellar boasts speakeasy charm and Bacchanalian bas-relief accents. Menu standouts include imported Dover sole with capers and brown butter, grilled calf's liver with onion straws and spoon leaf spinach, and rack of Colorado lamb with rosemary jus. Reservations recommended on weekends.
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