Ideas for Concerts, Picnics & The Upcoming Labor Day Weekend!

Summer is in its sun-filled glory on the coast, and hopefully that means you have made plans to enjoy outdoor concerts, picnics and boating. Not to mention planning ahead for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend! And that will be here before we know it!

Sure, you can grill some chicken, cut up some fruit, slice a baguette. But why bother? Why not just place a phone call, and let someone else make it all happen for you? So, taking that cue as a great idea, I have scoured the town and come up with my own list of favorite spots to place an order in Newport Beach. Turn-key! Here is a “To Go List” done just right. Be the hero of your next event, and here’s how…

Moulin Bistro
The word Moulin is French for windmills, which is reminiscent of owner Laurent Vrignaud’s neighborhood, Montmartre, located in the heart of Paris. Moulin is a bistro and Parisian food market offering all of us here in The OC, a “little slice of France”. At the Espresso Bar I always enjoy listening to the French customers chatting away. I really feel as though I have been transported to Paris, as I sip my cappuccino, and reminisce.

Just about everything is available for “take out” and with a few hours of advance notice, they can package most items for you to take-a-way. The most portable are their Sandwiches, and my favorite is the Chicken Pesto on their homemade bread. There are many in the display case at any time of the day. They also have: Les Omelettes, Le Croque Monsieur, salads, rotisserie chicken, and a rotating list of dinner items. (Each week a new menu appears on their web site. From Monday thru Friday there is a hot “plate of the day” (plat du jour) featured…. From Beef Bourguignon in a red wine sauce, Alaskan Cod in a Beurre Blanc served with a medley of vegetables, or a Salmon prepared in a Chervil Beurre Blanc and served over Farfalle pasta.) All of these items can be prepared to take away. Their French pastry chef makes passing by the bread & dessert case hard to resist. Lucky for me it is on the far side of the bistro. Everything is utterly scrumptious!

They are open from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Saturday and 8:00am to 3:00pm on Sundays. On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s they do special dinners which extend the hours just a tad for those attending in the evening.
1000 Bristol St N, Newport Beach, CA 92660
(844) 376-6243
Website

Bluewater Grill
There are three very special things about this restaurant for “To Go” ordering from Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach:
1) They have mastered the art of “to go” with packaging and party boxes that make it easy to literally grab, go and unwrap.
2)With one-hour notice by phone, they will have your order ready to go. Wow!
3)For boat owners, or Duffy rentals, they have their own private dock and guests on the water can pull up, jump out, and pick up their order with ease. They have been doing this for 20 years as a partner with Duffy electric boat rentals.

This is a classic New England-style fish house overlooking the Rhine Channel and docks. There is a dining room, bar and lovely outdoor patio with plank & pier floorboards and a shaded canopy overhead. The food is incredible with daily fish specials that seem to go on and on. A local’s hang out for sure. Below is the link to their catering menus and offer a plethora from: cheese and fruit platters, sandwich platters, to shrimp cocktail and multi-course meals.

Boat Docking- There is one two-sided dock available for guests with smaller electric boats. There is a second public dock that runs perpendicular to the restaurant. This public dock can accommodate much larger boats.
Open daily for lunch and dinner
949.675.3474
Website
Catering Menus

SOL Cocina
This restaurant offers a creative “Dock & Dine” Catering Program for summer and can also deliver all orders to the dock, which is just perfect for those stopping by via boat. SOL is a Baja-inspired Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, and a full bar featuring craft cocktails and margaritas. The inside fire pit warms the hearts of patrons, and there is live music on certain evenings (check their web site for details). Chef Deborah Schneider is famous for her authentic cuisine and a noted cookbook author as well. Yes, I have all of her books!

Here are a few details on their “Dock & Dine” Catering Program. From a beverage perspective, this includes: beer, wine and SOL’s fresh margarita kit. (This will transform even a novice bartender into a SOL-worthy mixologist!) Food-wise, they are offering five different tasting menu packages featuring SOL’s eclectic twist on traditional Baja cuisine. The menus include SOL’s signature salsas, guacamole and Borracho black beans with Cotixa cheese, served with crispy tostadas and warm corn tortillas. (In addition to the set menus, guests can of course order a la carte options from the regular menu.)

Boat Docks: Slips 65, 66 &74—are public docks and are located just to the right of the restaurant as you pull up.
Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch
949.675.9800 (call about their Dock and Dine Menu Packages)
Website

A Market
At the turn of the century, this market and the restaurant next door, were the only buildings standing along this stretch of remote Coast Highway. This wood-clad building is a classic and one feels as though you have really stepped back in time. Open every day from 6:30 am – 7:00 pm, this is the perfect spot to pick up breakfast items, lunch or early dinner items. A bevy of custom sandwiches can be built to order, and they offer “catering platters” as well. From continental breakfast for a large group, to individual boxed lunches, to sliders, pulled pork sandwiches, charcuterie trays, and the list goes on. Insdie the market there is wine, beer, and sweets galore to choose from! This is a one stop shop for grab-and-go.
3400 W Coast Highway
(949) 650-6515
Market Website
Catering Menu
Lunch Menu for sandwiches

Whole Foods Market
This mega-store has everything one could want. In the deli case they offer grilled salmon, chicken, mixed salads, sandwiches and a huge selection of sushi already pre-packaged for those on the move. There is a wood-burning pizza oven with delicious old-school pizzas. They have mouth-watering desserts and three long bays of prepared food items–both hot and cold. The “party and catering menus” is found on-line and can be ordered for small, medium and large groups. The possibilities are endless! However orders need to be placed on-line for pick up, so you are somewhat on your own with this scenario.
(949) 999-8572
Catering Menus

Bristol Farms
Bristol Farms is one of my favorite places to get ideas for dinner parties and best of all– to sit down at their Catering Desk and meet with a Catering Specialists. They are so great and at walking you through a menu, and offering great ideas. The Catering Menus are available on-line and a great place to start. From a plethora of breakfast ideas, to sweets, and lunch sandwiches, wraps & salads. They also have an afternoon tea menu for finger sandwiches and teas. Their catering menu is staggering–covering appetizers, boxed lunches, platters, and complete dinners. What I love best is that all the items are creatively executed. This is not the standard fare. From Lemon Rosemary Chicken Satay (served with roasted red pepper dip), to Bacon Wrapped Date Rumaki, or the Brandied Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini–it is all unusual, beautifully presented on trays, and most importantly delicious. Open 7:00am to 10:00pm, and until 9:00pm on Sundays, this store can accommodate all your needs seamlessly, including: wine, waters, craft beers, and desserts too!
Catering Specialists Directly: (888) 726-7271
Store Number: (949) 760-6514
Catering Menus

Hopefully this list offers something to match your needs this summer. Enjoy the out of doors, great music, the water, friends & family, and most importantly…. Dine Well!