Where to Eat and Drink Like St. Nick This Season
Indulging is part of the holiday season—for many, it’s even a tradition! Wining and dining with those we love most sparks all kinds of joy, so without further ado, we present where to eat and drink like St. Nick himself! Newport Beach is full of places to cozy up, treat yourself and revel in the season’s festivities. Here are five Santa-approved dish and drink pairings that’ll warm you up this winter.
Pairing: Short Rib Polenta + Reef Cuts Cocktail
Farm-to-table fare, harbor views and craft cocktails? Sign us up! Lido Bottle Works at Lido Marina Village is prized for its fresh and innovative seasonal dishes. Start with the Reef Cuts cocktail—a blend of beet-infused fermented gin, Lofi, ginger and egg white—then dig into the decadent short rib polenta. This combo will warm you up from the inside out!
Pairing: Shepherd’s Pie + Hot Toddy
Nothing says “home sweet home” like a savory Shepherd’s Pie. Muldoon’s Irish Pub is a local hotspot for authentic Irish fare, and their Shepherd’s Pie speaks for itself. This traditional dish is made with a golden mashed potato crust, which holds a warm center of stewed meat. Stay cozy by pairing it with a Hot Toddy crafted with Tullamore Dew, fresh lemon, clove and honey.
Pairing: Rack of Colorado Lamb + Roasted Chestnut Manhattan
When it comes to old-school charm and English dining, Five Crowns in Corona del Mar is the place. Kickstart your evening with the Roasted Chestnut Manhattan made with chestnut-infused Woodford Reserve, Punt E Mes, Amaro Nonino, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram and Angostura bitters. And when it comes to entrees, you can’t go wrong with the herb-crusted Rack of Colorado Lamb, which is served with root vegetables, carrot purée and harissa lamb jus.
Pairing: Prime Rib Sandwich + Festbier
Not every indulgence has to be a fine dining experience—Helmsman Ale House is the perfect spot for a casual yet tasty lunch. As the only craft brewery in Newport Beach, you can expect a wide range of beers, including the Festbier, which we recommend pairing with the juicy Prime Rib Sandwich. Thinly sliced prime rib, arugula, provolone, caramelized onion and creamy horseradish.
Pairing: 14 oz Prime New York + Bullseye Negroni
Elevate your next date night with a meal at Louie’s by the Bay. This sleek Italian steakhouse serves up a stellar selection of unique pastas and high-end steaks and chops. Prime your palate with the Bullseye Negroni made with rooibos chai-infused Botanist gin, Campari, Giardino sweet vermouth and cardamom bitters, then move on to the 14 oz Prime New York Steak. Simply choose a sauce (roasted garlic and rosemary glassato, Italian salsa verde or bagna cauda butter), then choose a side (fries, mashed potatoes, grilled mushrooms, broccolini or corn).
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
