We welcome fall with open arms and applaud the creative creations and fanciful treats that Chefs are creating for us. Take a visit with us as we peruse some of the special menus offered here in Corona del Mar. (A “Part One” of this series ran previously, and covered restaurants in Newport Beach and Cannery Village.) We have discovered a treasure-trove of delicious bites we know you too will want to enjoy this fall…

Quiet Woman- Corona del Mar- Quiet Woman is just a charming restaurant and bar that makes me smile when I walk in the door. They are open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, and for dinner each evening. During the fall and holiday season, the Owner Lynne makes her famous pumpkin pies. She mentioned to me that they sold about 150 of those treats last year and hope to do more this year!

Here are three of the items that can be found on their fall menu influenced by the desire for comfort-style selections… “Short Ribs” (these are slow roasted all day with a dazzling sauce and are served with butter mashed potato, butternut squash and a cipollini onion). The “QW Burger” (this is the quintessential burger—with eight ounces of Black Angus chuck with all the stuff, and topped with frizzled onions). And for dessert—a slice of “Pumpkin Pie” (a creamy velvet pumpkin with hints of cinnamon and clove, topped with vanilla bean gelato and a dollop of whipped cream. This is available now through January 31st by the slice or whole to take home). And lastly, “Bananarama”. This is layers of house-made salted caramel, pound cake, brownie, caramelized bananas and fudge with banana gelato.

Quiet Woman– 3224 Pacific Coast Highway Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 640-7440; www.quietwoman.com

Pirozzi Restaurant- Corona del Mar- Chef and restaurant owner Alessandro Pirozzi has brought his delicious and authentic Italian cuisine to Corona del Mar. There is a lovely covered patio which is always busy. Inside, the brick wall adds a sense of warmth to the dining room. The décor is somewhat modern with gray tones and colorful light fixtures.

Nothing says fall like a wood burning oven, and Pirozzi Corona Del Mar features 11 different delicious pizza pies. But nothing says fall to me, like his show-stopping Ravioli. His menu is ginormous, however, by far, my favorite is his Butternut Squash Ravioli, made with organic squash, ricotta ravioli, and a brown butter sage sauce drizzled atop. It is so rich and flavorful. No one can consume just one ravioli. One begets the next.

Pirozzi Restaurant-2929 East Coast Highway-Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 675-2932; www.pirozzicdm.com

Rothschild’s Italian Restaurant- Corona del Mar- Rothschild’s is such a charmer. I just love to sit at the bar with the dark wood and tiny tea-lamps with burgundy shades and an aura of days long past. It was established in 1977 by Helmut Reiss, and is now run by his daughter Heidi, and her family. It started out as a wine and cheese shop with a small dining room. The focus later shifted to the restaurant side of the business. They feature amazing homemade pasta (made fresh daily), fresh seafood, prime filet mignon, veal and chicken dishes. House made desserts: Tiramisu, Creme Brulee, Raspberry Linzer and their newest addition, Cannolli. Two new beverages inspired by fall include: the Blood Orange Margarita & Pumpkin Spice Martini. I cannot wait to try these two darlings sitting at that amazing bar!

Rothschild’s– 2407 East Coast Highway- Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 673-3750; www.rothschildsrestaurant.com

So, there you have it. Enjoy your culinary discovery of what makes fall menus so special!