Strawberry Picks In Newport Beach
The strawberry is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness. First bred in Brittany, France, in the 1750s the garden strawberry can now be grown in your own garden given the right climate and soil. May is strawberry month and in Newport Beach, you’ll find a variety of strawberry inspired offerings in celebration of this beautifully vibrant fruit.
Lemonade, the southern Californian fast casual concept serves up seasonal cuisine in a bright cafeteria setting. Located at Fashion Island by the movie theater, this modern marketplace is a quick and healthy alternative to fast food whether you’re sitting down to eat, or grabbing to go. The restaurant is known for salads among other things, and right now, they are featuring Lima Beans with Strawberries, Smoked Gouda, and Red Wine-Oregano Vinaigrette. The lima beans and strawberries are braised in vegetable stock, rosemary, and sliced lemon until tender, which adds another level of flavor to the beans. This delightful seasonal salad is one of many options available at Lemonade.
Photo Credit: Anita Lau
When you’re looking for that perfect cocktail, Island Hotel near Fashion Island is where you want to go. The hotel’s Aqua Lounge is the ideal oasis to enjoy a craft cocktail during happy hour, or, come in the evenings when the lounge turns into a bustling hotspot for those wanting to see or be seen. Order Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita, a refreshing libation using hand muddled strawberries and jalapenos, then shaken with Don Julio Blanco tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. The glass is rimmed with Tajin (a hot and sour Mexican condiment) ensuring every sip offers up an addicting mouth-puckering sensation.
At True Food Kitchen in Fashion Island, when they say there is something for everyone, they mean it! With a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, even your non-carnivore friends will feel right at home dining here. Desserts are always a huge hit here comprising innovative creations, several of which are gluten free. Try one of the delicious desserts on its Spring menu including a Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp made with a delectable almond crumble and served with vanilla ice cream, as well as Lemon Tart, served with coconut whipped cream and organic strawberries.
Avila’s El Ranchito Corona del Mar &
Avila’s El Ranchito Newport Beach
Over 50 years ago, Mama Avila brought her generations-long family recipes from Guanajuato, Mexico to Orange County. That five decade tradition continues today at the 13 restaurants, still owned by the Avila family. Each restaurant is under the personal care of a family member, including the two Newport Beach locations (Corona del Mar off Coast Hwy and Newport Blvd in Newport Beach). Avila’s delicious Strawberry Margarita is perfect for even the fussiest diner. The cocktail uses only four ingredients: Corralejo Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and fresh strawberries. Whether you choose to have it muddled, shaken or frozen, you can ensure there is a burst of fresh flavors in every sip.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar in Fashion Island is well known for its steak and seafood, and right now, you’ll not only be able to indulge in the quality fare, but also, you’ll find some outstanding cocktails to pair your meal with. Taking advantage of strawberry season, the restaurant’s mixologist has created Farmer’s Daughter. The cocktail is first muddled using luscious strawberries and basil leaves, then then shaken with vodka, cranberry juice and lemon sour, then strained and served in a martini glass. The sweet and sour flavors are enticing on the palate and the basil, highly aromatic on the nose. The cocktail may be ordered “skinny” upon request.
In 2008, when Brandy Valdez’s youngest child wrote in a school project that he wished he could live in a candy world, she knew she had to make his dream come true. She opens her whimsical candy shop using the first letter of her children’s names – they all start with “B” – and creates an enchanting landmark for kids and grown-ups alike. Drive along PCH and your eyes will be captivated by the candy striped awning of this delightful shop where every treat is carefully handpicked by Brandy for her customers young and old. From strawberry flavored candies, strawberry designed sugar cookies, and strawberry ice cream, the selection is endless. Your desire for anything strawberry will undoubtedly be satiated when you step inside B.CANDY.
Step inside Olive Oil and Beyond and you’ll find yourself in a flux. There are too many things to taste, smell and learn about. Proprietor Matthew Pour is a wealth of information, and he will walk you through the myriad of exquisite oils and vinegars he has in his store. There is nothing artificial in the products at Olive Oil and Beyond. You will learn to distinguish between the different varietals of oils and vinegars from various parts of the world. The Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar is a fragrant offering to use on your salads or even splashed in your sparkling water.
As we move into summer, any cold treat is welcoming to stave off the heat. At Fashion Island’s Gelato Paradiso, you’ll find authentic Italian gelato in various strawberry formats. The gelato is hand made in small batches every morning at the store using old world traditions and recipes. Strawberry lovers will find many choices such as Fragola e Crema (strawberries & cream) is a creamy vanilla gelato laden with rivers of fresh strawberry sauce. If you like something richer, opt for Fragola Cheesecake (strawberry cheesecake), a cheesecake gelato crusted with graham cracker and swirled with strawberries. Those wanting a light concoction will relish in Fragola (strawberry sorbetto) using the entire strawberry, seeds and all, to create the most natural flavor. Ask for a taste to find your favorite before you purchase.
Photo Credit: Anita Lau
Located on PCH’s Mariner’s Mile, The Ritz Prime Seafood, the beautiful setting is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two during Social Hour. Watch the sun set while sipping on Pacific Sunset, a cocktail of Flor De Cana Silver Rum, strawberry, lemon, and fennel, or enjoy Whiskey Cobbler, another strawberry infused cocktail using Buffalo Trace as well as blueberry, lemon, and mint. If that’s not enough strawberry, then you’ll be tickled with Mrs. Robinson, a refreshingly easy-to-drink Dewar’s White shaken with strawberry, lemon and mint.
