Your Next Bite

Seafood & unobstructed ocean views at The Deck Laguna Beach

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Pacific Edge Hotel's The Deck is the closest you'll get to ordering a drink with sand in your feet. Situated in a former Hollywood star's beach house in Laguna, The Deck serves up your standard seafood fare, cocktails, and your favorite hits – all in reggae form – by The Dub Rock Duo.

To be frank, you don't really come here for anything but the view. The minute you step foot on the "deck" that vacation feeling takes over – unfortunately for the servers too. So grab a table up front, get ready to watch the sunset, and wait around for your drinks – especially if it's the weekend. 

Same goes for the food. On the Sunday we arrived, some of the menu items disappointingly were no longer available (including ingredients in dishes we had already ordered, that our server neglected to tell us about.)

The Grubdown:

- the best & most creative dish we ordered, spicy 'n sweet with a fresh crunch, Ahi Chips with Pepper & Paprika Crust, Cabbage Salad & Citrus Soy Glaze on a Wonton $15

- pretty standard, wish they were crispier, the noodles made it a meal, Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chile Sauce & Asian Noodles $14 (not pictured)

- the crab was missing and we were pretty crabby about it, at least the sweet 'n sesame seaweeed salad offered salvation, Ahi & (Missing Crab) Stack with Mango Coulis & Wasabi Aioli $15

- plump and served "up", Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce $15

- all the essential tastes blended nicely, acid, sweet, earthy, and spicy Spinach Salad with Walnuts, Raspberries, Green Apple Slices, Red Onions, Blue Cheese & Balsamic Vinaigrette $11

- overseared and dry, sauce was lemony 'n velvety, Alaskan Halibut with Sunburst Clams, Chorizo & Broccoli instead of Zucchini (they must have run out again) $32

- tough and not worth it, the mushrooms were the best part, One Pound Maine Lobster Thermidor with Exotic Mushrooms, Truffle Oil & Parmesan Bechamel Sauce $42

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For how high the prices were, the food just missed the mark. But I have to admit, the Banana Bread Pudding our neighbor ordered smelled and looked divine.

Next time, I'll be soaking up the sunset with just the Ahi Chips, what should have been the Ahi and CRAB Stack, and a Guava Bellini.

627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. 949-494-6700.

This Superbowl Sunday, play the field at Billy's at The Beach

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If you haven't visited Billy's At The Beach, then you haven't truly been to Newport. A local favorite, Billy's is known for outstanding happy hour Mai Tai's on the patio, sunset Hawaiian dinners overlooking the bay, and buffet style game days with everything from complimentary Chips & Salsa to Hot Dogs.

Step inside and you're immediately transported to the tropics. Soak up the sun after docking your Duffy complimentary, sip a cocktail from their signature "boobies" glassware, cool off under the swaying palm leaf ceiling fan, and lounge to the live Hawaiian band.

This Sunday, they're kicking off the 2013 Superbowl with a game prize raffle, HDTVs, and a special Superbowl Pupu Menu:

- Sizzling Poke Platter

- Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Bread

- Ahi Tartar Wonton Tacos

- Artichoke Jalapeno Dip with Homemade Corn Chips

- Hot Wings with Celery & Ranch Dressing

- Pupu Platter for One: "Cho Cho" Teriyaki Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers, Coconut Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Blackened Seared Ahi, and BBQ Pork Ribs

- their regular Lunch Menu...which brings me to my point

Last weekend, while the rain was coming down and the clouds were about to part, the hand model 'n I couldn't help resist a bowl of Chowder and a Mai Tai. So we found the best of both worlds at Billy's.

The Grubdown:

- Goldilocks' dream, not too thin, not too thick, but just right, abundance of clean tender clams, New England Clam Chowder with Celery, Potato & Sweet Hawaiian Bread Croutons $8

- light, tangy, crisp 'n creamy Billy's House Salad with Romaine, Mixed Greens, Red & Napa Cabbage, Bermuda Onion, Mushrooms, Hearts of Palm & Housemade Balsamic Dressing $8

- small portions, white 'n flakey, spongey not crisp Hawaiian Ono Fish & Chips with homemade Pacifico Beer Batter and Tartar Sauce $15

- love the sesame crunch and creamy dijon sauce, wish there was something sweet, Black Sesame Crusted Seared Yellowfin Ahi with Black Sesame Seeds, Beurre Blanc & Dijon Soy Sauces $16

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Aloha, and may the best team (49ers) win.

2751 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663. 949-722-1100.

Whole Foods Market's Newport Beach Back Bay Tavern

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Since moving down to OC, I've literally been waiting 5 months for Whole Foods Market to open up in Fashion Island, Newport Beach. Last Wednesday, September 19th was the glorious day, when I finally stepped foot into my favorite, local, organic playground (I missed you old friend).

From the fire-pit patio to the new "Tea Hive" fusion concept cafe and new "Back Bay Tavern", now I know where I'll be spending every Friday night.

The Tavern features 25+ beers (some draft, some bottled), $2 off Happy Hour Beer specials til 7pm, wines like Hitching Post Pinot Noir, and food from Kale Salads to Burgers – all served atop a 1930's Mahogany bar originally from a Harlem gin joint, which later appeared in the movie "Revolutionary Road". (Regular booths, table and outside seating are available for non-celebs too.)

The Grubdown:

- perfectly shredded, light 'n sweet with mild bitterness, Mediterranean Cal Organic Chopped Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing $9

- skip the Chips and go straight for the nice golden crunch, fluffy center Local Brew Battered Fish with killer Red Pepper Aioli Dip served on traditional newspaper $11

- buttery texture, light fresh 'n simple, Sashimi Plate with 2 pieces each of Tuna, Salmon, and Albacore $10

- same as above with spicy Wasabi surprise and delicate rice, Nigiri Sampler with Tuna, Salmon, and Albacore $12

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Overall I was very impressed with the Tavern. It's removed enough in its own wing with outdoor patio seating, so you don't feel like you're at a grocery store. And the bartenders, especially "Tiny", couldn't be friendlier.

I'm so glad to have a "Cheers" bar in my neighborhood, where I guarantee, everyone will know my name.

P.S. Did I mention the seafood bar sells Sea Urchin? (Try saying that 5 times in a row.)

415 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-999-8572.

A Revised Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

It's hard to believe Your Next Bite began on this day two years ago with a Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl.

So in honor of leaving one of the greatest walkable gastronomic spots in LA – the Miracle Mile/West Hollywood area – Your Next Bite bids adieu with a list of where to eat this Saturday, plus a few new spots on the block too. (Don't worry, I'm not going far, so there will be plenty of LA bites in the mix to get you your fix.)

For the first time in 75 years, Tom Bergin's unfortunately will NOT make the list because they're undergoing a major renovation. (Why it couldn't want 'til AFTER their biggest money maker of the year is beyond me.)

The Grubdown:

1.) Rosewood Tavern

- Start off the night north on Fairfax with specialties like Corned Beef & Cabbage ($12) and their "outstanding" Whisky selection, plus over 28 Craft Beers on tap

2.) The Churchill

- Dive in with Irish Car Bombs (Guinness, Bailey's Irish Cream & Whisky), Veggie Pot Pies, Braised Short Ribs, and Corned Beef Sliders ($8-$18)

3.) The Original Farmers Market

- Do the Irish jig to Jerry McLean's Irish Folk Band from 6-10pm, then quench your thirst with some Irish Imported & Green Beer at E.B.'s Beer & Wine or stall #326

4.) Molly Malones

- No St. Patty's Day is complete without jammin' to authentic Irish Rock & Folk bands like The Black Shamrocks at 9:30pm and The RapScallions at 11:00pm (cover charge applies)

5.) The Varsity LA

- If you're still standing, end the night on Wilshire & Crescent Heights (hey at least it's not as far down as Bergin's) with a DJ, "Best Dressed Wench" Costume Contest, and $4 Beer Garden

Cheers to gettin' lucky!

Rooftop Dining at The Hotel Wilshire

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Last week's winds blew in some fantastic city views. And the new luxury boutique Hotel Wilshire is the perfect place to capture it all. Looking onto the Hollywood Hills from Wilshire Blvd & Crescent Heights, Chef Eric Greenspan (of The Foundry on Melrose) dishes up everything from California Japanese fusion, like the Nori Nachos, to down-home comfort food like Burgers & Brussel Sprouts with Bacon.

Whether you're sitting at the swanky bar sipping on Glamourous Glennis $12 (Orange Vodka, Ginger Liquor, Grapefruit Juice & Candied Ginger), dining poolside in a cozy cabana, or throwing your own private bash on the fireside balcony, The Roof on Wilshire is the next hottest place to be – cold weather or not.

The Grubdown:

- i order it every time, creamy, savory, crunchy Nori Nachos with Crispy Rice Crackers, Tartare, Spicy Salmon Roe, Avocado, and QP Sauce $14

- massive, super tender, you'll have to share to avoid the decadent guilt Wilshire Burger with Cheddar Skirt, Sweet Dill & Onion Jam, Steak Sauce Aioli, and Challah Toast $12

- get your own 'cuz you won't want anyone to lay a finger on your grubby bowl of crispy, greasy goodness Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Sweet & Sour Onions $6

- clever italian meets indian, wish there were more to go round with that cravable sauce, Curry-Apple Risotto Balls with Paneer Cheese & Spicy Yogurt $8

 - small 'n simple, lightly sweet, looks like a work of art Sashimi with Albacore, Radish, Watermelon & Green Peppercorn Sauce $14

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The Nori Nachos are forks down my favorite. It's enough to order as a meal, then split a few other sides with friends (trust me, everyone will want their own.) The cocktails are smart, the music is Euro lounge, and the atmosphere is sophisticated without being overly pretentious – let's just hope this Miracle Mile spot keeps it that way.

6317 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90048. 323-852-6000. @HotelWilshire

Father's Day Fare

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If you're wondering where to take dad for his big day, then look no further. Here's a list of places fit for any father this Sunday that Your Next Bite has slurped, shoveled, & dined at.

The Grubdown:

1. For the Beer Begetter: The Village Idiot, Los Angeles (via YourNextPint.com)

    - slurp crisp Pre-Prohibition Lager, hoppy Racer 5 IPA, and off-the-menu Wexford Irish Cream Ale

2. For the Fisherman Father: House of Big Fish, Laguna Beach

    - shovel buttery Lemon Picatta Sole, spicy Soy Ahi Poke, and light 'n fluffy Fish 'N Chips

3. For the $ophisticated $ire: The Capital Grille, Los Angeles & Costa Mesa

    - dine on creamy Clam Chowder, Whole Lobster Claw Crabcakes, and tangy Bone-in Kona Coffee Crusted Dry-Aged Sirloin

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Happy Father's Day!

The Beachcomber OC - a hidden treasure

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This week YourNextBite is taking a much needed vacay to a location that'll be disclosed upon return (with delectable tropical bites for you to salivate over, of course). In the meantime, I encourage you to indulge in the next best thing – The Beachcomber in Crystal Cove, Orange County.

This marvelous stretch of beach thrived in the 1920's as a place for families to summer. Now, it's perhaps one of the only places you can still be served a cocktail right on the beach.

While I've yet to make it inside the actual restaurant – the wait can be up to 2 hours, so make reservations well in advance – I've made it to The Bootlegger Bar at the back several times.

The Grubdown:

- smoky, chunky, topped with red pepper Smoked Albacore Spread with Herbed Cream Cheese and Sourdough Crostinis $9.95

- you can't leave home without it, Signature Passion Cove Tropical Colada with Passionfruit, Light & Dark Rums, and a touch of Pineapple & Coconut $15.95 w/ mug ($9 without)

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15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657. 949-376-6900.

Goal on W. 3rd St. scores with Pirate Wings, Burgers & Housemade Chips

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What better place to watch the end of the World Series – or your favorite sports team play – than at Goal Sports Cafe on W. 3rd St. Complete with 13 Plasma TVs, 8 beers on tap, and a menu that's short and to the (scoring) point, Goal's got something for everyone.

The Grubdown:

- total old-fashioned style The Cheesy Chuck 1/4 lb Burger with Cheddar Cheese, Mustard, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle & Pirate Sauce on a Soft Bun ($12)

- addicting, thicker than usual, "russety" Housemade Potato Chips (comes with burger)

- crispy, sweet 'n sour, with a hint of spice Pirate Wings Deep Fried with House Special Pirate or Buffalo Sauce ($10)

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I'm not gonna lie, I do think the food at Goal is a bit overpriced. But at least Chef Jonah Johnson delivers with each bite.

Of course I had to order one of their signature burgers. The other, the 1/2 lb Juicy J ($15), is stuffed with Pepper Jack Cheese – not my hand model's favorite – so we went with The Cheesy Chuck. While it instantly reminded me of an old-fashioned diner burger with cooling Shredduce & Mayo and thick juicy Tomato, my counterpart thought it tasted more like Fatburger. Either way, we definitely enjoyed it, except for the mysterious patch of Salty Chili Powder seasoning hidden in 2 of my bites.

While I haven't tried Goal's French Fries, I strongly recommend getting their Housemade Potato Chips with your entree. They're a bit thicker than normal, taste like they're half-baked, and are fried in a blend of trans-fat free Canola & Corn Oil. My hand model and I were fighting over every last chip.

Now, I'm totally not a wingman – no, I'm not referring to the Pauly D "Situation" on Jersery Shore – but I do happen to love Goal's Pirate Wings. Their secret Pirate Sauce tastes like a blend between BBQ and Sweet 'n Sour with the slightest hint of Buffalo spice. They're crispy on the outside, and super tender 'n moist on the inside. I ate them so fast I forgot to take a close up shot.

Goal also serves Mini Corn Dogs ($9), Nachos ($10), and a Rib Eye Baseball Steak ($20). Lighter items include Ceviche Cocktail ($13), 3 different Salads ($9-12), a Veggie Burger ($12), Tequila Lime Shrimp ($18), and The End Zone with Caribbean Chicken, Salad & Coconut Basmati Rice ($20). For Dessert you can indulge in the Superbowl Sundae with Raspberry Sauce & Brownies ($12) or a bold – in flavor and ABV – Chimay on tap.

If it's game day and you're a party of 4 or more, reservations are strongly recommended.

8334 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA, 90048. 323-655-5955.

LA Miracle Mile St. Patrick's Day Bar Hopping Gameplan

LA Biters – I couldn't forget about you.

The Gameplan:

1.) Start the night off early at Whole Foods Market on 3rd & Fairfax for $1 Irish beer & cheese tastings from 5-7pm.

2.) Then walk across the street to LA's Original Farmers Market to put down some pints of Guinness & Harp Lager at $3.50 a pop at EB's and 326 bars – don't worry, they got the green beer too. Get your Corned Beef & Cabbage fix at Magee's Kitchen. Then sit down and enjoy DJ Tom Blarney's beats, starting at 6pm.

3.) Next, head south on Fairfax about a block to Sheddy's to get the last of the happy hour drinks ending at 8pm.

4.) By now you might be feelin' lucky enough to get your Irish jig on to some live music at Molly Malone's: I-94 @ 8:30pm, Culann's Hounds @ 9:45pm, and Dead Rabbits @ 11pm.

5.) And if you want to get in some real shenanigans, end the night at Tom Bergin's, about 3 blocks south of Wilshire, still on Fairfax. There might be a huge line around the corner, but what the heck, it's only St. Patty's Day once a year.

Spend St. Patrick's Day at Muldoon's Irish Pub in the OC – No Cover & Live Music!

 
If you haven't been to Muldoon's Irish Pub – seriously, kiss my blarney stone – there's no better time to check it out than St. Patrick's Day.

Located in Newport Beach, Orange County just outside Fashion Island and next door to the Big Newport Theater, Muldoon's has great food, great service, and great space – 4 large seating areas to be exact – so there's plenty of room to get your Irish Stew on & get lucky up in the Pub (there are two!)

The Grubdown:

- scrumptiously sweet Irish Soda Bread

- seriously juicy Bangers & Mash, served with a spicy honey dijon dip

- lean & mean Corned Beef & Cabbage

- savory gravied Pot Roast with Mash, or Shepherd's Pie

- decadent Dark Chocolate Pudding

Prices range from $6-30.

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I've been coming here for over 20 years and after visiting you'll know why. Muldoon's is perfect for any occasion – a pint of beer and game of darts in the original Dublin Pub built in 1974, a romantic fireside meal in the Dining Room, a beautiful brunch in the open-air courtyard with magnificent center-lit oak tree, or a chill night lounging on leather seats in the Celtic Bar (built in 2000). You can take over any room to throw your own private party with servers, florals, linens, and DJ to boot.

For St. Patrick's Day, no cover will be charged – unfortunately no Tues-Fri $2 off apps, beer, wine & spirits Happy Hour prices either – but 2 LIVE bands will be performing, FREE: Van Diemen @ 10am and Mike Fitz & The Droppers @ 5pm. Put down some pints from all over the United Kingdom like Guinness & Smithwick's Ale from Dublin, Boddingtons from Manchester, England, and Newcastle Brown. Or, wash down some whiskey – they serve 11 different kinds all from Ireland – like a 21 year old Bushmills, Jameson 1780, and a very rare Middleton from County Cork. By the end of the night, 1 of their 7 juicy flame-broiled to order, 100% angus beef 1/2 pound burgers might be calling your name – like the St. Patty's with vintage Tillamook cheddar, oak-smoked bacon, and homemade guacamole. (And a word to the wise, order your fries "Parmesan style" like they used to serve them back in the day.)

While there's no green beer – word is customer's have complained about it turning their mouths green – they do have a green Absinthe Fountain to lift your spirits and help you see that pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow.