Your Next Bite

Cava Mediterranean Cafe opens in Costa Mesa

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I'd been eyeing Cava on my regular 17th street commute for quite some time. The thought of a new Greek-inspired, Mediterranean cafe in town, definitely piqued my taste buds, as there's not too many of these options in the area. What I didn't realize is the "soft-open" I had already experienced months ago at my local Whole Foods Market.

Located in the refrigerator section next to my regular Organic Cedar's Hummus, I spotted some sleek new products with a black label, bold white font, and signature golden 'V' in the word "Cava". There were Dips like spicy Harissa, Tzatziki, and Organic Traditional Hummus – all vegetarian without any preservatives.

Fast forward to mid summer and enter Cava in Costa Mesa. It's located in a complex on the corner of Raymond St. with brand new construction, including 2 more cafes opening soon. The exterior is comprised of light gray wood and black metal, while the inside is modern industrial with stainless steel, white subway tiles, light woods, and black accents.

The Menu is "Build Your Own" style with 5 easy steps:

1.) Start with a Base: Salad Greens, Grains, Greens + Grains, Large Pita, or Mini Pita & Soup

2.) Choose up to 3 Spreads: Eggplant + Red Pepper Dip, Tzatziki, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Hummus, Harissa, or Crazy Feta

3.) Pick a Protein: Falafel, Spicy Lamb Meatballs, Braised Beef, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Meatballs, or Braised Lamb

4.) Choose a Topping: too many to list them all, but highlights include Tomato + Cucumber Salad, Pickled Banana Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Cauliflower Quinoa Tabbouleh, or Crumbled Feta

5.) Drizzle on a Dressing: Sriracha Greek Yogurt, Lemon Herb Tahini, Green Harissa, Greek Herb Vinaigrette, Yogurt Dill, or Spicy Apricot Dressing

And, let's not forget about their All-Natural Fountain Sodas, House-made Seasonal Juices & Teas like Watermelon Mint, and a variety of Spindrift flavored Sparkling Waters.

The Grubdown:

- tender garlic & herb Braised Lamb Bowl with Super Greens & Grains, spicy Harissa, cool Tzatziki, original Hummus, Crumbled Feta, Pickled Onions, and spicy Green Harissa Dressing

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The hand model and I got basically the same thing because we just couldn't resist. The bowls were so large and in charge that we definitely could've split one, but the Mediterranean mix of Herbs & Spices kept us digging in for more. The side order of warm Pita was great for scooping, too.

So, next time your taste buds want to take a trip to the Mediterranean, try Cava at one of their 70+ locations from coast to coast.

350 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. 949-200-7637.

Cool Down with Deli Dishes from A Market

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It's hot out there. And, definitely way too hot to cook – don't even think about it. Instead, you're better off enjoying life on a boat...with your flippy floppys, and some of A Market's deli delights.

A Market is adjacent to A Restaurant – a little piece of history off PCH in Newport Beach. And even though I've passed by it a million times, this year I finally went for the first time, and it's quickly become one of my go-to spots.

During the day, A Market is the place to be, whether you're having Coffee & drool-worthy Pastries for breakfast with your laptop, Cocktails & Deli Salads for lunch with friends on the outdoor picnic tables, or grabbing a sophisticated Cheese & Charcuterie plate for a sunset Duffy ride.

The Grubdown:

- i order it every time, savory 'n creamy with a crunch, The Green Machine Wrap with Romaine, Roast Chicken, Pumpkin Seeds, Fire Roasted Peppers & Pesto Caesar on Spinach Flatbread $10.50

- unique pickled flavor, Chopped Cauliflower, Carrot, Celery, Rosemary, Almond, Apple & Apple Cider Vinegar Side Salad $4.5

- cool comfort, Orzo with Sundried Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Spinach & Feta Side Salad $4.5

- sweet crunch, Beets, Nectarines & Kale Side Salad $4.5

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Each of these refreshing deli dishes are sure to cool you down on a hot summer day. I myself have found it hard to stray from these favorites. But, any plate that Culinary Director Shelly Register – formerly of Marche Modern and Emeril's Restaurant – and Pastry Chef Leza Kirk – from Aureole and The St. Regis – put out, get an A+ in my book.

3400 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663. 949-650-6515.

Narragansett, Rhode Island Seafood Feasts

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Just a few weeks ago over the 4th of July holiday, we had a mini family reunion with some festive seafood feasts in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The area is a beautiful beach strip, home to The Towers (a historic landmark and former casino) and the Point Judith Lighthouse (featured in one of my favorite films, Dan in Real Life).

We also took the ferry to Block Island and hopped in the car visiting Matunuck, South Kingston and Newport to sample more of Rhode Island's finest.

Because when the weather is hot, humid, and sometimes hazy, what better to do than escape to the beach for a family BBQ or a cool air-conditioned restaurant overlooking the water.

The Grubdown:

Ocean Pride - Local fresh seafood market

- what Rhode Island is all about, "Stuffies" stuffed Quahog Clams with Breadcrumbs, Peppers, Onion, Chorizo, and Paprika Seasonings

The Coast Guard House - Historic Towers landmark & upscale seafood restaurant perched on the rocks overlooking the ocean

- cool, herbacious 'n fresh, Lobster Roll with Citrus Aioli, Herbs & Lettuce on a Buttered Brioche Roll $19.5

Dead Eye Dick's - Waterfront steak & seafood spot in New Harbor, Block Island

- hot, buttery 'n abundant, Hot Lobster Roll on a Brioche Bun $23

Matunuck Oyster Bar - Raw bar & seafood restaurant on Potter Pond

- the smoky 'n sweet Bourbon were the best oysters of the trip, Oyster Trio: 2 Grilled, 2 Bourbon, and 2 Oysters Rockefeller $13.95

- super tender with just the right garlic touch, Rhode Island Littleneck Clams & Linguini with White Wine, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Fresh Herbs $18.95

- i still think about it daily, should be packed & sold in stores, Matunuck Key Lime Pie Pop with Key Lime Pie filling, Graham Cracker Crust and dipped in White Chocolate

TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill - Oyster & seafood restaurant with waterfront deck dining and marble bar

- lobster-topped oyster was impressive, but all had the same garlic notes, Baked Oyster Sampler: 2 Garlic Butter, 2 Lemon Butter, and 2 Lobster Butter all topped with Breadcrumbs $15

Aunt Carrie's - 4 generations of traditional Rhode Island seafood & home cookin'

- classic thin broth, Rhode Island Clam Chowder with Clams & Potatoes $5.89 Bowl

- fluffy, fried, award-winning Clam Cakes $4.99 Half Dozen

- tender with an outside crunch, Fried Whole Belly Clams with Green Beans & Cole Slaw $Market Price

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Needless to say, the whole family came back a few pounds heavier, but every bite was worth it. Until next year!

Aunt Carrie's restaurant photo courtesy of auntcarriesri.com

From BBQ to Burgers this 4th of July in Newport Beach

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When I think of the 4th of July, the 4 F's come to mind: Freedom, Fireworks, Family, and Food. And, the beach towns of Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, and Newport Beach in Orange County, California are a great place to soak it all in.

4th of July festivities start early in Balboa Island – an eternal vacation spot – as its inhabitants decorate their houses with American memorabilia, and red, white & blue flag banners strung across each avenue.

Corona del Mar is a great family beach spot, complete with a Pirate's Cove playground and a grassy Lookout Point to take in the fireworks overhead.

Newport Beach has fun for everyone from Duffy Boats on the bay to Beach Cruiser bike rides on the boardwalk and a grand Firework show over the Newport Dunes.

The Grubdown:

Bandera – Corona del Mar

- so tender it falls right of the bone, Wood-fired Barbeque Beef Back Ribs with Pomme Puree & Coleslaw $31 (restaurant photo courtesy of Banderarestaurants.com)

Crocker's – Balboa Island

- sweet 'n sour, plump with soft bun, Balboa Bratwurst with Spicy Mustard, Warm Kraut & Potato Bun $9 (Pictured Top Left)

Patty Macs – Newport Beach 

- glisteningly juicy, sweet 'n spicy, pillowy bun with crisp edge, Pan Seared 8 oz Cheeseburger with Caramelized Red Onions, Tillamook Cheddar, Arugula & Roasted Garlic Aioli on a Brioche Bun $12.95

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Happy 4th of July!

The Corner – Where Art is on Your Plate

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The Suite Life had been trying to get Your Next Bite to The Corner in Huntington Beach for quite some time. After months of texting & failed attempts, our schedules finally aligned and we made it for a Friday night out. (I don't think you understand....)

The Corner is a casual spot located, none other than on 'the corner', of a strip mall across from the unassuming Adams Ave. Donuts, where Ashlee Simpson once filmed her music video "La La". (The Suite Life made me tell you.) The disguised-as-a-divebar place used to be a Chinese restaurant. You can find hidden clues throughout, like its original ceiling and Koi fish mural overhead at the bar. As far as the walls, they are barren – and for good reason – because at The Corner, the art is on your plate, instead of the walls.

The food is modern American, farm-to-table comfort cuisine, brought to you by owner/chef Chris Grodach, formerly of The Loft at The Montage. (One day we'll make it there, The Suite Life. How does March 2020 sound?) There's something for everyone to enjoy from Rose Cocktails to Gluten Free Little Gem Lettuces with Snow Crab, Kid's Menu Cheeseburgers, Lobster Bolognese Pappardelle, and 48-hour Fries. Did I mention there's a whole secret menu, too? (Thanks for sharing, The Suite Life!)

The Grubdown:

- sweet 'n salty just like my favorites from AOC, Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese $9

- melt-in-you-mouth, 48hr Fries with Secret Sauce, Housemade Ketchup (and off-the secret menu Sriracha Butter) $6

- I wanted to like it more and would've if there was more Burrata, Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Speck, Burrata, Pistachio Mint Oil & Cured Lemon Peel $13

- strangely satisfying and off the secret menu, Crispy Short Rib & Mashed Potato Taco with Aged White Cheddar, Pepperoncini, Salsa, Sriracha, Onion & Cilantro $11

- elevated 'n fresh, Korean Style BBQ Chicken with Cucumber, Spicy Red Pepper, Green Onions, Radish, Cilantro, Lettuce Wraps & Peanut Sauce $18

- I'm not one to order a fruit tart but this was a citrusy delight, Blood Orange Tart with Brown Butter Crust, Blood Orange Curd, Blood Chantilly & Chocolate Caramel $10

- sticky 'n sweet not even using a whole stick of butter!, Brown Sugar Butter cake with Maple-Bourbon Glaze & Vanilla Ice Cream $10

- refreshing and addicting, Rose Colored Glasses and custom Mezcal Cocktails $11

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I would honestly order everything again. And, the item I felt most skeptical about, having heard about it months prior – the secret menu Short Rib & Mashed Potato Taco – I secretly liked best. This is California, why not put it in a taco?

The space is no frills, the service is friendly, and even the handful of families hogging the booths at Happy Hour were chill.

If you want to throw a party, there's a private room at the back, currently filled with the entire restaurant's furniture as they undergo a floor renovation.

Don't worry though...the art will still be on your plate.

8961 Adams ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92646. 714-968-6800.