Bountiful Bottomless Champagne Easter Brunch for 45 bucks at Hyatt Newport

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From eggs & bacon to caviar & bottomless champagne, you can't get any better than Easter Brunch at the Hyatt Newport in OC for just $45. I realize this post is post-Easter, but it might get your mouth watering for next year, or the next special occasion (regular Sunday Brunch is $24.95, see details below) you'd like to spend brunching at the Hyatt.

The Grubdown:

- perfectly portioned & poached Eggs Benedict with Shaved Ham

- light and savory Smoked Salmon with Caviar, Cream Cheese, Chopped Egg & Red Onion

- fresh King Crab Legs, Shucked Oysters, and Jumbo Prawns

- creamy Halibut with Braised Leeks – the sauce is unbelievable!

- tender, juicy Peking Duck with puffy Bao Buns & Plum Sauce

- slow roasted Prime Rib of Beef with Au Jus

- i'm-still-drooling-over-the simple, creamy Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

- huge Long-Stem Strawberry & Assorted Goodie Chocolate Dipping Station

Eggs, Blintzes, Salads & Sides

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Easter was a beautiful sunny day, a little bit windy (and shaky from the 7.2 quake), so it was nice having the choice to sit inside or out on the patio. Right as we sat down we were instantly offered a glass of OJ, mimosa, or straight champagne – my kinda place ;). The service was friendly and always on point.

Now on to the food. There was sooo much to choose from for my belly and my camera, so I'll just get to the goods. The Eggs Benedict with Shaved Ham were served as individual portions on a soft buttery English muffin that oozed with each bite, and was perfectly poached. (Sorry no picture, I gobbled it up too fast!). The creamy Cheese Blintzes were smothered in a sweet and tangy Blueberry Sauce, just like pancakes. There were also Waffle and Omelet Stations, and loads of tender (not too crispy) smoked Bacon, Sausage, and Roasted Potatoes.

The Salad Table (I skipped most of it to save room for the next course) consisted of dishes like Waldorf Salad, Tortellini Pasta Salad, Fresh Asparagus with Tri-Colored Peppers, and Broiled Vegetables. There was also a selection of Artisan breads and cheeses like Rustic Fruit & Nut Bread (which I later paired with my Lox and it was delish), St. Andre cheese, and an assortment of Pates.

I did, however, score some salty 'n sweet potato fries – can't pass those up – which were sitting right next to some cheesy pizza for the kids.

Seafood, Meat & Poultry

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Here's where I went crazy. Upon greeting the Lox Table, there were so many toppings to try – Chopped Egg Yolk & Whites, Capers, Red Onions, Cream Cheese, and Caviar. I decided to ditch the Mini Bagel and go for some sweet & savory action by loading my hearty whole grain Rustic Fruit & Nut Bread with everything but the Capers – and it was one of the most delish Smoked Salmon bites I've ever had. Try it next time, your tastebuds will thank you.

The rest of the seafood display was amazing – King Crab Legs, Shucked Oysters, and Jumbo Prawns – all light and fresh. The California Rolls I thought looked better than they tasted. But the sauce on the flaky Halibut with Braised Leeks was spectacular – creamy, buttery, with a touch of white wine & lemon. I definitely recommend ordering this next time you go to the Hyatt. (Again I gobbled this one up too fast to take a pic.)

Moving on to the Meat & Poultry Carving Station, I had a bite of the slow roasted Prime Rib with Au Jus and it was very tender and juicy. But, I fell in love with the Peking Duck. It wasn't too fatty, the flavor was smokey & sweet, and it was fun trying to eat it with the puffy Bao Bun. There was also an Orange Clove Baked Ham that looked rather enticing, but I had to save room for the most important part – dessert!

Cakes, Cupcakes, Mousses, Brulees - you name it!

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First off, before eating everything discussed above, I had to pass by this tantalizing dessert display – sticky situation, but somehow I managed. When it finally came time, I thought the simple, humble Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce Drizzle stole the show. It was creamy, yet also fluffy, and I'm still thinking about it. The Carrot Cake was moist & good, but I prefer mine without raisins.

Now for the Chocolate. I snuck a bite of the Chocolate Brownie Cobbler and it was like a chocolatey fudge explosion – fantastic. The Chocolate Mousse on the other hand was bogged down by the Raspberry Sauce & Tiramisu-like Cake Bite it was sitting on – when it comes to mousse I'm a purist. The enormous Long-Stemmed Strawberries from the Chocolate Dipping Station were ravishing and quite a site. You could dip everything from Pineapple to Rice Crispy Treats, and for some, even bacon. And the chocolate sauce was sooo good I scooped up every last drop!

There were also Mini Cupcakes, Cheesecake Lollipops, a made-to-order Creme Brulee & Crepe Station, and other tarts & treats. But between the bountiful brunch & bottomless champ, there was no room to spare.

Check out what the Hyatt Newport has in store for Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 9th. 

And if you can't wait 'til then, regular Sunday Brunch is $24.95 per person. Add $5 for unlimited champagne or mimosas – trust me, you'll want to!

Comments

[Rene Hague]

My favorite way to eat - all your favorites in one sitting. Next visit - I'm there. Thanks so much for making it to the top of my "to do" list next trip to OC.

[Michael P.]

Ha ha, we ate there with my Grandma at 2 pm. I thought it was overpriced, but we weren't drinking. A good deal if you're taking advantage of the bubbles. The asian style beef salad was yummy! Overall, I thought the ambiance was better suited for families with screaming children; not so much for couples or childless families. Also, the property is very dated and doesn't feel very 4 star.