News Summary
In Newport Beach, chefs Karlo Evaristo and Jared Ventura reintroduced their pandemic-era dining concept ‘Adia’ for a special event, delighting food enthusiasts with a unique fusion of Filipino and Italian cuisine. The exclusive evening featured multi-course tastings, showcasing standout dishes that blend high-quality ingredients and cultural influences. This event was seen as a significant step in revitalizing the local food scene as the community continues to embrace culinary innovation post-pandemic.
Newport Beach – Local chefs Karlo Evaristo and Jared Ventura brought back their popular pandemic-era dining concept “Adia” for a special one-night event on October 15 at Viamara in Newport Beach. This event attracted food enthusiasts who are eager to experience unique culinary offerings and showcase local talent. The exclusive dining experience featured a multi-course fine dining menu that exquisitely combines Evaristo’s Filipino heritage with Ventura’s Italian expertise.
Joining the two chefs for this exceptional occasion was Chef Benjamin Martinek, the culinary director of Pendry Newport Beach, further enhancing the evening’s gastronomic appeal. The tasting menu captivated diners with standout dishes such as hamachi toast, which features fresh yellowtail topped with ginger sabayon and caviar, served alongside a twist on the classic avocado toast made with 6100 sourdough bread, a signature of Evaristo’s establishment, 6100 Bread.
The revival of the “Adia” concept has been welcomed by the community as a significant step in the ongoing recovery of the local food scene post-pandemic. It highlights the trend of chefs experimenting with unique cultural fusions and high-quality ingredients to delight diners. Many local eateries continue to gain attention, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of the region.
Highlighted eateries in nearby areas include Broad Street Oyster Co. and Green Yay. Broad Street Oyster Co., with locations at Huntington Beach Pier and Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles, specializes in delectable lobster rolls, which are offered either hot with butter or chilled with mayo. Their lobster roll is renowned for its buttered and toasted bun, paired with fresh lobster meat that can be further elevated with a luxurious addition of caviar.
Green Yay, an all-vegetarian eatery, features a unique take on a classic dish with its vegetarian quesabirria taco. The taco is composed of seasoned mushrooms that mimic beef, alongside chihuahua cheese and fresh taco ingredients. This innovative menu option reflects a growing demand for plant-based dining concepts that do not compromise flavor or satisfaction.
Coffee enthusiasts have also found pleasing options at Deep Barrel, which is known for its expertly crafted V60 pour-over coffee and creative baked treats. Their peach cobbler roll has quickly become a customer favorite, offering a delightful sweet complement to a morning beverage.
Young Dabang in Irvine serves up a hit with its tteokbokki, a beloved South Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce. Diners can customize the heat level, catering to a variety of spice preferences. Additionally, a recently reviewed location has introduced a new spam and pork tonkatsu dish, creatively served as a hand roll instead of the typical sandwich format.
The vibrant culinary scene in Southern California also includes Luke’s Lobster, which has opened its first Orange County location, providing its signature lobster rolls prepared with a simple style that allows the lobster’s natural flavor to shine through. Meanwhile, Krispy Kreme has launched a line of Harry Potter-themed doughnuts, such as the Gryffindor option filled with cookie butter-flavored Kreme, appealing to fans of the franchise.
In San Juan Capistrano, River Street Marketplace has captured attention with a sizeable sandwich cookie that features thick layers of vanilla buttercream nestled between two chocolate chip cookies, promising a satisfying dessert experience. For breakfast lovers, La Rochelle offers a standout Salmoné dish that pairs flaky bread with salmon and tzatziki, alongside their notable Iced Tiramisu Latte.
White Lyon in Corona has gained acclaim for its chocolate chip cookies, characterized by a crunchy exterior and soft center, catering to those who appreciate a crispy cookie experience. The continued popularity and innovation among these local eateries reflect ongoing culinary trends within Southern California as they flourish during the region’s recovery from pandemic-related challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit Raises Funds for Youth
Orange County Health Inspection Update: Restaurant Closures and Reopenings
Irvine Company’s Flex+ Program Empowers Small Businesses
El Pollo Loco Launches National Chicken Month Initiative
Cucina Enoteca Celebrates California Wine Month
Record Luxury Home Sales in Costa Mesa
KidWorks Raises Over $900,000 at Annual Festival of Chefs
Newport Beach Allocates Funds for Transportation Center Relocation
Temporary Closure of Restaurants in Orange County
Topside Rooftop Bar Launches Wellness Cocktails
Additional Resources
- Observer: Best Oyster Bars in Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Oyster
- SFGate: Malibu Businesses Struggling After LA Fires
- Google Search: Los Angeles fires impact on businesses
- Eater SF: Broad Street Oyster Co. Opening
- Google Scholar: Food trends California restaurants
- Business Insider: LA Small Businesses Affected by Fires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Los Angeles restaurants
- InsideHook: Broad Street Oyster Co. Lobster Roll
- Google News: Lobster rolls California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
