Food n Stuffs

Last Saturday, Anthony and I traveled across Orange County from Tustin to Irvine back to Tustin and finally to Newport Beach searching for a relaxing spot to enjoy a glass of wine. Most of the time, we would sip back and nurse a glass or two on one of the cozy patio couches at our favorite wine spot – The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar at the District in Tustin – but they were closed for a special event that afternoon. Finding a place where we can feel safe in the midst of a global pandemic is challenging, and The Winery is one of the handful of restaurants where we feel safe because they are dedicated to the comfort and health of their staff and patrons. We LOVE them for it. They also have a super-knowledgable Sommelier and Staff. Already nervous out in public, the stress of finding another place to go was challenging for sure!

It was Anthony who suggested Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. A more conservative city, we had no idea if masks and social distancing would be enforced, but we kept our minds open. We wandered for at least 20 minutes stopping at host desk after host desk at several appealing, yet crowded restaurants on the docks. (Keep in mind, this was Saturday, and brunch was bursting with guests.) Ready to give it all up and open a bottle at home, we found upon an adorable little treasure by the sea– Malibu Farm Lido.

It was Saturday. It was mid-brunch, and it was a gorgeous day. Without a reservation, we faced a long wait for table at this popular spot, but when we opted for the bar-side outdoor couches, we lucked into a sweet and cozy spot tucked alongside a row of savory rosemary and lavender plants and small, but clean and sturdy, round couch-height tables.

The menu showcased a variety of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options along with plenty of delicious meat-filled dishes to keep an omnivore satisfied alongside their VGFV pals. There were so many delicious dishes to choose from, but Anthony and I weren’t there to dine. We were there to sip back and relax.

After a quick study of the Wine and Beer Menu with its impressive variety of wines, including several organic options, I asked to taste the flora and fauna – a dolcetto & barbera grape blend out of Mendocino – before deciding on my glass o’ the day.

So, I have to stop and say here that while he appreciates foodie meals and craft drinks, Anthony is not a total wine and cocktail geek like I am. He doesn’t need to swirl and sniff and swirl and taste. Based upon my interest, he ordered a glass of the flora and fauna – what a guy – while I opted for a tasting pour.

I swirled. I smelled. I swirled again. And yes, I smelled again. Flora and fauna is blend, so the aroma of both red and black fruit mingled with gentle oak and black pepper. Complex! I couldn’t wait to taste. Oh, my gawd… the velvety medium to high tannins and the mouthwatering medium acidity figuratively danced a freaking jig on my palate. And the grapes matched the drapes, so to speak. In other words, the aroma and the flavor were at least fraternal twinsies. Of course, I ordered a glass.

I loved my glass of wine, and I savored every sip, but a sweet treat was screaming my name, and I could not ignore its tug. Have you ever heard of Grilled Chocolate Cake? Neither had I, and I had to have it. Our server described it as not grilled, despite the name, but brûlée-style on its upper crust and delicious! Oh, yeah. She had me at brûlée-style.

After only a short wait, she handed me my chocolate treat. First, it was a beautiful sight. Carefully plated with powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and a caramely sauce. The crust was slightly crispy and tasted much like the gently charred sugar of a creme brûlée, but it was delicate and soft. The chocolate sponge, despite its solid-looking fashion statement, was soft, pillowy, moist, and it was not too sweet and not too bitter. It was, in fact, the best chocolate cake I have ever had.

Overall, we enjoyed our visit. The restaurant was a little more packed with guests than I would have preferred during a pandemic, but we were seated outdoors, so the risk was minimal. The staff rocked, and the decor was a precious Autumn theme (my favorite time of year). We will go back!