Scott’s Restaurant and Bar @ Costa Mesa – Winter Craft Cocktail Media Tasting

Cheers to the New Year!  How did you ring in 2014?  With a glass of champagne or wine? Some lucky people celebrated the new year at Scott’s Restaurant and Bar with the sexy Winter Crafted Cocktails by the Golden Foodie Award winning Mixologist, James Wood.

You may know James from Hopscotch in Downtown Fullerton.  Known for his never-ending creativity, James concocts these new cocktails using house made syrups and fresh juices.  His passion for flavor is evident in every sip.

I had been to the restaurant’s main dining room but never at the private lounge/bar and event dining rooms.  The intimate Glass Room seats up to 70 guests while the larger dinning room accommodates up to 180 guests.  Many weddings and special occasions have been celebrated here.  I really love the Murano Bar with a cozy fireplace.  When we arrived, we were greeted with beautiful platters of roasted vegetables, cheese, and crackers.  The management team welcomed us and gave an introduction of James and the restaurant which celebrated its 24 years and has been a landmark restaurant in Costa Mesa. Specializes  in sustainable seafood and the finest prime-aged steaks, it’s a popular gathering place for locals as well as tourists.  James wasted no time to showcase his craft.  I am not much of a drinker, so I basically took a couple of sips of each of the cocktails.  You would have to excuse me for not detailing the flavor of the drinks.  But I guess that means you will just have to go try them yourself.  But please trust me and my fellow bloggers that these cocktails are not only sexy but sophisticated.  In another word – AMAZING!

Blossom – templeton rye, st germain, noilly prat, whiskey barrel bitters.

Barbadian (below left) –  mount gay black barrel rum, amaro nonino, hibiscus elixir, lime, mint.

Hops (below right) –  hophead vodka, aperol, orange, lemon, honey.

Delicious tray-passed appetizers:

CRAB CAKES – Serrano Aioli, Organic Carrots, Micro Greens

SLIDER – home made pizza dough bun, havarti cheese, french fries

Shake (below left) – rye whiskey, cherry heering, milk, vanilla, chocolate bitters, rose water.

Rouge (below right) – hardy vs cognac, port, lemon, cranberry, cinnamon.

SCOTT’S CALAMARI –  Spicy Provençal Style Viognier .

Jalisco (below left) – agave underground tequila, cointreau noir, kubler absinthe, lime, rhubarb bitters.

Rosemary (below right) – junipero, st germain, bruised rosemary. BRUSSEL SPROUTS & MACADEMIA NUT SPINACH.  

All 7 cocktails waiting for you to try!  The outdoor patio is simply stunning, especially during sunset.  I could sit here all night with friends enjoying a nice cocktail and delicious eats.  The Murano Bar & Patio can also be utilized for private functions & receptions for  up to 80 guests. New Year’s Day maybe over but don’t let the celebration stop just yet.  Gather a few good friends or set up a date night with your significant other and come say ‘Hello’ to James.  And let me know which drink is your new favorite, will you?

Scott’s Restaurant and Bar
3300 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 979-2400