Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2014 Launch Party

My first media event of the new year couldn’t have started better at Eighth Annual Newport Beach Restaurant Week Launch Party at the Back Bay Bistro,  hosted by The Newport Beach Restaurant Association and McFarlane Promotions, Inc.

Newport Beach, known for its beautiful beaches,  harbors and villages, is home to many award-winning restaurants. This year for 10 days, from January 17th through 26th, over 60 restaurants will feature their special 3-course prix-fix menus for lunch ($10, $15, or $20) and/or dinner ($20, $30, or $40) that will sure delight the foodies in you.

(Photo taken from http://www.newportbeachdining.com/)

The evening started with speakers from The Newport Beach Restaurant Association, McFarlane Promotions, Inc. and appearance from Mayor, Rush Hill (pictured below, top left).

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

Many in attendance were restaurant owners, media press, and bloggers like myself.  It was a lot of fun to see so many familiar faces and meet new friends.  We enjoyed great drinks and these awesome flavored Svedka Voka shots.  There were also food sponsors serving delicious eats.  Tasty Chips and Guacamole provided by Rockin’ Baja Coastal Cantina.   Delicious Artisan Breads by Sadie Rose Baking Co.  I got to take a couple loafs of Ciabatta bread home and made garlic bread with them.  They were so good!   I usually am not a fan of Ciabatta bread because they tend to be too dense and chewy.  But these were lighter with just the right amount of chewiness.
Love the Quinoa Salad from Mayur Cuisine of India Restaurant.

IRISH STEW (Beef Stew made with Guinness Stout) by Muldoon’s Irish Pub was a big hit.

The Pappardelle Bolognese (homemade ribbon-shaped Pasta with traditional Golognese sauce) from Cusina Alessa Newport Beach was delicious!   And desserts from Newport Bay Bakers put a smile on everyone’s face.  There are so many great restaurants participating.  Allen and I are looking forward to trying some old favorites as well as some new hot spots.  We hope to see you there, too!  For more details, please visit Newport Restaurant Week.