Those of you who are fans of the original Eat Chow will be delighted to find its second location now open for business off the Pacific Coast Highway. The Hungry Dogg and I paid them a visit to see what the new place is all about.
I was immediately attracted to the beachy feel, the aqua colors, and just the overall relaxed and casual surroundings in which to dine in.
We started with Beer Battered Onion Rings ($4.50), my choice, served with a Point Reyes blue cheese dip. It’s been quite a long time since I’ve had really good onion rings as most places can’t seem to batter the rings correctly. The ones here are simply perfect with a crispy coating surrounding soft sweet onions.
Our server suggested Truffled Parmesan Fries ($5) as well, and I was glad he did because these did not disappoint. I like my fries thin and crispy and these were exactly the way I love ’em. The sprinkling of Italian parsley and cheese gave them added flavor which they didn’t need as they were so good on their own.
I love clams and when I saw something entitled We Love Steamed Clams ($11) on the menu, I was like “SO DO I” and yep, they were definitely exactly how we like them. Steamed with garlic, white wine, pancetta, fresh parmesan, lemon and served with pesto toasted baguette, this was indeed the highlight of the meal. Delicious!
If you’re looking for something lighter for lunch, Ribeye Thai Beef Salad ($14) might just hit the spot. Although the marinated ribeye were sliced a tad too thin and was a little dry, the lime ginger dressing, as well as the lemon grass, basil, cilantro, mint, mixed greens, carrots and daikon, helped alleviate that issue. Crispy onions were a great addition creating a lovely textural contrast to the dish. There was also red pepper roulli drizzled on top, but I didn’t feel it needed to be there.
Austin saw Steak Diane ($17) on the menu and wanted to try it. I’ve had this as a child and wanted to see if it was similar to what I remembered. Seared tenderloin is topped with a sauce of shallots, mushroom, bordelaise and, dijon. Accompanied by cauliflower mashed potatoes and garlic pernod sauteed spinach, it was certainly a more sophisticated version of my childhood dish. A nice generous portion with to-die-for acoutrements.
The most surprising item was the Vanilla Lavender Pot Du Creme ($8) with fresh berry compote topped with whipped cream. Yes I know, I’m not a dessert fan, yet, lately, I’ve found some awesome sweets tempting my palate. This is one of them. Needless to say, I ate my half — ravished actually — and will be back to have it again!
Eat Chow 2 has graciously donated a $25 gift certificate for one of my readers to win. Leave me a comment telling me what you will most likely be ordering there for a chance. For an extra chance, “like” Eat Chow’s Facebook page and leave a comment telling me you’ve done so. Entries end on Sunday, May 27. Winner will be announced on Monday 28. Good Luck.
Eat Chow 2
211 62nd Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Tel: 949-423-7080
Those clams look amazing – that’s be my choice!
I love those truffle fries! can’t wait to go there soon! Thanks
I “liked” eat chow on FB. Thanks
It’s not on here but I would order the Lemon Marscapone French Toast…it just sounds so good about now in the morning!
It’s not on here but the lemon marscapone french toast sure sounds terrific right about now in the morning…!
I would go for breakfast and get the huate cakes with chocolate chips…probably a side of bacon too!
Steak Diane…just looks amazing, and judging from the looks it is going to be a nice treat =)
I also “liked” eat chow on FB
Steamed clams and Truffled Parmesan fries yum yum! That’s what I’d try!
I love steamed clams!
Hands Down The name explains it all “We Love Steamed Claims” would be my choice !
I liked Eat Chow!
Without doubt truffle fries. The second location looks really cute.
The steak diane looks sublime! I’d love to try it
truffle fries sound great. thanks
we also “liked” eat chow’s facebook page. thanks again
I would definitely order the Beer Battered Onion Rings because you can’t go wrong with a perfectly battered and crispy onion ring. I would also order the Simple Grilled Cheese because all I can say about that is “yum”.
I “liked” their page on Facebook =)
I “liked” their page on FB
definitely the clams!
I’ve always wanted to try this place. I’d probably go for those onion rings first!
I also like their Facebook page!
Steak Diane looks yummy with the savory sauce.
Truffle Fries… DUHHHHH! *insert licking lips*
Just “Liked” Eat Chow Facebook! My parents were in town last weekend and we made sure they got the Eat Chow experience 🙂 #BigFans
Steak Diane and Truffles Parmesan Fries!
I would love to try the Steak Diane. It looks delicious!
I love their Parmesan Truffle Fries and Thai Curry Salad. Amazing.
I love their Parmesan Truffle Fries and Thai Curry Salad!
I “liked” Eat Chow’s facebook page
onion rings!
I liked their Facebook page
Congratulations, you are the winner
Everything looks scrumptious! I would order exactly what you had.
Are you kidding me??? I’m diving mouth first into that Lavender Pot de Crème…!! Yeah, BABY!
P.S. Of course I “liked” Eat Chow. They are too YUMMY not too!! 🙂
I liked Eat Chow on Facebook. Love your blog, it is helping us rediscover OC restaurants after living in San Diego for 10 years. Most of our favorite restaurants are in Costa Mesa. Can’t wait to try Eat Chow. Do you think it is kid friendly?
Liked Eat Cow on Facebook. Love your blog!
Hands down, I’d order We Love Steamed Clams. Because I do love them 😀
Everything looks so amazingly delicious…I would order it all. The vanilla lavender pot de creme looks amazing and I’d go for desert first! hehehehe P.S. I “liked” both Eat Chow pages!
Everything looks amazing! I would order everything you described above…but would probably go with the Lavender Pot de Creme first! LOL! I also liked EAT CHOW Page too!
fried green tomatoes!
Can’t wait to get me some clams at Eat Chow! I like them too!! And will let them know on their FB page right now!