Tower 48, a new fast casual eatery in Newport Beach opens tomorrow. The second collaboration between Andrew Dorsey and Dan Biello of SOCIAL in Costa Mesa, Tower 48 is a modern beach deli offering a host of hot and cold sandwiches, as well as innovative sides to pair your meal with.
We were introduced to a preview this week, and here are some of the highlights from Tower 48’s menu.
For starters, grab a bowl of Beach Fruit ($5/$10) which consists of papaya, mango, pineapple, and jicama cubes, topped with shards of shaved coconut, lime, and hibiscus. It is super refreshing, and perfect as a salad on its own, or a palate cleanser in between bites of sandwich.
If you’re looking for something light, try Avocado Toast ($9) topped with oven dried cherry tomatoes, tarragon, radish, and golden pea shoots on sourdough. I loved the bite of the radish and pea shoots combined with the sweet tart flavors of the tomatoes.
Tower 48 specializes in sandwiches and there is a host to choose from. One of my favorites is Banh Mi ($11) which sees a baguette smeared with Kewpie (my favorite brand of mayo) Sriracha mayo, then stuffed with marinated pork, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, and jalapeno. The kick from the jalapeno slices add a surprising punch on the palate, which delivers a really well rounded appeal with every bite.
I love Italian ($12) sandwiches and this one is pretty damn good. Stuffed with sopressata salami, capicola, mortadella, Muenster cheese, and a handful of shaved iceberg, and sliced pepperoncini, the sandwich is drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Oh how I love the pepperoncini!!
Vegetarians should choose Catalina Caprese ($10) an aesthetically pleasing creation with thick slices of mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes. The arugula adds a burst of freshness, while the balsamic glaze lends an element of sweetness to the sandwich. A house-made pesto is smeared on the baguette for additional flavor.
The Tower Fries ($9) are also rather delicious. Thick cut fries are topped with bacon jam, American cheese, pickled red Fresno chiles, green onion, and a drizzle of crema. The pickled chiles are fantastic, and elevates this item several notches, adding an acid component, as well as a bit of heat to the fries.
Stop by tomorrow when Tower 48 opens its doors for business. It is slightly difficult to find, but is located next to The Flame Broiler and Chronic Tacos in the plaza.
Tower 48
4525 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Tel: 949-432-5858
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