It’s been a while since we last dined at EATS, so we dropped by for a casual dinner recently, and were not disappointed by the consistency of Chef Jeff Moore’s menu.
On top of regular menu items we selected, Chef Jeff sent out a couple of items he has been working on to be included on the menu. Fresh from his recent trip to Italy, we were happy to taste Caprese Salad which includes Campari tomato wedges, fragrant opal basil, and a gorgeous pine nut granola which I wish they would bag and sell at the market within the Hotel Irvine. A generous bulb of burrata sits in the middle, adding to the lusciousness of this refreshingly enticing dish.
Fried Deviled Eggs is another item Chef Jeff is working on for the bar menu. I’ve never had fried deviled eggs before. At first glance, I had thought it was a Scotch egg, but believe me when I say this …. It is SO much better than a Scotch egg. The light crispiness of the deviled egg is coupled with the soft interior, making it a palate delight. Served with a little mache greens to cleanse the palate.
From the menu, we choose Butcher’s Board ($16) featuring Piedmont salami, smoked pancetta, salami rosa, sopressata, house pickles, and pork rillettes. Add cheese for an extra $2 — so worth it as the cheddar with streaks of blue is absolutely fantastic!
For our entrees, the Garganelli Bolognese ($18) is a hefty portion of perfectly al dente pasta topped with beef and veal ragu, crispy pork guanciale chunks, and ricotta from Bellwether Farms up in Sonoma. Leftovers are even better the next day!
Prime Flat Iron Steak ($27) is another great choice especially for those who are meat lovers. The steak is prepared to your desired temperature accompanied with bacon, fingerling potatoes, broccolini, and a perfect chimichurri sauce. I’m not a huge red meat eater, but I had several bites of this as it was SO good.
Don’t let the fact that EATS is a hotel restaurant hinder you from a good meal. The prices are comparable to any restaurant in the area, and there is complimentary valet parking available as well. It is as good a neighborhood restaurant as any! Go check them out.
EATS Kitchen & Bar
at Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92614
Tel: 949-225-6780
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