Transport your taste buds across the world to mystical Asia , where signature dishes are vastly different than in the West . The fusion of flavors at Starfish Newport is inspired by countries like Thailand , Japan , Vietnam and China , with a lengthy , coastal-inspired menu that ensures you can try something new every time you visit . Located one block up from Pacific Coast Highway ’ s Restaurant Row , Starfish opened its doors in the spring following the success of its Laguna location , which launched in 2011 . Though smaller , the new eatery captures the same vibrant energy of the flagship restaurant , with textured wooden doors that welcome guests to a room filled with dramatic artwork , textured lanterns and sleek , sea-colored tiles ; this location also serves as Starfish ’ s catering hub .
For a light , refreshing cocktail that pairs with any dish , try the Wild Lychee Martini , which combines vodka made of rice wine with lemongrass liqueur and fresh puree . Another Asian-inspired sip , the Thai Me Down , features rice wine rum , chai tea , coquito and cinnamon , while the frozen Newport Frose is unique to the Newport location .
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Starfish Newport 191 Riverside Ave .; 949-570-3990 starfishcalifornia . com / newportbeach
When diving into the cuisine , you ’ ll likely be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options — but you can ’ t go wrong with any of them , so long as you ’ re all right with a little heat . Start out with the wok-fired edamame , tossed in garlic and sesame seeds along with togarashi , a Japanese seasoning blend . While savoring these tasty soybeans in the pod , you can peruse the menu and settle on some shared plates , like the Silk Road potstickers , which are stuffed with shrimp and pork then steamed or pan fried and served with a chile-sesame-soy dipping sauce , or the Thai coconut chicken satays , where chicken breast is marinated in coconut and lemongrass , cooked on skewers then drizzled in a creamy peanut sauce .
Those looking for expert fusion food should try the banh mi sliders , a trio served with either softshell crab or beef . Or enjoy the lobster macadamia roll , which fuses pieces of lobster tail with avocado ,
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cucumber and mango before the sushi is sprinkled with roasted nuts and drizzled in spicy Sriracha aioli .
For a more hearty meal , check out the Rickshaw Ramen Noodle bowl . Chopped prawns and Duroc pork are combined with cucumbers , bean sprouts , green onion and peanuts , tossed in a spicy chile-garlic sauce and placed on a bed of brothless noodles . For a less spicy , vegetarian option , order the pad thai , which contains egg and fresh tamarind atop rice noodles .
The Asian inspiration continues with the entrees , including the wild Thai halibut , which is steamed in a banana leaf alongside coconut rice and a blend of Thai herbs and spices . Served with flour tortillas and a creamy chile-basil sauce , this light dish is perfect for warm nights as summer turns to fall . Other seafood dishes include grilled white miso black cod and kung pao prawns while items like Mongolian beef and slow-cooked baby back wet ribs round out the menu .
Because the eatery draws inspiration from so many different lands , the variation in the food is outstanding . Every bite you take has some spice , fabulous flavor and a bit of the magic and mystery that permeates Asian culture . NBM
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LEFT : COURTESY OF STARFISH NEWPORT ; MIDDLE AND RIGHT : ASHLEY RYAN |
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