COURTESY OF CATALINA ISLAND CO . |
go-to spot , especially for first-time visitors , to learn about the island ’ s history , like the fire that devastated half of Avalon ’ s buildings in 1915 , the Chicago Cubs conducting spring training on Catalina when Wrigley owned the baseball team and Marilyn Monroe — then Norma Jean Baker — living on the island briefly while married to Jim Dougherty before she became famous . But even return visitors to the island will delight in the rotating exhibits like “ Ann Weber : 26 Miles ,” on display through Aug . 4 . The artist has created sculptures from repurposed cardboard , giving a second life to the material and making a statement about the current culture of consumerism while also playing with themes of nostalgia as well as nature ’ s vulnerability and resilience . The exhibition name , “ 26 Miles ,” alludes to the distance between Catalina and San Pedro , where Weber is based .
Notably , for the uninitiated , most people go on foot around the walkable city of Avalon , but golf carts are available for rent as the city has limited the number of traditional , full-size vehicles that are allowed . Although Uber and Lyft don ’ t service the island , Circuit , an all-electric shared ride service , began operating in Avalon in April .
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Clockwise from top left : the Bison Expedition : Flx Biergarten ; exhibits at El Rancho Escondido , an Arabian horse ranch that recently opened for tours
CATALINA CUISINE After exploring all day , you ’ ll no doubt work up an appetite . Luckily , there are plenty of excellent restaurants from which to choose . When visiting an island , of course , fresh seafood seems like a natural choice . And diners can ’ t go wrong with Bluewater Avalon , part of the regional Bluewater Grill chain that was established in Newport Beach and has a swordfish harpoon boat to do some of its own fishing . Situated right on the water with a patio and harbor views , Bluewater Avalon is decorated with historic photos , fishing poles and other memorabilia .
A wide variety of dishes are offered at Bluewater , from New England clam chowder to crabcakes , lobster rolls , fish tacos , seared scallops , mussels in white wine sauce , chipotle-blackened local swordfish , lemon pepper mahi-mahi and pan-seared salmon with chimichurri . Those seeking to be a bit more decadent might opt for the beer-battered fish and chips or fried shrimp while those on a health kick would do well to choose either the seafood Louie or Mediterranean ahi salads . And for those who don ’ t care for seafood , there ’ s a wagyu cheeseburger , baby back ribs and New York strip steak . Wine and beer
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choices abound as well as cocktails like the Captain ’ s Mai Tai , Smoked Old-Fashioned or a traditional Catalina drink , Buffalo Milk with vodka , Kahlua , creme de banana and creme de cacao topped with whipped cream . If that doesn ’ t satisfy your sweet tooth , there ’ s always dessert : Key lime pie , Java Mud Pie or New York-style cheesecake .
If you have a craving for Mexican food and a margarita or beer , head to Maggie ’ s Blue Rose . Located on Crescent Avenue , the main pathway running alongside the sand , Maggie ’ s offers up authentic dishes and drinks with harbor views . The extensive menu ranges from chicken with homemade mole sauce to Island Ceviche , lobster enchiladas , shrimp tacos and the Catalina Burrito with steak , chicken or carnitas . Platters of grilled steak , carne asada , carnitas or fajitas are also available . Another succulent option is the tequila shrimp seasoned with ancho and sauteed in tequila-chile-lime butter . To wash it down , the eatery stocks more than four dozen tequilas . Maggie ’ s must-try cocktails are the Catalina Prickly Pear and Dulce Agave margaritas , which each offer a kick from infused serrano ; both drinks were winners in Taste Around Avalon ’ s past contests .
Fine Italian dining can be found at M Restaurant , which also boasts ocean views . Start with a glass of vino from the carefully curated list , then order some appetizers to share , like the Crispy Ravioli or Italian meatballs , followed by fresh pasta , flatbreads , steak or locally sourced seafood . A top pick is the Bolognese pasta : fettuccine topped with a rich , tomato-based sauce blending beef and pork , mirepoix , cream and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese . Or choose a from-thesea dish like cioppino or lobster linguini with lemoncream sauce , sun-dried tomatoes and asparagus . Surf & Turf is another excellent option , with a lobster tail and 10-ounce New York steak , garlic mashed potatoes , asparagus and drawn butter . M Restaurant is a perfect place to celebrate a birthday , anniversary — or your last night on the island .
Another spot to toast the end of a great trip is Flx Biergarten , which opened last summer . The open-air venue with charming string lights features plenty of tables and chairs , cozy fire pits and yard games like beer pong and corn hole . Beer — a pint or a flight — as well as wine , hard cider , seltzer and kombucha are served from a decorated trailer that pays homage to the iconic 1950s Flxible buses that once carried tourists around the streets of Avalon . Choose from a rotating list of brews on tap , from BeachWood CitraHolic , a West Coast India pale ale , to Guinness Nitro , an Irish stout , or Firestone Cali Squeeze Blood Orange hefeweizen . Whether you ’ re celebrating a successful trip , just getting your weekend started or planning your return visit , there ’ s no better place to be with friends as the sun sinks down on the horizon . So raise up a glass to Catalina and all the memories you ’ ve made . NBM
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NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 73 |