Slip into a seat at the Javier ’ s bar just before golden hour and you ’ ll be in for a treat . As the sun sinks lower , the cool tones of Crystal Cove ’ s sparkling blue waters just beyond Pacific Coast Highway are replaced by a sky painted with vivid orange and radiant pink . Metal flower sculptures offer an added glow , flames erupting from their pistils as the air begins to cool . It ’ s been nearly 30 years since beloved eatery Javier ’ s opened its doors in Laguna Beach , relocating to Crystal Cove Shopping Center in 2008 , and it ’ s safe to say the restaurant ’ s popularity has only skyrocketed since then . Newport Beach residents and out-of-town visitors alike flock to this upscale Mexican restaurant , which also has locations in Irvine , La Jolla , Century City , Las Vegas and Los Cabos , Mexico . If you haven ’ t been , it ’ s worth a visit and , if you have , now is a good time to return as the Newport restaurant just reopened in May following a largescale renovation that added space for another 50-60 guests , expanded the bar from four to 20 seats and increased the size of the kitchen for better efficiency — an important aspect considering that the restaurant serves thousands of diners each night .
Additionally , the wall separating the dining room from the patio was removed , the ceilings
|
JAVIER ’ S 7832 E . Coast Highway 949-494-1239 ; javiers-cantina . com Hours : 11:30 a . m . to 10 p . m . Sunday through Thursday ; 11:30 a . m . to 11 p . m . Friday and Saturday
were raised and the colors were brightened , providing a more open floor plan and a better view of the picturesque coastline .
The menu , however , remains the same , offering authentic cuisine from all over Mexico with a touch of originality . Gourmet meats , sustainably caught seafood and fresh , local produce fill the menu , and everything is cooked to order to ensure a memorable meal each time .
Start with a handcrafted margarita , all of which feature the restaurant ’ s own tequilas . Opt for a classic , like the Javier ’ s Cristalino , which combines anejo tequila and fresh lime juice over an ice sphere with a Tajín rim , or try a fruity option , like the Piña ( pineapple ) or Guayaba ( guava ) cocktails .
Though crunchy tortilla chips with house-made salsa will swiftly be delivered to your table , pick out an appetizer or two to enjoy . The fresh ceviche is a
|
popular option , offered in fish , shrimp , ahi tuna or octopus varieties ; a tasty trio of your choice is also available . Other flavorful options include shrimp empanadas , crisp salads , taquitos or a side of esquites — creamy street corn .
As you delve further into the menu , cultural favorites abound . In fact , family recipes for dishes such as mole , short ribs , chile relleno and carnitas are so valued that no modifications are allowed . Seafood lovers can enjoy seared seasonal fish , premium wild scallops , fettuccine with a medley of ocean-centric ingredients or dishes like the Carne Y Camarones , which pairs filet mignon with wild Mexican white prawns sauteed in a garlic butter sauce . Other steaks — cut from USDA Prime Angus beef , hand selected and aged to perfection — fill the menu , but diners can also select a 14-ounce tomahawk pork chop for their meal .
These dishes are joined by a number of enchilada plates , ranging from enchiladas poblanas made with chicken and mole to a trio of seafood enchiladas ( shrimp , crab and lobster ) to the vegetarian Enchiladas de Espinacas , stuffed with leafy spinach and a poblano cream sauce .
Make sure to end the evening on a high note : The dessert menu is filled with sweet treats , from flan , churros and tres leches to a melt-in-yourmouth guava cheesecake . NBM
|
LEFT TWO PHOTOS : ASHLEY RYAN ; RIGHT : COURTESY OF JAVIER ’ S |
|||||
52 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM |