10 newportbeachindy . com JUNE 9 , 2023
OFF THE MENU
David Wilhelm of Newport ’ s Tavern House Purchases Cedar Creek Inn in San Juan Capistrano
David Wilhelm ’ s famous fried chicken
By Christopher Trela | NB Indy
David Wilhelm has garnered numerous fans over the past 40 years , and the reason is simple : The chef-turnedrestaurateur created some of the most memorable restaurants in Orange County . In fact , his Culinary Adventures restaurant group was based in Newport Center , a perfect location to supervise his coastal restaurant empire that once stretched from Huntington Beach to Laguna Beach .
His French 75 restaurant in Laguna Beach ( now home to Selanne Steak Tavern ) was one of my regular haunts . Their French 75 cocktail and shrimp cassoulet were my go-to items .
His Chat Noir restaurant in Costa Mesa near Segerstrom Center was another favorite , featuring live jazz music and creative cuisine .
Other notable local restaurants that were Wilhelm originals : Kachina , Bistro 201 , Barbacoa , Diva , Sorrento and Sorrento Grille , Savannah Chop House , and Jimmy ’ s Famous American Tavern .
On the heels of those successes , in 2019 Wilhelm opened Tavern House Kitchen & Bar ( where 3Thirty3 once held court ) overlooking the Newport Beach Marina . The menu reflects Wilhelm ’ s greatest hits ( including his famous French 75 onion soup ) along with many new dishes . If you haven ’ t tried his fried chicken yet , it ’ s among the best in OC .
Wilhelm just added lunch service from Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a . m . to 3 p . m . This gives diners even more time to try Wilhelm ’ s sensational Cowboy Burger with Cheddar , Onion Rings , Bacon , Green Chile and BBQ Sauce , a Pastrami Reuben , Blackened Rare Ahi Burger , or Maine Lobster Club Sandwich . I ’ ve tried them all , and love them all .
New summer drink offerings include a Blackberry Mojito , Watermelon and Mango Margaritas and an island style Rum Runner .
Tavern House Travels South Now that his Newport location is doing so well , Wilhelm is expanding
his Tavern House concept to San Juan Capistrano , which has become the new darling of the dining community .
Wilhelm has purchased Cedar Creek Inn in San Juan Capistrano ’ s historic Mission Promenade . Now at the helm of the kitchen , Wilhelm has revamped the menus at Cedar Creek Inn as he gears the restaurant up for a remodel and relaunch as Tavern at the Mission early next year .
The addition of the San Juan Capistrano restaurant makes sense . Wilhelm and his business partner Gregg Solomon are both longtime residents of San Juan Capistrano . In November of 2022 they entered into a purchase agreement with the owners of Cedar Creek Inn . According to press information , extensive renovations are planned but the duo is committed to preserving the location ’ s historical integrity and oldtown charm . The reimagined space will include changes to the dining rooms and bar and an enhancement of the large outdoor patio including the addition of live music .
Wilhelm has already revamped the food menus , drink and wine lists at Cedar Creek Inn . Guests can now enjoy Wilhelm ’ s popular New American cuisine and comfort food classics . The menu at Tavern at the Mission will focus on California ’ s multicultural history , drawing inspiration from Mexican , Spanish , and European cuisines . Guests can look forward to some of Wilhelm ’ s signature Southwestern creations , including his Maine Lobster and Corn Crepe ‘ Burrito ’ with chipotle cream sauce .
And for Cedar Creek Inn fans , a selection of best-sellers and fan favorites from that restaurant , including the Monte Cristo Sandwich and Coconut Cake , will continue as menu mainstays .
“ Cedar Creek Inn has been a staple in this community for more than twentyfive years ,” comments Wilhelm , “ We ’ d like to honor that history and the loyal patrons who ’ ve frequented over the years by continuing to offer some of their most beloved menu items . I will continue to operate the restaurant under the Cedar Creek Inn name throughout this year .”
For more information on Tavern House Kitchen & Bar and Tavern at The Mission , please visit the website at tavernhousekb . com .
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
KidWorks 5th Women ’ s Pickleball Tournament Nets Over $ 73K for Nonprofit ’ s College Success Initiative
By NB Indy Staff
Pickleball is more than just a popular sport — it ’ s a wonderful way for nonprofit organizations to raise money while having fun .
That ’ s exactly what the nonprofit KidWorks did on April 20 when it held its annual Women ’ s Pickleball Tournament . The event drew 64 women , who came to play for a great cause on the pickleball courts at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach Country Club .
The fundraising initiative was launched by a committee of dedicated women who want to assist the Santa Ana-based nonprofit that provides academic , personal development , and leadership programs for children and teens in overlooked communities .
This time , the popular tournament raised over $ 73,000 for the KidWorks College Success Initiative , which prepares first generation college students for higher education beyond high school and includes the nonprofit ’ s College Apps Academy , Campus Crash event , plus engagement with its college counselor and care packages for its college students .
David Wilhelm
Pickleball tourney players included : Heather Gaughan , Sharon Roy , Kim Carpenter , Beth Hallett , Debbie Trammell , Kathy Ursini , Wendy Hafer Cox , Lori Junkins , Corinne Morgenstern , Kyle Team , Lisa Gels , Jill Schriber .
Over the last four years the Kid- Works Pickleball Tournament has raised over $ 220,000 in total .
“ Thanks to the hard work and devotion of the KidWorks Women and the Women ’ s Pickleball Tournament Committee , our 2023 event was a sellout ,” says Lisa Gels , KidWorks Associate Director of Development . “ Their efforts provided such fun and comradery as our participants played for a purpose .”
The 2023 tournament committee members from Newport Beach were chair Kathy Ursini , along with Lori Junkins , Heather Gaughan , Sharon Roy , Jill Schriber , Ellen Small , Wendy Hafer Cox , Debbie Trammell , and Kyle Team , plus Leslie Montgomery , C . C . Knowles and Corinne Morgenstern , all of Corona del Mar . Team is
KIDWORKS Page 11