Patio dining in southern California doesn’t get much better than this – unless you’re at the beach!
Two of the best items on the menu: silky Edamame Dumplings and Caramelized Onion Tart with Figs and Gorgonzola.

True Food Kitchen, newly opened in Fashion Island next to Roy’s.

451 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA

(949) 644-2400

P.S.  Bring your sunscreen – the stylish awnings have gaps and, since June gloom has finally disappeared, the  sun was intense! The photos were taken under the shade of the awning, where alas, I was not.

Sol Cocina’s LOBSTER & SHRIMP TACOS (each with a different salsa: one with mango habanero, one with pico de gallo and one with tomatillo (or pick your fave).

Just recently, Sol Cocina in Newport Beach celebrated their one year anniversary with a week-long celebration that ended with a bash for a few hundred of their avid friends. Sol Cocina occupies a beautiful space designed to echo the expansiveness of the sea, sky, and desert of the Baja peninsula and successfully combines old world charm with urban comfort. The party began in the downstairs private dining room but, considering this area can be reserved for private events of 35 to 50 guests, we soon overflowed into the main dining area where guests enjoy a fabulous view of the Balboa marina while sipping Partida margaritas (or your choice of the 60 artisan tequilas offered).

Of course, there was Chef Deborah Schneider’s house special Guacamole Sol, passed mini carne asada tostadas, panuchos (empanadas), and other delicious Baja antojitos. And no party is complete without cupcakes!

Sol Cocina has a menu full of fresh, seasonal ingredients and  showcases dishes that are true to Baja style like Carne Asada Street Tacos and Cocktel de Mariscos as well as chef’s own Baja-inspired dishes. Besides ultimate harbor vistas from every table, the restaurant features an open kitchen with counter seating and a vibrant bar with cozy fireside seating. They have a fantastic happy hour from 3:00 – 6:00, 7 days a week, with $5.00 Sol house margaritas, well drinks and beer, and special pricing on antojitos. If you haven’t experienced Sol – you better,  Andale!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner – Sunday, May 9th to be exact. If you don’t have a plan for your mother or the mother of your children, I can offer some suggestions. If brunch is one of your  Mother’s Day traditions, you might want to start thinking about it now ‘cuz it is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants Another popular activity among moms is relaxing and being pampered with a massage or facial at one of the many resort spas or day spas in the area.

Last week I had the pleasure of being treated to a Mom’s Day Off with some of my favorite girls, all of us bloggers at OC Family, at the luxurious and picturesque Resort at Pelican Hill. If you want to make this THE most memorable of Mother’s Days, I highly recommend indulging the mom you love with a day like this:

For reservations or inquiries call (949) 467-6800 or online at http://www.pelicanhill.com.