“Modo Mio” means my way in Italian and their way is fabulous! I had the chance to preview their Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week three-course lunch menu ($15!!) and I will most definitely be back. Their classic Italian food has a deft touch, and fresh, big flavors. Service is friendly and the sun splashed interior is welcoming; your eyes inevitably drawn through Mediterranean arches framing the portico, beyond the parking lot to the horizon where sea kisses the sky in hues of blue, graceful palms sweeping away the clouds.
An unexpected surprise, given their Crystal Cove Promenade location, is how moderately priced menu items at lunch and dinner are. My dining partner and I were able to try two of the three dishes offered for the first and second course on the special Restaurant Week lunch menu.
Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week begins today, January 19th and, lucky for us, extends two weeks to February 1, 2015. A huge seafood lover, I’m looking forward to trying the Tagliatelle Capesante E Salmone (Spinach tagliatelle with bay scallops and smoked salmon) at dinner.
Salmon Carpaccio
Special Dine Newport Beach Lunch Menu
First Course
Insalata All’Italiana
Chopped romaine lettuce, prosciutto, provolone, mortadella, and white mushrooms
Carpaccio Di Salmone
Smoked Salmon with capers, arugula, and onion
Insalata Di Frutta
Arugula with kiwi, pear, and sweet corn in a light lemon dressing
Chicken Milanese
Second Course
Rigatoni Alle Melanzane
Pasta tubes with marinara, eggplant, and shaved parmesan
Tagliatelle Al Prosciutto E Piselli
Flat noodles with prosciutto, peas, onion, tossed in olive oil, herbs, garlic, and white wine
Cotoletta Alla Milanese
Pounded breaded free-range chicken breast served with chopped tomatoes and
arugula
Tagliatelle with Prosciutto and Peas
Third Course
Tiramisu
Lemon Cheesecake
You can’t go wrong with either dessert. The Lemon Cheesecake is the lightest, fluffiest cheesecake with bright citrus that is incredibly refreshing – definitely better than denser New York style cheesecake, in my opinion.
Restaurant Week is your chance to revisit favorites and make new discoveries! Check out the menus for all participating Newport Beach restaurants on the Dine Newport Beach Restaurant website. This year, the renowned culinary celebration expands to two full weeks of delectable dining January 19 – February 1, 2015. Whether you’re craving international cuisine, locally sourced seafood or a perfectly sizzled steak, mark your calendar to reserve your next delicious Dine Newport Beach experience. Participating restaurants will be serving up special prix-fixe menus, with lunches available for just $10, $15, $20 or $25 and dinners for $20, $30, $40 or $50.
Cheers!
While you’re at Modo Mio, try their refreshing Moscow Mule. ($7 at Happy Hour, M-F, 4-6)
MODO MIDO CUCINA RUSTICA
in Crystal Cove Promenade
7946 East Coast Highway
Newport Coast, CA 92657
949.497.9770
Lunch is served 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM every day
Dinner is served 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday
4:30 PM – 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday
Wow…this looks and sounds amazing, Priscilla! What a deal! I’d be stalking these restaurants if I lived close by! Thanks for making me drool! xo
“Three-course lunch menu ($15!!)” What a bargain. I’ll check out the menu.
Hi Kevin – They can do vegetarian for you! Thanks for stopping by :))