EDITORIAL

The prospects are tantalizing.

An atmosphere that would fit perfectly on Temptation Island. Leopard

skin and red velvet sofas, pulsating music, all with a bayfront view.

Whether they will be appetizing, is another thing entirely.

In the next few weeks, Newport-Mesa residents will be able to decide

for themselves if the “nouveau Latino cuisine” to be offered by the

renovated Josh Slocums excites the palate, and whether they feel like

supporting the establishment’s new partner.

Newport’s notorious Dennis Rodman, former bad-boy basketball player

and now-Internet entrepreneur, has plunked down an undisclosed amount of

money and is acting as the interior designer for the Mariner’s Mile

restaurant.

The restaurant’s owner, Kevin Finegold, is promising a “causal,

kicked-back restaurant” with a “very cool, eclectic menu.”

Sounds like a promising mix for Newport Beach, where the “in”

restaurant changes as fast the recent weather.

But unlike other trendy eateries, the opening and the initial appeal

will revolve around Rodman more than the food. Judging by all the

complaints the Newport Beach police have gotten about his parties at

home, it is anything but a sure bet that residents will be anxious to

line his pockets with their hard-earned cash.