A break from the lunch-time rush

THE PLACE

Finbar’s Italian Kitchen

THE JUDGE

Lolita Harper, Costa Mesa reporter

THE MEAL

The PCH Chicken Sandwich and vegetable soup

SPEED

Quick enough to get in a good meal during a lunch hour, without

rushing you out the door. Leisurely enough to get away from office to

relax and breathe.

The hostesses are quick to seat you and the servers promptly bring

fresh bread to be dipped in olive oil and vinegar. (They will bring

you butter on request.) Without missing a beat, they are back for

drink orders and, if you are ready, food orders. Not yet decided?

Take your time, there is no rush.

SERVICE

To sum it up: wonderful.

For example: I drink Diet Coke like a fish and every time I

drained my glass, some one was right there to bring me another. The

server was always helpful and attentive without being overbearing or

pushy. He timed his visits perfectly: about four bites into the meal

to make sure everything was OK and just after he saw the napkins get

placed on the table, indicating we were either ready for dessert or

to leave.

THE VERDICT

Finbar’s Italian Kitchen is a great place to get away from daily

grind and enjoy some great food. It touts a not so traditional name

for a not so traditional restaurant, as its recipes are a mix of New

York Italian cooking and some West Coast flavor.

My PCH chicken breast sandwich was a perfect example. I was not in

the mood for the “traditional” Italian meal and was treated to a

perfectly seasoned, plump, chicken breast, covered in Swiss cheese on

squaw bread. For the perfect California touch, they piled on a mound

of sprouts and crisp red onions.

Finbar’s offers patio or indoor dining and a filling meal for

reasonable prices. My meal, including unlimited refills of Diet Coke,

was about $10. Add in a good tip for great service and you’ve got a

relaxing meal in a comfortable restaurant for far less than $15. In a

hurry? Finbar’s can also fix your grub to go.