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.
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