Quick and comfy fits the bill at Newport Rib Company

THE PLACE

Newport Rib Company, 2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa

THE JUDGE

Lolita Harper, Costa Mesa reporter

THE MEAL

Turkey bacon club, served with thick steak fries, side salad and

diet coke

THE SPEED

Although it is a popular lunchtime destination, the restaurant

handles its afternoon crowd beautifully by making sure there are

enough servers and stations available to accommodate the rush. I was

seated immediately and my server was at the table before I could

blink, with an ever-so-tempting mini loaf of golden corn bread and

whipped butter.

My meal at Newport Rib Company came just in time to save me from

finishing off the corn bread and ruining my appetite. Within about

five minutes of ordering, my side salad was served and 10 minutes

later an enormous plate of sandwich quarters -- decoratively placed

around a mountain (no joke) of piping-hot steak fries -- was

delivered to the table. It took me even less time to devour it.

THE SERVICE

My server was friendly, attentive and didn’t give me one of those

awkward, why-are-you-eating by-yourself-looks. He made sure I had

everything I needed and even knew which dressing was most kind to the

waist-line. (The lo-cal raspberry vinaigrette, which is delicious.)

He also managed to suppress a smile when immediately after insisting

on light dressing and a diet coke, I asked for mouth-watering French

fries as my side dish when fruit was the obvious low-calorie option.

THE VERDICT

The decor at Newport Rib Company made for the perfect working

lunch spot. Although I dined alone, I felt at home surrounded by the

rich, wood paneled walls and my comfortable, overstuffed booth. While

glancing up from Planning Commission staff reports, I was pleased to

see little pieces of area history on the walls, such as old pictures

of the Newport Bay, a sign from the Costa Mesa Fish Fry and trophies

from local golf tournaments.

Of course, once my food arrived, I was less focused on the

atmosphere and intent on finishing off my delightful club sandwich,

piled high with thick slices of turkey, scrumptious bacon, fresh

tomatoes and crisp lettuce. I tried valiantly to knock-down my

sandwich and fries but alas, the portions were simply too large. I

challenge anyone to walk out of there hungry. It just won’t happen.

All of this was offered at a reasonable price with my entire meal

costing less than $15, including a tip.