Last minute holiday shoppers find warmth at Fashion Island

The shortened holiday season has Newport-Mesa residents scrambling

to complete last minute shopping and preparing to entertain guests,

all while maintaining a sense of joy and spirit of the season. A

quick visit to Fashion Island proves this, with shoppers loaded down

with bags and diners enjoying a warm respite at the many cafes in

Atrium Court.

Holiday shoppers who haven’t ventured into Atrium Court lately are

probably not going hungry with all of the other great cafes and

restaurants to choose from, including the new Thaifoon: A Taste of

Asia, but quite a few new eateries wait to be discovered on the lower

level of Atrium Court. If you were an early bird who had their

shopping done before Thanksgiving, you should still make a point to

visit Fashion Island to enjoy one of these new cafes and fuel up for

those post-holiday sales.

Cento & Fanti Brick Oven Pizzeria & Bakery has opened in the spot

formerly occupied by Villa Italia. Cento & Fanti is known for its

flavorful, authentic Italian dishes, including 15 pastas and entrees,

as well as brick oven pizzas. The slices of fresh-baked pizza are so

large they are meals unto themselves.

Philadelphia Grill is another new casual restaurant, serving

freshly prepared, traditional Philly cheese steak sandwiches, as well

as submarine sandwiches, a variety of grilled sandwiches and

fresh-cut fries.

Tacone is also a newcomer with an extensive menu of

freshly-prepared gourmet wraps. Tacone takes the most popular foods

from around the world and wraps them in naturally flavored tortillas

to create gourmet wraps, salad wraps and vegetarian and low-fat

wraps. A variety of side dishes, including Tacone’s famous sweet

potato fries, are also offered. If it’s an energetic snack on the go

you crave, try one of Tacone’s fruit smoothies.

Oak Tree Market has opened with the best of the former Farmer’s

Market, including a salad bar, Boar’s Head deli, hot food counter and

fresh sushi bar, as well as offering a full-service bakery and

catering. Oak Tree Market also has a terrific selection of specialty

food, wine and other gift items perfect for last-minute gifts.

Opening just in time to warm holiday shoppers, the most recent

addition to Atrium Court is Red Rock Chili Co. This new concept

restaurant features gourmet chilis, soups, salads and breads made

fresh daily.

The signature dish at Red Rock Chili Co. is Cincinnati-style chili

traditionally served over spaghetti and topped with mounds of mild

cheddar cheese and diced onions. The menu features five different

types of chili, including vegetarian, and can be ordered by the cup,

bowl or “a lot,” which is 32 ounces and meant for sharing. Any style

of chili can also be served on spaghetti, baked potato, hot dog,

French fries or in a burrito.

Red Rock Chili also offers a variety of fresh soup and salads, as

well as a chili, soup and salad of the day. In addition, customers

are invited to submit their favorite recipes that may be featured as

one of the restaurant’s daily specials.

To accompany your chili, Red Rock serves side dishes including

jalapeno corn muffins, sour dough rolls, cheese bread and more. The

restaurant also has a frequent diner program and extends a 15 percent

discount to senior citizens.

If it’s a more leisurely sit-down meal you are seeking, visit

Thaifoon: A Taste of Asia, located between Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

Offering contemporary, innovative Thai cuisine, Thaifoon boasts a

beautiful setting that includes a “waterwall” that separates the

kitchen from the dining area. Fashion Island recently added a new

valet station in front of Thaifoon, providing an added convenience

for patrons.

Another new tenant in Atrium Court worth checking out is Beverages

& more! For those hosting guests on Christmas, throwing a New Year’s

bash, or simply looking for a thoughtful hostess gift, the new store

is a one-stop shop. Beverages & more! is California’s largest

specialty store of wine, beer and spirits.

The store also carries specialty foods, including fresh cheese,

caviar, chocolates and snacks, as well as bar and wine accessories,

party supplies and top-name cigars. The store offers 3,000 varieties

of wine, 1,000 premium spirits from around the world, and over 500

national brands of beer and specialty brews. Kegs are also available

for 150 of these brands.

So no matter if it is last-minute shopping, a quick bite or

leisurely meal you are seeking, Santa’s elves are wise to check out

the new offerings at Fashion Island.

* EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was provided by an Irvine Co.

representative.