Bringing a ‘bit of N.Y. flair’

BALBOA PENINSULA — Christopher Roman wanted to open an inexpensive restaurant, but the New Yorker knew there was no way he could do it in the Big Apple, so naturally he ended up realizing his dream in thrifty Newport Beach.

Come again? OK, so the real estate’s not so cheap here either, but Roman was able to open his Bay Burger restaurant in the Balboa Fun Zone when the owners of the building were looking to sell. It ended up being a homecoming for his wife, who grew up in Newport.

Roman opened the restaurant in January with the help of business partner Alex Garcia, who created the menu.

Roman, who studied art in college, discovered his passion for restaurants while working at the Plaza Hotel in New York.

The Plaza’s chef took a liking to Roman, who later became a purchaser for the hotel’s restaurant.

Roman wanted to start a restaurant in Manhattan, but couldn’t afford it.

“It’s nearly impossible — it’s hard to open a $2 million restaurant serving $46 hamburgers,” Roman said with a chuckle. “I like the lifestyle here.”

Roman wanted a neighborhood restaurant where customers could relax, enjoy the view, read the newspaper and chat with friends.

The restaurant was revamped to bring “a little bit of New York flair and style” to the Balboa Fun Zone while keeping the casual beach attitude.

Dave Dalzell, who works at Marina WaterSports, advised other customers to not miss the fried green beans or the turkey sandwich, which he said is like “Thanksgiving on a bun.” Dalzell and Rich Baranoski, who runs the bungee jump ride at the Fun Zone, said Roman has made the place the best it’s been ever.

“They bring the four stars to Bay Burger that the previous owners lacked,” Baranoski said. “Everything is awesome.”

When it’s warm, the restaurant’s sliding glass doors can all be open to let the breeze coming off the bay blow through the small cafe-style restaurant.

The old tile floors were stripped and the bare floor was polished.

The tables were hand-tiled by Roman and Garcia.

The restaurant offers free wireless Internet service so customers can stay a while and enjoy the views and coffee while doing their work.

Roman has “done a good job appealing to the locals as well as the tourists,” Dalzell said.

Roman also offers newspapers and magazines. Roman wants his customers to stay awhile.

“I think people can get so jaded living here for so long that they forget the beauty and quaintness of a spot like this,” Roman said. “But so far the locals have been so supportive of us.”

The restaurant features healthy options of salads, sandwiches and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

Roman’s favorite dishes include Cubano sandwich — a steak sandwich served with French fries and onions created by Garcia, who’s Cuban — as well as the Wedge salad, aptly named after the famous body surfing spot.

“We’re just trying to create a cozy, welcoming place that can be a central spot for locals,” Roman said.