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EXECUTIVE DINING
These Restaurants Have a Long History for Good Reason
I've decided in this issue of Fifi's Best to focus on some of the great local restaurants that have survived for more than the 15 years in Orange County.
You'll read about the history of these restaurants and how they've changed. With a look at current menus and wine lists, you'll find suggestions for summer dining.
I've covered restaurants from so many directions and corralled those fitting so many categories during my writing career at the Business Journal. Each time I wish I could include all the restaurants that fit my theme. Unfortunately, there's only so much space.
I am addicted to restaurant dining. Even if I were't writing about them, I would still be making reservations all the time. I hope that you won't mind me inviting you to share this culinary addiction with me.
Enjoy!
21 OCEANFRONT
2100 W. Oceanfront
Newport Beach
(949)673-2100
Dinner only
This location as a restaurant goes all the way back to the late 1960s. It was called Alley West and became an instant hit with its ocean view.
In the mid-1970s, it was turned into The Ritz, taking on a more glamorous stance. When Hans Prager took The Ritz to Newport Center in 1982, it then became 21 Oceanfront under other ownership.
Additions were made and its seductive and lush interiors were honed even more. The last change of ownership took place in 2001, when Levon Gugasian took over. It remains popular and beautiful, with an awesome view.
Chef Umberto Rubelli and the owner feel that customer satisfaction and consistency are the cornerstones of their success. Luckily, this place always has had a reputation for fine food and good service and it remains so.
Additions to the decor include a remodeled wine cellar, antiques and artwork, which have given it a more luxurious edge.
Levon's concentration is on high-quality food with a vast selection of domestic and international wines that pair well.
The menu has been slightly redefined. They've added a variety of cuts of prime steaks and expanded seafood choices. There's an emphasis on extravagant nightly specials, which makes the dining adventure even more fun.
This is the place to have an appetizer of...