“Have you noticed that if you remove the ‘s’ from Easter, you get eater?” I asked Catherine, our editorial assistant.
“Chris, only you could find a food reference like that,” replied Catherine, laughing.
“But eating and Easter go together perfectly,” I reasoned. “Easter Brunch is popular, and many restaurants go all out to provide a fun experience.”
“I love Brunch!” exclaimed Catherine.
“Then you’re going to love this list of Newport restaurants offering special Easter Brunch menus, and related activities.”
PELICAN HILL RESORT
Pelican Hill Resort offers an elegant Easter celebration for the entire family on their beautiful property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Kids can delight in an Easter egg hunt, Easter Bunny visits, face painting, and balloon shaping on the picturesque Rotunda Lawn. Dining options are plentiful. In Mar Vista’s grand ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Executive Chef Jean-Pierre Dubray presents traditional brunch favorites, with California and Tuscan accents ($95 per adult, $45 per child ages 5-12, complimentary for children under age 5). Chef Luca creates a prix fixe lunch menu in Andrea restaurant from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($100 per adult and $45 per child), Chef Marc creates a breakfast buffet in Coliseum Grill from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($45 per adult and $20 per child ages 5-12), and Chef Chang creates a special selection of Easter a la carte dishes in Pelican Grill from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of dinner specials are also available. For more information, call 800-820-6800 or visit pelicanhill.com.
FIVE CROWNS
Executive Chef Ryan O’Melveny Wilson and Chef de Cuisine Bryon Freeze have introduced contemporary dishes that blend well with the restaurant’s traditional selections, all of which are on display from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Easter Sunday a la carte menu. And to make the occasion special, the first course is included in the price of all entrées! First course choices include Pride Salad with Toasted Pistachios, Chilled Asparagus Soup with Black Truffle Oil, and Lobster Bisque with Sherry Foam. Main breakfast dishes (served until 2 pm) include Pork Belly Hash with Poached Eggs, Spring Vegetables and an Herbed Hollandaise Sauce ($26), and the Five Crowns Eggs Benedict with House-made Biscuits and Cured Pork Loin ($24). Additional selections throughout the day include Warm Chicken Confit and Asparagus Salad in a Sparkling Wine Vinaigrette ($26), Seared Skuna Bay Salmon with Wild Nettle Risotto and Pixie Tangerines ($36), and of course the restaurant’s famed Prime Ribs of Beef in both the California and Five Crowns cuts served with traditional accompaniments ($43/$48).
For dessert, Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with a Pistachio Crust and Fremont Tangerine Coulis ($9), and South Coast Farm Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream ($10) will be offered. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 949-760-0331, or online at thefivecrowns.com or OpenTable.com.
BRASSERIE PASCAL
Chef Pascal Olhats has created a fabulous three-course Easter brunch menu served from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm for only $35 that includes free-flowing champagne. First course options include Berry Parfait, Grilled White Peach and Spinach Salad, Smoked Salmon Rolls and Chilled Chardonnay Poached Oysters. Entrees selections include Baked Organic Eggs with Ham and Spinach served with Crispy Nueske Bacon and Grilled Artisan Bread, Asparagus and Crab Meat Benedict, Traditional Eggs Benedict, Gravlax Hash with Poached Organic Eggs, Crème Brulée Brioche French Toast, Filet & Eggs (Grilled Filet topped with Fried eggs and Béarnaise), Eggplant Chamonix, and Chef’s Omelet Du Jour. Dessert is White Chocolate Soufflé. For more information or to make a reservation, call 949-640-2700, or visit PascalNPB.com.
BALBOA BAY CLUB
Balboa Bay Club is doing Easter Brunch in a grand way—they’re holding it in their Grand Ballroom from 10 am to 2 pm. Among the many items available are Breakfast Pastries, Fresh Fruit and Berries, Salads, build-your-own Omelette Station, Eggs Benedict, Fresh Seafood, Carved Meats, and a Dessert Station. Adults $77.00, children $38.50. Call 949-630-4145.
BACK BAY BISTRO
Back Bay is back with their annual Easter Brunch from 9 am to 3 pm that includes a variety of hnot breakfast items, an omelet and egg station, French toast and pancake bar, iced seafood display, antipasti displays, specialty salads, carving station, entrée items such as crab cakes, chicken and mahi-mahi, and desserts including a chocolate fountain. Cost is $52 for adults and $26 for children 12 and under. Call 949-729-1144 or visit backbaybistronewportbeach.com.
ISLAND HOTEL
Easter Sunday Brunch is served from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. Chef David Man has created a festive menu that includes a Chilled Seafood Bar, Omelets Made-To-Order, Carving Station with accompaniments, Waffle Paninis, a children’s station, and a variety of decadent desserts. Guests will also enjoy a live jazz band, visit from the Easter Bunny, and a petting zoo. Price is $89 per adult and $24 per child (12 and under). For reservations, call 949-760-4920 or visit IslandHotel.com.
