Taste of Newport Still Impresses Foodies

Foodies - some from around the world - visited Newport Beach over the weekend to indulge on a variety of tasty tidbits.

The 23rd annual Taste of Newport took over the 600 block of Newport Center Drive throughout the weekend. Tents featuring more than 30 of Orange County's finest restaurants including The Ritz, Commonwealth Lounge and Ten Bistro were buzzing with thousands of people. 

Ross Pritchard, a pilot from Quantas Airlines, flew in from Australia to enjoy the Taste of Newport.

"I love Newport Beach, the beaches are a lot like Australia. It's beautiful here," Pritchard said.

Although some locals commented on the hefty $25 admission fee and the $5-$14 charge for each entree or drink, everyone seemed to enjoy the options.

"The food here is an eclectic blend of cross-culture cuisine," said Scott Esposto of Fullerton.

Here's a list of some of the food offered at this year's event:

• The Beachcomber: Tiny albacore tacos, mini seafood pot pies, and lobster gazpacho shooters.
• Casey's Cupcakes: Peanut butter pizazz, Decadent dark chocolate, Rockin' Red Velvet.
• Commonwealth Lounge & Grill: Prime dip sliders, Aztec chicken salad, and Aggie's clam chowder.
• Kitayama: Lobster hand roll, Spicy tuna hand roll, and Crab cake with spicy mayonnaise.
• Port Restaurant and Bar: Grilled spicy shrimp with avocado mousse, Filet mignon shish kebob, and homemade hummus with warm pita. 
• Ruby's Diner: All American-mini burger, creamy milkshakes and french fries. 
• The Yard House: Gorgonzola crusted burger, Chicken tinga taco, and Grilled Korean beef short rib taco. 
• Tapas Restaurant: Spanish Paella and Empanadas

In addition to the food, there were tents catered to wine tasting, musical entertainment by Barenaked Ladies, Taylor Dayne and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and mini Biergartens with volunteers pouring Stella and Hoegaarden from tap. Each table inside the Biergarten tent had booklets that showed guests had to pair beer and cheese, gourmet food recipes that go well with the Belgium beers.