Restaurant Week Kicks Off at Five Crowns

Local foodies who were lucky enough to get into Five Crowns Thursday night treated their tastebuds to first dibs on the tasty offerings of Newport Beach Restaurant Week, as well as support a local charity. 

Foodies began lining up outside the Corona del Mar eatery for restaurant week's kickoff party --hosted by OC Weekly --two hours early. By the time the party started, management was turning people away due to a full house. 

"It gives us great pleasure to be a part of the Newport Beach community where we showcase top talent, extraordinary food and memorable dining experiences," Steve Kim, the restaurant's general manager told Patch.

Inside, the Five Crowns courtyard was filled throughout the night with curious palates scooping up the mini one-bite appetizers as they were passed on platters by the accomodating staff. Caraway bellinis with salmon and seared pork belly were just some of the passerbys. 

For a small $10 donation to benefit Relay for Life, an event in Newport Beach which benefits the fight against cancer, guests were treated to complimentary appetizers and a hosted bar featuring artisan cocktails inspired by the Five Crowns British heritage. 

Executive Chef Ryan Wilson was personally making the appetizers on an outdoor grill in the courtyard and said the restaurant is offering two menus during Newport Beach Restaurant Week. 

"The first menu is inspired by our traditional menu offerings executed and presented in a contemporary fashion," Wilson explained. "The second menu offers a selection of our more progressive dishes that stay true to our wonderful heritage of fine dining and service at Five Crowns."

Included in their prix fixe menu for Newport Beach Restaurant Week, Five Crowns will feature an English Onion Soup, Seared Skuna Bay Salmon, Heirloom Beet Salad and Roasted Prime Rib. 

For 2012, Newport Beach Restaurant Week has added more restaurants and more days of eating out for less. 

“This year, our Sixth Annual citywide culinary celebration will be extended to nine days and will include two full weekends of bargain gourmet dining," said Peggy Fort, restaurant week director. "The three course prix-fixe menus look delicious and the price points are $5 less than in 2011, which gives the community an added incentive and incredible opportunity to dine out frequently during restaurant week at a great price."

Resaturant week begins today and continues through Jan. 29. There are 60 participating restaurants offering menus for lunch and dinner, ranging from $15 to $40 per person. Crow Bar & Kitchen, True Food Kitchen and Canaletto are just a few. For a full list of restaurants and their discounted menus visit newportbeachdining.com.