Porch & Swing: A Journey into Global Cuisine with a Charleston Twist
At Irvine's business district discover a hidden gem that transports you to the vibrant flavors of Charleston, South Carolina. Porch & Swing, founded by Charleston native Andrew Parish, is a culinary haven that pays homage to the Lowcountry while showcasing the versatility of Southern cuisine. With Executive Chef Alan Sanz leading the way, this restaurant promises an unforgettable experience where global techniques meet Southern hospitality.
Andrew Parish, renowned for his 15-year career in Southern California's craft cocktail scene, embarked on a new venture with Porch & Swing. Despite opening in April 2020 during the height of pandemic shutdowns, the restaurant quickly captured the community's attention and garnered critical acclaim. It was honored as Orange Coast Magazine's 2021 Restaurant of the Year and secured a spot in OC Register's Best New Places to Eat in 2020, among other accolades. Since its inception, Porch & Swing has remained dedicated to true farm-to-table cuisine, offering an authentic Southern dining experience rooted in hospitality.
At the heart of Porch & Swing's kitchen is Executive Chef Alan Sanz, a seasoned chef who has honed his skills in renowned kitchens across the globe, including Boragó in Chile, Parcela in Mexico City, Epicure in France, and Mugaritz in Spain. Sanz's expertise, gained through collaborations with culinary luminaries such as Rodolfo Guzmán, Edgar Nuñez, Éric Fréchon, Francis Mallmann, and Andoni Andruiz, is reflected in his dishes at Porch & Swing. While rooted in Charleston-inspired cuisine, his creations showcase a mastery of global techniques and the fearless use of bold flavors.
Every month, Chef Sanz unveils a meticulously curated dinner menu featuring a select few appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Each dish is a bold, inventive, and soulful exploration of flavors. With a true farm-to-table approach, the menus highlight seasonal ingredients at their peak, showcasing their versatility and seasonality. In addition to the ever-changing dinner menus, a three-course prix-fixe lunch menu is available for $35, and dinner guests can indulge in tasting menus ranging from $75 to $125, with optional wine pairings.
For those who fall in love with particular dishes, Porch & Swing offers "Classics Week" during the final week of each month, where Chef Sanz recreates beloved favorites such as yuzu-cured Hamachi, Beef Carpaccio seasoned with chimichurri and dukkah, Pork Jowl with grits and pineapple, and slow-cooked Short Rib with au jus and sweet potato.
Porch & Swing's commitment to seasonality extends beyond the kitchen and into the bar. Andrew Parish, a master mixologist with over 15 years of experience and the creator of renowned bar programs in Los Angeles brings his expertise to the restaurant's beverage program.
The bar boasts a curated selection of bottles from small-batch, boutique distillers, as well as artisan spirits from Charleston. Indulge in expertly crafted cocktails like the Southern Storm and the Peach Tea-Infused Old Fashioned, both infused with Charleston-imported tea, or the Spicy Little Bee, a delightful creation made with fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, tinctures, and bitters. Complementing the cocktail selection is an esoteric wine list featuring old-world bottles from France, Italy, and South America, along with a selection of craft beers.
Porch & Swing bustles like the city of Charleston itself, proving to be an epicenter of global influence with its monthly-changing menus and series of epicurean events. This summer, guests can look forward to a trio of festivals exploring artisan producers of rum, whiskey, and agave spirits, whiskey dinners with bespoke distillers, and a brunch series titled Around the World in 12 Brunches, which kicks off on Sunday, June 4.
Porch & Swing’s summer festivals include:
Porch & Swing Rum Festival – Sunday, June 11
Porch & Swing Beer & Whiskey BBQ – Sunday, July 2
For details, menus, and to purchase tickets, visit the events section of the Porch & Swing website.
Porch & Swing is located at 2010 Main Street, Ste. 170 in Irvine, and is open Tuesday- Friday for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information on Porch & Swing, please visit the website
