Greer's OC

After a year in the making, the new Cucina enoteca just opened at Fashion Island, in the former El Torito Grill spot.

The 8,300-square-foot California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop is the brainchild of Tracy Borkum, proprietor, restaurateur and interior designer and it marks the fourth location of the Urban Kitchen Group’s renowned Cucina brand with locations in San Diego, Irvine, and Del Mar. 

Urban Kitchen Group’s Executive Chef Joe Magnanelli and Orange County native Chef de Cuisine Brent Omeste created Cucina’s signature delicious rustic Italian fare. The menu offers inventive twists on classics such pastas, antipasti, pizzas and plates small and large, along with fresh crudos and Chef’s seasonal specials.

There’s also a house cheese program, house made charcuterie and sausage, vasi (mason jars filled with cheese, herbs, pate and more to be shared with bread), handcrafted sweets, and a selection of artisanal breads and pastas prepared from scratch.

Our menu favorites include stuffed squash blossom with herb ricotta, opal beet pesto, lemon and aioli; the kale Caesar with shaved Brussels; casalingo pepperoni and fennel sausage pizza; short rib pappardelle; the cucina burger; and Cucina’s whole fish with saffron couscous, pine nuts, currants, capers and caramelized leek vinaigrette.

The diverse wine menu and shop offers more than 250 specialty varietals (with an emphasis on Italian varietals) curated by Wine Director Ed Manetta. He's certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and will be entering the Master of Wine program soon—the most coveted title in the wine industry.

Cucina offers communal seating, a spacious bar, intimate table settings, as well as an inviting patio with a cozy fireplace. Borkum handpicked vintage finds for Enoteca and was inspired by a bohemian garden. She chose a light and airy palette, accents of vibrant floral patterns and earthy elements. It also offers a “restaurant to retail” experience— nearly everything is for sale, including the customized furniture, lighting and decor. 

Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. with $4 Moretti drafts, $6 well cocktails, $7 daily wine selections, $6 sangria, $5 select 0 proof beverages.

Cucina enoteca is at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 949.706.1416.

Fall Open House at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Stop by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf  on Tuesday from 2 to 6 p.m. for its Fall Open House featuring $2 beverages (12 oz.) at participating store locations. You can sip on nostalgic fall dessert flavors with three new beverages: Butter Pecan Latte, a Butter Pecan Ice Blended, or a Pumpkin Chai Ice Blended. Fan favorites will also be available including the Pumpkin Latte and Ice Blended.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will also offer bounce-back coupons good for $2 off any sandwich or picnic box, valid through the following week.

The Fall Open House will be held at all participating Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in SoCal, not valid in Ralphs, and airport stores.