Greer's OC

It’s a wonder we survived this long without Crow Burger Kitchen on the peninsula in Newport Beach. Since it opened last month, it’s been turning out insane gourmet burgers and hand cut fries that are making locals swoon.

The sister restaurant to Crow Bar and Kitchen in Corona del Mar prides its self on a top secret proprietary blend of house ground meats (prime, chuck, short rib, brisket and hanger steak) for its artisan burgers, freshly made buttermilk buns at a local bakery, organic vegetables, housemade ketchup and Nueske smoked bacon in its burgers. You’re welcome to build your own burger, by adding Crow chili, gourmet cheeses, caramelized onion, jalapeno peppers or make it hangover style with a fried organic hen’s egg, smoked bacon, and sharp cheddar.

We haven’t tried everything on the menu, yet, but we can vouch that the cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger with black pepper cheese, cream cheese, goat cheese, fried onion, garlic mayo and wheat English muffin that will satisfy cheese burger lovers like no other ($8.95); and if you’re into playing it safe, go for the classic burger,  with butter lettuce, vine ripe tomato, sweet onion, 10,000 island dressing, and buttermilk bun ($7.95).

Vegetarians and non-meat eaters are also taken care of: the organic garden burger is tasty with a blend of organic vegetables and grains, charred romaine, roasted tomatoes, herb aioli, and whole wheat bun ($7.95); and the bird burger, is a blend of Diestel turkey and Mary’s chicken, cooked in Dijon, caramelized onions, Hass avocado and whole wheat bun ($7.95).

Go for the duck fat fries with house made ketchup if you want an indulgent gourmet fry; the grilled green bean fries with olive tapenade are different and delicious and the crispy Vidalia onion rings are tasty.

Those who appreciate unique bottled sodas can try the dry soda lavendar, dry soda cucumber, Pop Shoppe Lime Rickey and Kickapoo Joy Juice ($3.50)

Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

It’s located at 3107 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach. 949.673.2747.

Creatures of the Night

Discover a nighttime adventure in the Back Bay Saturday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. You can take a guided tour that investigates what life is like for creatures of the night – including bats.

Cost is $3 per person.

The tour is ideal for all ages, and parking is free. Space is limited so pre-registration is required.

The group will meet at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center at 2301 University Drive in Newport Beach. 949.923.2290