Greer's OC

We were sad to say goodbye to Rustica at Fashion Island, but the same owners just opened Great Maple in Rustica’s former spot near Nordstrom. The new concept features American- and European-inspired cuisine with seasonal plates focused on responsibly caught seafood, farm fresh meats and tasty libations.

It’s a place to stop in for small plates, gourmet burgers, grilled sandwiches, heartier dishes like orange smoked baby back ribs, maple balsamic bone-in pork chops; or pastas such as penne and meatballs; turkey bolognese; and house fried pasta with penne, market tomatoes, fresh basil, farm fresh egg, fennel sausage and parmesan.

Starters include fresh ahi tuna tartare with mango, toasted pine nuts and Meyer lemon oil; mini cheese board with fig preserve; grilled cheese sliders; and potato and fontina cheese fritters with roasted red pepper aioli; and spicy grilled shrimp prawns; or try a selection of flatbreads that include flat iron steak with arugula, Point Reyes blue cheese and sea salt; artichoke heart, Taleggio cheese and portobello; and fennel sausage with tomato sauce, carmelized onions, mozzarella and cremini mushrooms.

For dessert choose between fresh seasonal pie; jumbo red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting; or a peanut butter banana split.

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday;  and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Great Maple is next to Nordstrom at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Patio Party BBQ!

Every Wednesday night from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout the summer, the patio at Bungalow Restaurant in Corona del Mar is the perfect backdrop for a barbecue party with wafting mesquite and a tasty menu of mesquite-smoked baby back ribs, half of a barbecue chicken and mesquite grilled hamburger, flat iron steak, and grilled King salmon.

All entrees come with a choice of two sides including corn on the cob, baked beans, cole slaw, mashed potatoes or French fries. Prices range from $14 to $28.

Happy hour cold draft beer costs $4, wine costs $5 and the house special drink – the Moscow Mule – costs $14.

The Patio Party BBQ menu is also available in the dining room each Wednesday night along with the dinner menu.

The Bungalow Restaurant is at 2441 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. 949.673.6585.