Greer's OC

It’s perfect weather for comfort food and a great time to check out Public 74 in San Juan Capistrano. Partners chef Gerry Kent and Chad Dickey created a rustic gastropub that specializes in unique libations and signature pub food. The acclaimed menu of comfort food-inspired offerings ranges from light salads to hearty entrees. Chef Kent prides himself in presenting only the finest in locally sourced ingredients to provide locals with decadent dishes not otherwise found in the picturesque town of San Juan Capistrano.

“My goal is to create a menu that has a dish to fit how the diner is feeling by utilizing ingredients that represent the best of what’s available throughout the year,” says Chef Kent, who also serves as executive chef of sister restaurants: PUBlic House in Temecula and DownTown PUBlic in Murrieta.

Public 74’s menu currently features the following highlights: Nya Brussel N Cranberry – Brussel sprouts fried golden and tossed with cranberry & chili flakes and finished with goat cheese & a balsamic reduction; Beet & Quinoa - Organic baby arugula, red quinoa, sweet roasted beets dressed with a berry vinaigrette; Spin Out Kobe  - Char grilled 10oz of American Kobe beef on a brioche bun topped with smoked pork belly, leeks, kale, wilted spinach and smoked cheddar; and Destructed Chicken Pot Pie - Herb grilled chicken breast atop sautéed fall vegetables finished with a thyme cream and fresh pie crust; and Butternut Gnocchi - Homemade potato gnocchi tossed with sage and butternut squash finished with a touch of cream, grana padano and pecans.

Open for lunch and dinner daily--11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

PUBlic 74 is at 27211 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.2723.