back bay bistro:
Tucked away in the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, near the Back Bay, this restaurant reopened in November, 2008 after a major renovation. Where before, it was a casual cafe with solely outdoor dining under umbrellas, there is now an indoor restaurant as well with a retractable roof. This roof lets in a lot of natural light. On Sundays, the restaurant features brunch with unlimited Champagne and there is jazz music on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Martini Madness is Thursdays from 4 pm - close with martinis at $4. Happy Hour is Thursday - Saturday 4 pm - 7 pm and Sunday from 3 pm - 6 pm. Almost every seat has a view of the bay. Sunset is a great time to go. Only downside: the service during the weeknights can be excruciatingly slow.
What I ate:
Seafood Chowder (Bowl $10). Touted as the best on the West Coast, not sure tha
t it lived up to such hyperbole, but it was creamy and spicy with a nice texture to it and packed with flavor.Lobster Bisque ($9). This tickled my taste buds more than the chowder. Made with white wine, tomatoes, tarragon and secret ingredients.
Hawaiian Style Baby Pork Ribs ($25). This dish comes with mango-pepper salsa and is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Served over steamed white rice.
Stuffed Chicken ($21). Stuffed with fresh spinach and feta che
ese. Somewhat pedestrian. Not as much stuffing as I would have liked to see. The chipotle lemon cream sauce was the perfect complement.Dessert:
Berries & ice cream ($8)
For more info: http://www.backbaybistronewportbeach.com/
