Mesa, a modern gastropub located within Costa Mesa”s popular lifestyle center The Camp, welcomes nationally-recognized Executive Chef Jason Travi to its kitchen, where he has introduced a collection of new spring dishes to the restaurant’s existing favorites. Also an ideal accompaniment to new menu items, Mesa now features eight craft beers on tap, as well as a collection of seasonally-inspired handcrafted cocktails.In celebration of Chef Travi’s arrival, the restaurant is introducing “House Party til Sundown, a special event taking place Tuesday-Saturday from 6 p.m. until the sun sets, offering complimentary small bites that showcase a selection of the chef’s new additions. “We wanted to recreate the same warm and inviting ambiance you’d find at an at-home cocktail party, says General Manager Peter Jaisel. “Friends can mingle around our communal bar, enjoy complimentary tray-passed hors d’Å”uvres, and focus on enjoying the company and overall ambiance.
Taking care to preserve Mesa’s signature items and fan favorites, Travi, together with noted Chef de Cuisine Andrew Lakin, has seamlessly integrated several new starters, entrees, and desserts into the Mesa menu, while staying true to the restaurant’s original concept. New items include Salt Cod Fritters over a Romesco Sauce ($9); Wood-Fired Roasted Shrimp, cooked in a wood-burning oven and served with Kale and Chickpeas ($10); and Port Brewing “Old Viscosity Stout-Braised Short Ribs, with Potato Puree, Caramelized Onions, and Baby Carrots ($19). Desserts include the “Creamsicle Panna Cotta, a Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta served with shaved Citrus Ice and Mint ($8) and a Walnut Brownie, served with Burnt Marshmallow, Caramel Sauce, and Banana Sorbet ($8).
Mesa’s seasoned bar staff have also created an updated cocktail list featuring both classic and innovative drinks, including the Lychee Martini, with Lychee Puree, Vodka, and Pineapple Juice ($11); The Clash, a house-infused Tangerine Vodka, with Arbol Chiles, Tuaca, Fresh Lime, and Cilantro; and the Pink Martini, with Ruby Red Vodka, Grapefruit, Pom Juice, Triple Sec, and garnished with Edible Flowers ($11). Popular microbrews available on tap, such as Old Speckled Hen ($6), Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale ($6), and Blanche de Bruxelies Witbier ($7), round out the beverage program, which is overseen by Sommelier Andrew Aoun.
For those looking for a special night out or simply a place to gather with friends, Mesa’s newly enhanced cabanas make an ideal lounge destination. A set of five cabanas, with seating ranging from four to 16 guests, are available upon reservation (no additional charge) and now offer full dinner service, as well as the restaurant’s new “Flask Service, which begins May 25. Described as the “evolved bottle service experience by Jaisel, guests may enjoy their favorite spirit, served in a 9-ounce vintage flask, along with two house-made mixers for $100 (for $125 guests may keep the flask). Adding to the lounge experience, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 p.m.-midnight Mesa features live DJs spinning an eclectic music of crowd pleasing favorites, from The Beatles to The Gorillaz.
http://www.mesacostamesa.com/
Posted on 5/18/10.
