SOL Cucina to Open This Month in Newport Beach

By Edwin Goei Tue., Jun. 9 2009 at 5:39 AM

Categories: Things To Look Forward To

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Got word that a new Mexican restaurant called SOL Cucina is slated to open in Newport Beach at the end of the month in the space vacated by Ristorante Mama Gina (251 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92660). Here are snippets from the website: "An open 'proscenium' kitchen with customer seating on three sides brings the immediacy and freshness of a beach taco bar to guests."

Although most of the tacos I've eaten come from Santa Ana taquerias, most often grimy hole-in-the-walls with their own kind of "immediacy", I can see the appeal of transplanting this food to more touristy surroundings. In my head, I imagine the kind of scene from those Carnival Cruise commercials (if they actually stopped in Mexico after the swine flu scare).

The place is headed by a cookbook author named Deborah Schneider. Her specialty is, of course, Mexican. Here's more from her website on what she plans to serve: "Pacific seafood and shellfish, wagyu beef, heirloom pork and poultry and locally raised vegetables in an array of antojitos (small plates) and freshly-made tacos as well as entrees like Spiny Lobster Paella, grilled wagyu beef with garlic spinach, and Caldo 7 Mares."

And of course, there will be margaritas. Tiny umbrellas? Unconfirmed.

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food and service was great.....affordable and service was awesome......waaaay better then javier's and so not a rip off!!!
Went there last night for my birthday. Food was great, service was not good. Resturant was small and TOO LOUD. No way to have a conversation with even the person next to me. They need to put some kind of sound absorbers. It was so bad that I think I won't go back. We even talked to others waiting in the valet line that said the noise was too much and we were all in our early thirties so sound is usually not an issue. If that was fixes we would definitely go back for the good food.
Hey for those of you out there that need some 411 on Sol...Ever herd of Ensenada, Mexico? Any of you surf? Ever her of K-38 surf spot? Well the restaurant is based off food/culture of this wonderful spot. As the associates involved have had many wonderful surf moments there, and plenty of time to come up with the idea to introduce it to the states while waiting in line at the border. Words can't describe how wonderful and fresh the food is...not to mention the atmoshpere of the place itself. It's beautiful and located on the water in Newport Beach right off the PCH. Don't knock it till you try it!
It is spelled cocina, but this is not going to be a rip off of javiers at all it should be a brand new concept, almost sushi bar like seating available as well except you get to watch fresh fish and tacos prepared. I stopped in and the restaurant is incredible, very warm and inviting. Sure to become a local spot and late night bar area with all types of tequilla available. Prices range from $3 for tacos to high $20 entrees. Really cool inside firepit in the bar area as well. Cant wait to check it out when it opens july 15th
Howdy All, I feel compelled to correct everyone on the spelling of this new restaurant opening soon. Cucina is Italian and this is a Baja Style Mexican restaurant. I know the chef and I owe it to her to get it straight. Chef Deborah Snyder was nominated for a James Beard award for one of her cook books. Check it out and learn more about this very talented chef. http://www.chefdebcooks.com/ http://www.solcocina.com/ Lets have a pitcher of margaritas there soon! idalia
MAN IF YOU WANT SOME GOOD MEXICAN TACOS...LOOK UP TAQURIA DE ANDA... ITS THE BEST TACOS AND MOST OF THEM ARE OPEN 24/7
cucina, cocina, tomato, tomahto... does it really matter ubergeek and the rest of you? opening mid-july. my friend's girlfriend is going to be a server there. she's drop dead you-know-what gorgeous. if anything, at least they're staff is tasteful! and to be honest, as a local in newport, this menu already sounds like it's a step up from the tacos served around here. it'll be a nice change from sharkeez or even joe's crabshack... a bit of a change is always good! it just sucks there's already a "sol grill" in newport. they should've checked that name out.
Designed by Thomas Schoos of Tao New York and Vegas, Koi, Penthouse etc and the main investor is Mike Mastro of the Mastros Restaurants.
Cites, not sites. After years of relying upon spellcheck, my mind has turned to mush.
Oh boy, tacos for people who lock their doors when they are forced to venture into the 714 and would sooner pay the $1500 fine than go to jury duty in Santa Ana. We should do an over/under on the price for wagyu tacos. $8 each? And "cucina"? �un ristorante mex-italiano? Or just clueless?
Christian, Yeah. I was thinking the same thing. Was "Cocina" that much of a stretch?! hungrymomma, I just hope it's not a rip-off in general! Angela, Should be the end of the month. That's what I hear anyway.
Great location... looks like a nice menu. when is it opening?
Sounds like a Javier's rip off to me...
Spelled "Cucina" it sounds a little Italian. Looking forward to trying it though.