“Ocean 48 has to be the best restaurant in Orange County!” This is what an envious Lido Isle resident said when I told him about a fantastic dinner I had attended a couple days earlier. The invitation was extended by Stroll Lido Isle publisher Christy Gallagher to me and nine others to enjoy a completely comped dinner at one of Newport Beach’s most prestigious restaurants. Located on Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island, Ocean 48 is an exceptional experience.

 

The nine Lido residents who were lucky enough to attend with me were: George Gajewski, Linda Yardumian, Kim and Geoff Morris, Jenna and Fred Roman, Phil Ruland with guest Samantha Choi, and Leslie Thompson. Rounding out the guest list were Christy and her husband Rob, their daughter Maggie, who was our photographer for the evening, their son-in-law Carson Sand, and Oliver Badgio, the restaurant’s Chief Brand Officer.

 

Just walking into the place is an eye-opener (once the eyes get used to the dim lighting). One walks past an extended glassed-in food prep counter where the inside of the immaculate kitchen can be seen; its busy staff creating a myriad of sumptuous menu selections.

 

We were led to The Whiskey Room, an intimate private space where our group spent the evening, away from the hustle and bustle of other diners and wait staff.

 

We were greeted by an attentive server offering a signature cocktail of choice—I had the Stone Fruit Martini garnished with three huge blackberries on a pick. Various vodka martinis seem to be among Ocean 48’s most popular choices. A trio of delicious appetizers included really thick strips of chef’s cut bacon suspended on a rack, a yummy New England lobster roll, and some delicious crispy shrimp deviled eggs.

 

The semi-pre-fixe dinner menu included a choice of two salads (I had the BLT Steak Knife Wedge) and four entrée options. Most of us ordered the Filet Mignon, which I can say without any exaggeration was absolutely the best I’ve ever had. There was also a 12 oz NY Strip steak option, Scottish Salmon, and a Mediterranean Branzino fish dish which Linda found to be delicious. Christy said, “I can’t stop ordering it—I’ve had it three times.”

 

All of this was accompanied by some great wines. Ocean 48 has two wine lists; the premium list includes a couple vintages of Screaming Eagle California Cabernet. Just $11,995. (Yes, the comma is in the right place.) People at the table asked me for my recommendations, and I took it upon myself to order a few bottles—from the other list. I half-seriously asked the Sommelier about the Screaming Eagle, but he was, well, a bit evasive. The wines were also comped, but alas, the Screaming Eagle was not one of the available options. I chose a bottle of Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (a wine I have in my own cellar), a Chappellet Mountain Cuvee (a wine I had recently tasted and purchased at High Time), and a Chateauneuf du Pape from E. Guigal (always a great choice): George and Linda wanted a wine with Grenache grapes. Christy might have been worried about my ordering all that wine, but full bottles are always a much better option in any restaurant than ordering by the glass. I would recommend that you not bring a bottle of your own wine—the corkage fee is $85, and even I would be challenged to bring in a bottle of something better than what this establishment has to offer.

 

As the evening progressed, we learned a little history about Ocean 48—the founders are from Arizona, our nation’s 48th state. They own other locations with the number 48 included in the brand. (Historical trivia: Ocean 48 sits where Coco’s once stood.) We also learned a little more about each other. Phil Ruland said that he wouldn’t even live on Lido if it were not for Leslie Thompson, who had steered him to the island some years ago. “I pride myself on knowing my clients and what they need and want,” she said.

 

Ocean 48 is also giving its patrons what they need and want—and generous portions, too. Geoff Morris said he was full after the appetizers. His wife, Kim, took home most of her dinner, no doubt to enjoy the next evening. Fred Roman proclaimed that this had been “the best meal I ever had!” He and Jenna later emailed, “We can’t wait to return!”

 

Even our publisher/host, Christy Gallagher, said she was “blown away” by the experience and glad everyone had a wonderful time. I have to say that it’s nice to be wined and dined once in a while. You should try it. And make sure that the person who is doing the wining and dining takes you to Ocean 48.