We’re nearly eight months into the pandemic and most of my favorite restaurants are still alive and kicking.
Dire predictions for restaurant closings due to the pandemic failed to materialize in Orange County, although a few have called it quits and more may follow, but far fewer than originally thought.
Provenance Restaurant in Newport Beach served its last meal on August 9. Owner and Chef Cathy Pavlos, who also helmed the kitchen at Lucca in Irvine before opening Provenance, posted this message on Facebook: “All of us would like to thank our wonderful guests, our vendors, and our media friends for joining us on this memorable culinary journey. This was not a decision that we made lightly, nor one that we made easily. This is a difficult time for all of us, and we encourage everyone to patronize (safely) your neighborhood’s small restaurants, give them the support that they need, because they deserve it and so do you. Stay safe, Everyone.”
Among the dozens of responses: “Chef Catherine Garland Pavlos you are one of a kind! A truly talented chef, proprietor and friend. I’m heartbroken by this news. We will miss your beautiful restaurant and amazing food. Thank you for years of partnership. Wishing you and Elliott only the best as you head into the next chapter. All my best.”
Chef Pavlos is a passionate and talented chef, and I have a feeling she’ll return when she’s ready and the timing is right with a new concept. Judging from her Facebook posts, she and her husband Elliott are enjoying their time off with traveling and feasting on fabulous cuisine.
But there is providence in Provenance’s closing. The ever-popular Mutt Lynch’s near the Newport Pier, which is celebrating 45 years in business, has announced plans to open a second location in the Provenance space sometime in January, serving similar signature Mutt Lynch’s cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu will focus on approachable American eclectic dishes and will feature Mutt Lynch’s favorites including Pterodactyl Wings and made-to-order pizzas.
“Right now, people are craving community. We’re all just mutts, looking to find our pack,” said Mutt’s co-owner Meghan Murray, daughter of Dan and Gail Lynch, Mutt Lynch’s founders. “The progression of our brand is designed to follow our loyal Mutt Lynch’s customers, many of whom have grown up to raise families of their own. We created Mutt’s for them and their families. It’s a place where the community can come together, feel at home, and find their pack.”
Playground in Santa Ana has closed—sort of. Chef Jason Quinn announced on Instagram that his a la carte Playground menu had ended, but his prix-fixe Playground 1.9 will continue until December 31, 2021.
“Our goal is to make it 16 months and go out with a party on December 31,” said Quinn on Instagram. “December 31, 2021 is the final day of our lease, and it’s right after our 10-year anniversary. I could not imagine this restaurant going for 10 years. That’s more than most restaurants get a chance at. With the emotional wear, and the status of the country, I’m having a hard time finding the drive to keep it going.”
His other venture, Dough Exchange (Playground’s extended bakery) will remain open. He intends to put his focus on Playground 1.9 and do Prix Fixe dinners Wednesday through Saturday. “This is the way I want to go out,” stated Quinn. “Ten years feels like such a good run.”
Old Crow Smokehouse in Orange posted this succinct message on its Facebook page on October 2: “This will be our last weekend with you. We will be closing our doors on Sunday and we would love to see you all one last time. Come have some BBQ and cheers with some moonshine, we’ll miss you all.”
One of the customer responses: “Oh no!!! We love it here!!!! Damn COVID! Thank you for the great draft beer selection, awesome nights of dancing to live music, delicious food, great cocktails, nights watching the games, and most importantly your amazing staff. This is a huge loss.”
Last month, I mentioned in this column that the new Poultrygram take-out in Brea was using the Brea Chop House kitchen, but both Poultrygram and the Chop House quickly let me know about the error of my ways. Poultrygram is a concept of the Brea Improv (which has its own kitchen), and what a great concept it is. Their fried chicken sandwiches are something to cluck about.
Brea Chop House has its own faithful following, and after perusing their menu I can see why. I plan to dine there soon and report back.
