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Old World Enchantment Regional Italian cuisine has roots at Old Vine Café COPY AND PHOTOS BY SUSAN IRBY
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THE LOVE OF ITALY’S REGIONAL CUISINE is the essence of what owner and Chef Mark McDonald brings to his rustica-style restaurant, Old Vine Café, located in the heart of The Camp in Costa Mesa. After having studied at the Italian Culinary Institute in Calabria, Italy, chef McDonald defines his style as “creating a uniquely flavorful immersion into the Italian experience by letting high-quality ingredients shine without overcomplicating the dish.” For brunch, don’t miss the decadent Blueberry French Toast made with rich brioche, and among the lunch and dinner selections, the savory Hand Made Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Black Pepper Pancetta, Taleggio, and Chervil, All-Natural Australian Char Grilled Lamb Chops with Dried Blueberry Demi Glace and Crispy Fried Yuca, and Seared Baby Octopus in Sourdough Sand, Celery Citrus, and Parsley Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil. As for dessert, because “My mom was a great baker and cook,” shares chef McDonald, “Grandma’s Cheesecake is a rich cream cheesecake with a thin graham cracker butter crust.” And, it’s amazing. Seasonal specialties include the highly praised Chef ’s Tasting Menus, featuring pairings that McDonald says “become more than a plate of food or glass of wine, they become an experience. It’s a gastronomic edification of food and wine.”
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OLD VINE CAFÉ 2937 Bristol Street, Suite A-102 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.545.1411 OldVineCafe.com