Jeff Clinard FOUNDER AND OWNER, BEAR COAST COFFEE Q: If you could drink one thing in Orange County for the rest of your life (not from your restaurant) what would it be? Jeff Clinard: Beer is my go-to and we have great craft beers in San Clemente at places like Artifex Brewing Company and Pizza Port. Q: What are three can’t-livewithout ingredients that you use in the drinks at Bear Coast? JC: We make a lavender infused caramel that is really amazing and it balances out
the drinks for a wonderful taste. Our nutmeg-accented vanilla is a favorite and people love it in our lattes. We make a dark chocolate ganache that is delicious. Q: What is your favorite drink at Bear Coast?: JC: The Gibraltar is a single shot of espresso with steamed organic whole milk, served in a tulip-shaped glass. It’s naturally sweet and delicious. The Pumpkin Spiced Latte was here for the holidays—we use nine different ingredients, it’s a big favorite and it’s amazing.
Gabe Whorley PARTNER, VINE RESTAURANT
BEAR COAST COFFEE 618 1/2 Avenida Victoria San Clemente, CA 92672 949.482.0618 bearcoastcoffee.com
William Lewis MANAGING PARTNER AND SOMMELIER, THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Q: What are your three can’t-live-without spirits to mix with? WL: Vodka—you’ve got to have it—it’s so versatile. It’s colorless and blends clean with anything you want to make. Ginger beer—the ginger flavor is so refreshing and it’s a little snappy. You can mix it with ryes and bourbons for great flavors. Fresh fruit juices—freshness is key and even though it’s a little more labor-intensive, it’s so worth it because it gives the taste of any craft cocktail more complexity. Q: What is your favorite drink at your restaurant? WL: We have a delicious cocktail called The Speyside Lemonade that features scotch, light ginger beer, lemon juice and sage. It’s the perfect cocktail for someone that wants to try something unique.
Q: What are your three can’t-live-without spirits to mix with? GW: Hendrick’s Gin—I love the botanicals—it’s infused with cucumber, juniper and rose. Aperol [is] an Italian aperitif that gives you a different blend; it’s the perfect combination of bitter and sweet. Luxardo Maraschino [is] an Italian liqueur that makes any drink delicious. I use it to make one called The Rumpelstiltskin that combines light and dark rum, lavender honey, lime and ginger beer. People absolutely love it. Q: What is your favorite drink at Vine? GW: The Flaming Buffalo has Evan Williams Bourbon, lemon, serrano and egg white. It’s popular at both Vine and Ironwood.
Q: Favorite wine? WL: I do not have one favorite wine but my favorite varietal would be Pinot Noir. Due to its versatility, it can be lighter or heavier in style and it goes with all kinds of food. THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR 3131 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.999.6622 www.thewineryrestaurant.net 92 LOCALE MAGAZINE
VINE RESTAURANT 211 N El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672 949.361.2079 vinesanclemente.com
Photos - The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar: Ariane Moshayedi | Bear Coast Coffee & Vine Restaurant: Brianna Moss
Q: If you could drink one thing in Orange County for the rest of your life (not from your restaurant) what would it be? William Lewis: I don’t really go out all that often but when I do, I really enjoy good beer. Barley Forge [Brewing Co.] in Costa Mesa has a really good Stout. This time of year, it’s great to have a really good dark beer.
Q: If you could drink one thing in Orange County for the rest of your life (not from your restaurant) what would it be? Gabe Whorley: Cigarettes & Coffee at ARC in Costa Mesa. The taste is amazing. It’s a drink you never forget.