Coffee, Desserts and Sandwiches … Oh, My!

Wintertime (or at least our dreamily mild SoCal version of the season) is drawing near — time to partake in some delicious java concoctions. Newport Beach hotels are ready to offer visitors and locals a cup of joe and they go the extra mile when it comes to providing their guests with a lineup of tantalizing treats that go above and beyond just coffee. From specialty drinks to delectable desserts to grab-and-go sandwiches, here is some of the fabulous fare that can be found at our local properties.

Photo Courtesy of Pelican Hill

Every Friday, from 2-4 p.m., the Caffè & Market at The Resort at Pelican Hill places a special focus on coffee. That’s when you can sit back and relax indoors or on the ocean-view terrace and sip samples of fine blends hailing from Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. But that’s not all you’ll find at this casual, yet upscale, market. In addition to barista-made coffee, you also can savor 10 flavors of seasonally inspired artisan-style gelato churned onsite in the gelato laboratory — from classic pistachio and fruit-based sorbets to peppermint and gingerbread cookie during the holidays — and create picnic baskets from a selection of on-the-go meals and snacks.

With its setting next to the area’s Back Bay Nature Preserve, the beautiful Back Bay Bistro is not only convenient to visitors and guests of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, but also to the those visiting and staying at the nearby boutique-style Newport Beach Marriott Bayview. With their tranquil landscape and beautiful views, the Back Bay Bistro’s harbor-side courtyard and patio are the perfect spots to sit and enjoy a wide selection of Royal Cup coffee blends (including European Gourmet, Dakota Roast, Fancy Gourmet and Sumba) — especially when pairing it with the restaurant’s award-winning Saturday and Sunday brunches. If you’re looking for even more of a pick-me-up, try one of the much-loved specialty coffees from the Back Bay Bistro’s bar. Choices include the Back Bay Bistro Coffee (Jameson Irish whisky, hot brewed coffee and butterscotch schnapps topped with whipped cream) and Patron Café Martini (Patron XO café dark and Kahlua shaken with cold-brewed coffee and a splash of cream with white chocolate shavings and cocoa powder). By the way, you can also receive the same great-quality coffee at the Newport Dunes Marketplace, complete with a view of the bay.

Photo Credit: Balboa Bay Resort

In true Italian fashion, Blend at the Balboa Bay Resort offers fresh-brewed coffee and espresso, along with tea, fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, gelato, grab-and-go sandwiches and more — everything made fresh each morning by the resort’s culinary team. While the most popular coffee drinks are the hot and iced lattes, you’ll also want to take note of an off-the-menu barista-made drink called the “Shockorita” (two shots of espresso and three raw organic sugars, shaken very well over ice to create a cold thick layer of foam).

Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Every day from 6-9 a.m., the coffee bar at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is buzzing with guests looking to kick-start their day after a morning workout, those heading to conferences, and guests and visitors who just want to enjoy a leisurely cup of joe on the veranda. The top-selling coffee drink for the month of October? A specialty pumpkin spice latte, of course. But, wait, there’s more to the coffee bar than just coffee … you’ll also find hot grab-and-go items (like breakfast burritos, and egg croissant sandwiches), along with yogurt parfaits, self-service oatmeal station, fresh fruit, energy bars, and made-to-order smoothies.

Photo Credit: Island Hotel Newport Beach

Happy Birthday to the sleek and hip Market Place at the Island Hotel Newport Beach which celebrates its one-year anniversary in October! Part of a complete transformation of the entire hotel, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to partake in some delicious Italian illy Coffee (especially the popular cappuccino, made in a state-of-the art coffee machine with an easy-to-use touch screen that lets guests choose whether they’d like skim milk, a double shot, or even a decaf latte or cappuccino). Or you might opt for one of the Market Place’s other offerings — including a curated collection of wines and craft beers, artisan deli sandwiches, fresh handmade salads made in-house by the hotel’s culinary team, and a great selection of foods to give as gifts (think potato chips made on Balboa Island, fresh-pressed juices from Irvine and some of the best toffee you’ll every taste crafted right in Newport Beach).

In addition, you’ll also want to be sure and check out:

• Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, which offers a full-service Starbucks Coffee House — complete with coffee, salads and grab-and-go sandwiches.
• Fairmont Newport Beach, which lets you choose to stay in and brew up your own coffee courtesy of in-room Keurig coffee makers or to grab a cup of coffee in the lobby on your way out to explore Newport Beach.
• Carlton Hotel Newport Beach also makes in-room coffee makers available to its guests, as well as free coffee at a kiosk by the entrance.

Hopefully, this roster of coffee perks will offer more than enough options for your next caffeine fix … and maybe even more. Enjoy!