Mastering the Art of French Cooking in Newport Beach

“People who love to eat are always the best people.”– Julia Child.

On August 15, Julia Child would be celebrating her 106th birthday! If you’re familiar with her craft, you know she created the groundbreaking cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and has been an industry icon through other books and various television shows. To celebrate her and the art of French cuisine, we’ve curated a list of dishes from restaurants you must try that would have made Julia Child proud.

Photo Credit: Marché Moderne

Marché Moderne
Marché Moderne is one of Southern California’s most critically-lauded restaurants and is at the top of our list. The goal of Marché Moderne is to bring classic French cuisine into a relaxed and elegant environment. Dishes like Oysters Du Jour, Dégustation Beurre Bordier De Saint-Malo Et Une Bonne Baguette (Tasting Border Butter), Crispy Suckling Pig & Beans graces the menu. Dairy, cheese, meats and La Patisserie all add to the large menu that executes the art of the culinary region very well. With all this decadence, something you must try on their menu is the Coq au Vin; braised chicken, cipollini onion, red wine and served with rosette fingerling potatoes and honey bacon.

Photo Credit: Moulin

Moulin
With an emphasis on authenticity from the decor, food, drink and overall experience, Moulin is the perfect place to be transported to France. Filled with smells of baguettes from the bakery, the sounds of employees speaking French, and the taste of fine wine, the goal of Moulin is to feel comfortable, to indulge, and to experience an authentic French experience through all senses. Classic French dishes fill the menu like Saumon Aux Legumes, and Le Cornet de Fresh French Fries (REAL French Fries!), but, the real crowd pleaser is their La Soupe à L’Oignon, the classic French Onion Soup Julia Child would be proud to taste.

Photo Credit: Bistro le Crillon

Bistro le Crillon
Bistro le Crillon is the epitome of the French Provençal cuisine, offering authentic dishes you’d taste in France at reasonable prices, personalized service, and a very large wine cellar to fill your du vin palate. Their menu is expansive, in a good way, featuring classic culinary plates like La Volaille, for the layperson, their chicken of the day; and the Croque Monsieur with paris ham, four cheeses and a delectable béchamel sauce. But, if you have to try one thing it’s their Boeuf Bourguignon, a beef stew braised in red wine that is truly decadent, rich, and oh-so-pleasing to your taste buds.

Photo Credit: @cups.of.happiness

Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Cafe
Pandor, or pain d’or, meaning golden bread, is an authentic French boulangerie offering French breads, pastries, tartlets, breakfast, specialty salads and paninis. Their diverse menus feature all of the aforementioned items, and crepes. Yes, their crepes are to die for, and if you find yourself in a Pandor you must order the Crepe Suzette, a tantalizing sweet crepe filled with orange butter sauce and finished off with a Grand Marnier flambe. A crepe so pleasing you may just order a second one.

Photo Credit: Basilic Restaurant

Basilic Restaurant
Basilic is a culinary creation filled with heart and soul of Swiss-French cuisine. With aromas, and flavors and Old World-esque influences of both regions, Basilic has been charming diners for more than 20 years. Basilic is the French word for basil, which is the most favored herb by Chef Bernard Althaus. On the menu you can find Swiss classics like Traditional Swiss Raclette and the Bunderfleisch, a Swiss-style air-dried beef. But, if you’re looking for a classic French dish you need to order their Basilic Bouillabaisse, a beautiful presentation of saffron seafood stew, baby vegetables, fennel and the freshest herbs from the Basilic garden.

Written By: Bobby Navarro