Balboa Bay Resort has opened its new waterfront bar and restaurant, A&O Kitchen+Bar. With a comfortably open ambiance and fun and innovative menu, guests and locals will surely enjoy every moment at Anchors & Oceans.

We recently visited and are happy to say A&O brings an exciting new concept to the food and beverage scene in Newport Beach, a social, yet sophisticated waterfront location for guests to sit, relax, and enjoy an exceptional culinary experience along with unique craft beers, specialty cocktails, and a well-designed wine list.T

The menu is inspired gastropub fare with “real food” and “real drinks” all served in an unpretentious way with a strong focus on shared plates, hearty dishes, and creative cocktails. An iron clad centerpiece tap system features eight craft beers from sought-after breweries and two wines on tap from ONEHOPE Wine.  

A&O has a proud partnership with ONEHOPE Wine. ONEHOPE is a winery produced in partnership with Robert Mondavi, Jr. that makes an impact with every bottle sold by donating half of the profits to partner causes. A&O will serve ONEHOPE’s Sparkling Brut by the glass, as well as their Chardonnay and Cabernet on tap. Proceeds from sales of the sparkling wine are dedicated to ending childhood hunger—every case purchased provides 25 meals to children in need through World Food Programme. The Chardonnay and Cabernet wine kegs will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.

Executive chef Vincent Lesage is leading the culinary operation with chef de cuisine Rachel Haggstrom at his side. Standout menu items include the “Nice Rack” (Baby Back Ribs) from the “Social + Unique” portion of the menu, “Birthday Suit” (Beef Tartar, Raw Beef and French Fries) from the “Softer Side” of the menu, and “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” (Beer Marinated Fried Chicken, Biscuit & Gravy) from the “Meat + Entrees” portion of the menu. Pastry chef Brooke Martin has come up with all the innovative desserts showcased on the menu. Delicious sweet treats include Nutella Pot De Crème, Key Lime Pie, Tobacco & Whiskey Brulee, and a selection of “Hangover Beer Floats.” The full menu is available at anchorsandoceans.com 

“A&O Kitchen+Bar offers the perfect balance of fun and comfort in a beautiful waterfront location,” said Sam El-Rabaa, general manager of Balboa Bay Resort. “I look forward to welcoming our guests and the local community, and having Anchors become the new favorite watering hole.”

The interior of A&O is casual and rustic, with wood floors, reclaimed barn siding wall and floor accents, and live edge wood communal dining tables and bar top. The large horseshoe-shaped bar, overlooking the harbor, is the perfect place for watching the game or enjoying one of our quintessential West Coast sunsets. There are antique touches and subtle ocean elements in the design, such as the custom lighting fixtures with sailing rope looping over amber glass. The indoor seating is covered in rich brown leather-like upholstery featuring espresso wood finishes, while the outdoor is relaxed rattan. Two fire pits keeps diners warm and cozy during cool evenings.  

 

For more information, please call 949.630.4285 or visit www.anchorsandoceans.com. A&O Kitchen+Bar is located at Balboa Bay Resort at 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA, 92663.

About Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort, the only waterfront resort in Newport Beach, offers stunning bay views and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The resort features 159 guestrooms and suites, each with a private balcony. Additional features include destination dining at Waterline, the resort’s signature waterfront restaurant that opened March 2014; A&O Kitchen+Bar, a waterfront gastropub and bar; a full-service 10,000-square-foot spa; more than 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including a year-round heated swimming pool and whirlpool, water activities, and for guests to rent from the private dock: electric boats, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. For information and reservations, please contact Balboa Bay Resort at 949.645.5000; or visit the website at www.balboabayresort.com.

 About Meritage Collection

Meritage Collection is a new life and style collection from Pacific Hospitality Group, which includes independent hotels, resorts, wineries, and golf courses. Meritage Collection offers exceptional travel and one-of-a-kind experiences in four of California’s most spectacular locations—La Jolla, Napa Valley, Newport Beach, and Santa Barbara. Blending the best in leisure and group travel, Meritage Collection débuted in 2013 and includes The Meritage Resort and Spa, Bacara Resort & Spa, Balboa Bay Resort, and Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. For more information about Meritage Collection, please visit www.meritagecollection.com.