Newport Beach, California

Fresh sea air, blue skies and a warm breeze welcomed us to Newport Beach in July. Our sole mission for the day was to celebrate our granddaughter, Emily, for her seventh birthday. It was just the three of us to explore the Orange County coast and pamper our girl. What a grand idea!

Grandma K and I both have fond memories of summer days at the beach in Orange County. We could not wait to share our love of our Pacific coastline and some California cuisine with our discerning granddaughter.

First stop was Sabatino’s Lido Shipyard Sausage Company to stock up on some spicy and cheesy house-made sausage for our Italian sauce that we were planning for dinner the next night. We bought three pounds, placed it on ice in the cooler and explained our meal planning strategies with Emily. You know, our emphasis on buying local specialty and in-season ingredients. She was mildly impressed and ready for lunch. Well, she is only seven. It will make a difference as she grows.

A big, cheesy quesadilla called Emily’s name at the casual Chihuahua Restaurant on the Balboa Peninsula. And for dessert, she was promised a complimentary birthday paleta (ice cream bar).

The two of us opted for the fresh fish tacos and a side of Esquites (street corn spiked with jalapeño and cotija. Chihuahua Cerveza Taproom serves amazing beer, too. It just wasn’t the time on Emily’s day.) There is also a salsa bar that offers all the extra flavors you need for a perfect bite. The avocado salsa is amazing. Lunch was a hit for Emily. You can see it on her face.

Next stop for our grand day in Newport was Balboa Island, a ferry ride over to the Fun Zone on the peninsula with Skee-Ball and clown bazooka. Emily won a fabulous plastic ring for her efforts. Then we returned back to the island on the ferry.

We next gave Emily a choice of shopping at Fashion Island or a swim at home. She picked a cool swim. We commented to Emily at the end of our day, “isn’t it grand to have a day like this?” She agreed.

Inspired by the restaurant’s salsa bar, which makes a cheesy quesadilla very special, we crafted our recipe for easy Creamy Avocado Salsa. Make a double recipe. Everyone will love it!

Recipe