FOOD REVIEW
Seafood specialties served under the stars BY BETHAN-ROSE RODRIGUEZ Daily Titan Staff
In an area of Irvine not typically known for having much of a nightlife lies Opah, a trendy, upbeat restaurant and bar that features a menu of California fusion with an emphasis on Pacific seafood, and offers a swank social setting to mingle into the late hours of the evening. The restaurant is named after a popular Hawaiian whitefish known as “moonfish.” According to the menu, moonfish was once viewed as good luck when caught by old-time fishermen and was often given away as a gesture of good will. Whether it is the luck of the moonfish or the virtuoso of the
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restaurant’s proprietors, this small chain of restaurants is a hotspot for socialites. Whether your visit to Opah is for drinks and appetizers or for a more formal dining experience, you will find your expectations met and exceeded. When you walk in, the first thing that catches your eye is the bar area. The glass-top bar and surrounding tables are illuminated from within, creating an ultraviolet glow. The décor in the dining area is modern and streamlined with an island flair. For those who prefer to dine under the stars, there is an outdoor patio with tables that are dimly lit. A fire pit with a roaring fire inspires a laid back and warm ambiance. The menu offers a variety of delectable treats. Some popular starters include the colossal fireroasted artichoke and the tower of crisp parmesan sweet potato
Daily Titan April 14, 2005
chips. For a light dinner, the menu boasts of a Chopped Seafood Salad or a Classic Caesar. A grilled Chipotle Chicken sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds which is made with applewood smoked bacon, guacamole, havarti cheese and a chili lime aioli. Considering that Seafood is a focus at Opah, one would be remiss to pass up the signature grilled Soy-Ginger Hawaiian Opah that is served with a pineapple salsa, lemon beurre blanc and a drizzle of raspberry vinegar. For bar patrons, an extensive martini list offers everything from the traditional Cosmopolitan to the more exotic and fruity Russian Cran-A-Kazi, a blend of premium vodka, triple-sec, cranberry and pineapple juice. Opah’s only drawbacks include the obnoxious clientele that congregates within the bar area. Between the desperate housewives of Irvine and Tustin Ranch and the up and coming mortgage bro-
ELIZABETH ZULUAGA ZULUAGA/Daily Titan
Opah is located at 13122 Jamboree Road in Irvine. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. kers who all think they are Donald Trump, the scene in the bar is a meat market of sorts, at times a turn off to the average person looking to for a tranquil setting to have a couple of drinks.
The other drawback of the restaurant is the less than adequate restroom facilities. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended.
