Koire Rogers and Anthony Laborin, former colleagues at Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens and Arc Food & Libations, have teamed up to open a new concept in Costa Mesa. Focusing equally on a seasonal menu and a robust bar program, the industry veterans have created Verde (Spanish for “green”) set to open this fall inside the Ranch at Newport Bay.
Verde’s two-story location will feature a main restaurant, found on the upper level, and a lower-level space (christened Bar Verde) geared toward Rogers and Laborin’s bar program.
“We wanted to create a space that fills what we saw as a void in Orange County where a beverage program will not only complement incredible food but be a draw all on its own,” said Rogers in a written release.
Featuring roughly 70 seats, including 10 bar seats, the upper-level eatery will be open for lunch and dinner, while the lower level will boast 40 seats including a 16-person banquet.
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Paula Balderrama (former of Pizzeria Mozza, Fable and Spirit, and Puesto) takes on the role of executive chef, offering a seasonal menu of Neptunian bites and California fare. Some of her menu highlights will include salmon belly crudo with cucumber and Thai chili; a rotating selection of crudo; a verdant seafood stew of clams, mussels, shrimp and scallops bathed in a salsa verde; a little gem salad with heirloom vegetables and a Chartreuse green goddess dressing; and a frozen labneh chocolate custard.
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The ample cocktail selection will include both classics and original creations like the Old Man Trouble, a concoction of scotch, bittersweet Cynar, and Angostura. The bar area will also offer a handful of light bites, including cheese, charcuterie, a selection of tinned fish (which, thankfully, is having a moment) and other cold and raw dishes.
While an opening date has yet to be nailed down, they hope to open sometime in late October or early November.
Verde can be found at 2675 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa; for more information, visit Verde’s Instagram page at instagram.com/verdeverjus.