So did you enjoy our Fresh Toast event last Saturday at Newport Dunes? Hopefully, you were able to get in—over 1,000 of ustedes were able to finagle tickets to the sold-out party, which featured 40 of OC’s best restaurants getting their brunch on. We’re going to make it manageably bigger for next year, and increase the participants in our Bloody Battle Bloody Mary contest,
We only had eight participants this first go, a number I’m sure will easily double by next year. And while all the participants were game, the clear winner was The Hub in Costa Mesa with their Spicy BLT Bloody Mary. I’ve always enjoyed their hefty yet thoughtful brunches, yet must shamefully admit I never had their version until Fresh Toast. Man, do I have a lot of drinking to catch up to.
It’s unique from the start by using green tomatoes, which immediately give it a savoriness few other Bloody Marys can match, fresh tomatoes or not. Next comes a hefty squirt of agave syrup and Worcestershire, tarted up with parsley garlic, lime juice and red wine vinegar. Jalapeño and serrano heat comes via the infused vodka. And while the BLT garnish is great, and the bacon salt garnish a plus, this Bloody Mary is so delicious—unctuous , refreshing superb—that it really doesn’t need either. Congrats, Hubsters, for your win—see you soon, ’cause I’ve got some catching up to do…
The Hub, 1749 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, (949) 356-5544; www.thehubcm.com
