Poised to be one of Long Beach’s hottest new dining concepts, Navy Proof Food & Spirits, located in the Westin Long Beach at 333 E. Ocean Blvd, is excited to unveil its unique and elevated culinary and beverage programming ahead of its summer 2019 opening. A concept created by Howe & Brown Hospitality, the restaurant will offer locals and travelers alike new-American fare and craft cocktails with bold flavors. Inspired by the history of maritime traditions and the sea, the cuisine will emphasize technique and texture to highlight the versatility of seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced seafood and meat.
Executive Chef Chris Garasic has combined the resilient spirit, sense of adventure and love with the sea, with local ingredients and modern techniques to create his beautifully plated and flavorful dishes. Highlights of the menu include Smoked and Crispy Fried Chicken, served with honey & green goddess dressing; Duck Confit Banh Mi, piled high with duck pate, pickled vegetables, and spicy aioli; and Fried Green Tomato with burrata & roasted beets for lunch. Guest may enjoy a variety of entrees from the land or sea for dinner, including Dry Aged Organic Ribeye with potato rosti, black kale, and porcini jus; Roasted Zucchini Cavatelli topped with harissa, lemon, mint and creme fraiche; and Grilled Spanish Octopus accompanied by potato salad and green romesco.
Offering a daily breakfast menu, Navy Proof Food & Spirits will kick the morning off with classics including Malted Waffles topped with lemon curd, raspberry, and barrel-aged maple syrup; the Heirloom Tomato Omlette, complete with burrata cheese, basil, and avocado oil; and the Longshoreman, served with herb potatoes, breakfast meat, toast, and sliced tomatoes. Signature breakfast dishes include Avocado Toast with sungold tomato, arugula, and fried egg; and Superfood Rancheros, constructed of corn tortillas, two eggs, red chile sauce, sour cream, guacamole, brown rice and kale.
Boasting a world-class, bartender driven cocktail program, biodynamic wines and local brews, Navy Proof Food & Spirits guests will enjoy the vast offerings of rare and distinctive spirits plus tableside cocktail service, including the Bargaining Table created with 12 year rum, averna amaro, coffee liquor, sour cherry bitters. Groups of 2 — 6 can also enjoy the large format Cult of Sailors, made of white rum, grapefruit juice, limejuice, aperol, orgeat (almond syrup) & aromatic bitters.
Designed by Architect Houston Tyner and designer Vanrooy Creative Group, Navy Proof Food & Spirits will feature white marble flooring and color scheme, a three-story sculptural chandelier and a 32 x 20 ft., larger-than-life living green wall, reflecting the property’s vibrant California coastline setting and serving as an eclectic and soothing community gathering space.
As a graduate of Western Culinary School in Portland, Oregon, Executive Chef Chris Garasic joins Navy Proof after previously leading kitchens at Mucho Ultima, The Shade Hotel, and Malibu Farm Lido, and consulting for Rock’N Fish. Using his finely tuned culinary skills to develop menus that are both simple and unique, Chef Chris has continued to leave a lasting impression on the culinary industry for more than two decades. Navy Proof’s beverage program is run by Steve Nydell, Navy Proof General Manager. Previously serving as Sheraton Grand Hotel & GM of District Bar\Kitchen, and winning “Best Tasting Cocktail” at the 2017 Marriott International Cocktail Competition, Steve’s experience in hospitality is broad to include cocktails, wine, food, atmosphere, and guest experiences.
For more information on Navy Proof Food & Spirits or the Westin Long Beach, which is operated by Highgate Hotels, please visit the hotel’s website or call (562) 436-3000.
