Mario’s Butcher Shop - Newport Beach

[SheilaAnn]

This place kept showing up on the Insta. So I bit (as it were). It’s a butcher shop/deli hybrid in that they have a solid sandwich menu. We got there early, around 11. There was a line to order. A pastrami , pulled pork, fries, 2 teas took about 15-20 minutes. Food was hot, fries were crispy. Pastrami was ok, super tender, not enough smoke for my taste. Slaw was super tangy. Pulled pork was practically mush, so inherently tender. Sauce was standard, not outstanding. Just under $50 for the two of us. The line was out the door the whole time we were there. It was insane, but they just kept chugging along. I wanted a few things from the counter and asked if I had to get in line. She took my order and helped me on the side and I was out in 5 minutes. I wanted to hold court and ask about several things, but respected the lunch rush and only grabbed two brisket-chuck blend burger patties and a ring of lamb-pork chisorra (I was intrigued as I had never heard about it). CI seared the burgers last night because it started raining again. They were good, would have been better on the grill. My plating was so bad, no pictures. I’m planning the sausage for this weekend. I will go back to check out more stuff in the case and find out the sources.

sidebar: the strip mall had a boulangerie and I am a sucker for a good baguette, so snagged one!

[labbq]

We are staying at the Marriott right across the highway from Mario’s next weekend, might have to swing by and try it

[SheilaAnn]

labbq the boulangerie also has a cafe further along in the strip mall that looked like it served a full sit down menu. I’m thinking a nice little frenchy brunch! It’s called Moulin, I think.

[yakima]

So, I take it that a boulangerie does not deal in lingerie?
I learn so much here.

[SheilaAnn]

yakima I read your post and immediately thought I misspelled boulangerie! 😝😝😝

[TripleB]

My boy lives in NPB, but has never mentioned Mario's. I'll have to tell him to swing by and give it a try. Thanks for posting.

[labbq]

SheilaAnn thanks for the recommendation! We made it to Moulin this morning for pastries, croissant sandwiches and mimosas. Everything was excellent. Need to try their next door Bouillon lunch/dinner spot and Mario’s in the future.

[GolfGeezer]

SheilaAnn cool, need to check this out. There used to be a great deli over on Dove Street a bit closer to the airport, so nice to see a new deli Option open up. Plus it is on the way to South Coast Plaza, a place we visit regularly. Have you checked out the Japanese/Asian market Mitsuwa closer to the 405? Great selection of fresh veggies, fish and a great attack of lots of other goodies you don’t see in regular markets.

[SheilaAnn]

GolfGeezer I am a regular at the Mitsuwa in Torrance. Milk bread is a must every time we go there. And we always eat at Santouku.