"The Orange County steak and seafood contingent has a lot to be excited about these days, as Newport Beach’s glossy new Pendry hotel opens wide with ocean views, 295 rooms, and the luxurious indoor-outdoor Set Steak and Sushi restaurant inside. Run by Clique Hospitality, a large group that oversees projects in Las Vegas, San Diego, and beyond, the new Set Steak & Sushi is primed to become one of the ’it’ spots for the coastal area near Corona Del Mar. As the ampersand name notes, the restaurant focuses equally on grilled meats and raw fish, all served under the direction of group chef Jose Ruiz who also oversees San Diego’s Lionfish and Serea. Chef James Jung, a Nobu vet and former chef de cuisine of Yellowtail in Las Vegas under Akira Back, is also on the new project, with its tall ceilings, wood-lined dining room, and airy open patio set underneath a pair of towering trees. Set’s menu offers expected options like Parker House rolls and a Caesar salad, and more surprising options like a bluefin tuna pizza, whole lobster tempura, and lacquered duck with scallion pancakes. Dry-aged steaks are available, as are specialty rolls and seafood towers with plenty of caviar add-ons available. This is one for the spendy Orange County crowd, to be sure; the opening menu can be found here. The new Set Steak & Sushi is now open and serving dinner at 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660." - Farley Elliott
