The Playground 2.0
Iced Whole Bean Coffee
Nitro Pina Colada – Zaya 12 year, Coconut Water, Chewy Pineapple
Summer in Irvine (Phock You) Golden Oxtail Pho Consomme, Miyazaki A5, Egg Noodle, Bean Sprout, Jalapeno, Mint
You Put the lime in the Coconut – Albacore Poke, Macadamia Nuts, Mango, Red Fresno, Cilantro, Toasted Coconut, Lime
Gazpacho Snow Cone – Pan Grattato, Chive Blossom, Basil Syrup
Pimms Cup – Pimms No 1, Cucumber Lemon Cordial, Cock & Bull Ginger Beer
Ultimate Shrimp Cocktail Lovers Summer Roll – Spot Prawn, Iceberg, Lemon
Smoked Side of Copper River Sockeye – Mache, Spicy Remoulade, Pumpernickel
Citrusy Beets – Goat Cheese Panna Cotta, Citrus Glaze, Citrus Supremes, Picked Onion, Pumpkin Seed Crumble
SECRET INGREDIENT – CRUSTY BREAD, BLACK GARLIC
Cava – Cellers de can Suriol Del Castell
PEI Mussels Preserved in their Liquor – Sherry Vinegar, Paprika, Olive Oil, Chive, Small Veg
Octopus Carpaccio – Tomato Consommee, Chimichurri
Thai Green Mango Salad – Spicy Wagyu, Peanut, Herbs, ‘Crispies’
Noble Picnic Beer – American Saison (Not Photographed)
King Crab Hot Dog – Old Bay Aioli, Pickle Relish
Blue Ribbon Slaw – Avocado, Agave, Jalapeno
Wagyu Tri Tip – Uncle Lou’s Spice and Sauce
Wood Grilled Squab – 3 day dry aged, Maple Blueberry BBQ
Kalimoxto – Red Wine, Cola, Lime
Cucumber: An Unexpected Hero – Farro, Tzatziki
Mashed Potatoes – Crispy and Creamy, House Made Ranch
Whole Smoked Lamb Shoulder – Tamarind BBQ
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Chile Lime Butter
Baby Back Ribs – Spicy Mint Sauce
Fruit Plate – Season’s Best with Clotted Cream
Ashley in the form of Cheese
Caprese Amuse – Crutomat, Mozzarella Cheesecake, Balsamic, Basil Olive Oil
When Asked about Summer Food – Everyone says Watermelon
Morning, Noon, Night – Avema, Coffee Simple, Pathos Chocolate Porter
Buy Me Some Peanuts and Crackerjacks – Peanut Brittle, Popcorn Ice Cream, Warm Caramel Sauce
Funnel Cake, Bitch – Warm Season Berry Compote, Paco Vanilla
Barrel Aged Fernet – Four Week Once Used American Oak
Told by more than one trustworthy source that Jason Quinn’s playground was putting out some of the finest food in Orange County and hearing rumor of a special invitation only space next door I quickly e-mailed the restaurant to inquire; my efforts landing myself and a friend two seats at the bar where Chef Quinn and his team produced one of the most memorable meals of my life – a picnic style feast set to the theme of Summer and Bryan Adam’s iconic Summer of 69. Admittedly not the sort of space for a timid person or diner, Playground 2.0 emphasizes placing your faith in the chefs and having a great time and with plenty of strangers, a soundtrack plus occasional slide show, and more food and drink than anyone will need one should generally rest assured that their faith is well placed because not a single one of the twenty five plates that circulated the room that night was less than good and some were quite frankly the sort of dish I’d have paid the price of admission for by themselves. From salads and soups with A5 Wagyu to a ‘hot dog’ made entirely of fresh picked king crab and onward to a whole tray of smoked line caught salmon, lamb shoulder, baby back ribs, and enough dry aged squab that I literally ate three birds on my own the ingredient quality of every dish wowed while the pairings were more than enough that if I’d finished them all I’d have needed a taxi to return to my hotel and moving on to desserts, all prepared by a young woman named Ashley, it would be hard to name one that stood out as ‘best’ because all were ample and delicious – most diners leaving plenty on the table as they were simply too full to finish. A truly remarkable meal and a veritable steal at less than $200 all inclusive it was a meal so good that I returned to Playground for brunch the next day and can say without a doubt that I cannot wait for my next 2.0 experience, both my patronage and trust well earned.
http://playgrounddtsa.com/2-0-calendar/invitation-only/