Picnics fills a culinary void in Costa Mesa

Jeana Lee made a wrong turn at Polk Street in San Francisco, which

turned out to be the right turn for just about everything else in her

life. It was the first day of culinary school, and fellow student

Robert Whitesell helped Jeana find her way to class. He even walked

her home at the end of the day.

Now they are co-owners of Picnics Deli in Costa Mesa. And that’s

the right turn for Costa Mesa/Newport residents.

After their graduation from San Francisco’s California Culinary

Academy, Jeana and Robert were married. They have worked at some of

the city’s top restaurants: Rubicon, Acquerello, Boulevard, La Folie;

and in Yountville, Domaine Chandon.

The Whitesells eventually relocated to Orange County. Robert

worked as the private chef of Fletcher Jones Jr., owner of Fletcher

Jones Motor Cars in Newport, for three years. He even spent the first

year on Jones’ yacht cooking his way across the Mediterranean Sea and

around the Caribbean Islands.

Yet the lovely and talented couple always dreamed of owning a

business. On June 1, they opened Picnics Deli (Dish’s former

location) in Costa Mesa. At the start, they were unsure of what

direction they should take. So they tried it all. Now the deli,

catering, lunch and dinner are thriving.

Now, Picnics is the talk of the town. And for good reason. What a

great little place! It fills a void in Eastside Costa Mesa -- the

only deli for fine foods to go. And it has hors d’oeuvres, salads,

fish, chicken and meat entrees, fresh pastries and other great

desserts. (They’re still working on the pastry case.) Stop by on the

way home from work and pick up gourmet dinners, or do the same for a

memorable picnic, lunch or bay cruise.

The Whitesells do all the cooking. Everything is fresh. Many

dishes are inspired from the top restaurants where they worked.

French, Thai, Greek and Italian dishes make up the eclectic menu.

Every Thursday through Saturday, they bake extra moist Ligurian

focaccia. It’s available in rosemary and garlic, sun-dried tomato and

pesto, and salami and Swiss. Sandwiches are served on superior

sourdough bread.

The deli selection changes daily -- always something new for the

palate. Try the hot chicken breast sandwich ($8.95), or the Greek leg

of lamb served on pita, with a side of hummus and yogurt ($9.95).

Specialties include grilled vegetables, albacore tuna salad (light on

mayonnaise with lemon zest and celery); grilled petite filet mignon

with blue cheese, rosemary, walnut topping ($7.95); Thai shrimp with

basil and green peppercorns ($7.95), halibut with herb crust ($6.95);

kale with pancetta and onions ($8.95); and brown rice lentil pilaf

($6.95).

Pastry selections include mini coconut cakes ($3.50), fruit tart

($4), white chocolate macadamia nut cookies (1.75) and coconut pecan

cookies ($1.50)! Prices can vary depending on the amounts ordered.

There’s catering for every occasion, offering the deli’s best

items, such as the Greek salad ($29.95, serves six) and poached pear

and candied walnut salad in a sherry-honey vinaigrette ($39.95,

serves six).

Delicious appetizers (especially for fish lovers) include the

petite Dungeness crab cakes with mango salsa ($32.95 per dozen); and

fresh shrimp or tofu spring rolls in rice paper with spicy Hoisin

sauce ($29.95 per dozen). Crowd pleasing entrees are the rotisserie

chicken dinner ($29.95 serves two); and honey mustard pork chops and

apple sauce ($35.95 serves two).

Some clients have food catered every weekend. Orders must be made

24 hours in advance. Some items could require 48 hours.

Picnics also has a grocery section. Though limited, it carries

only the finest items. The dairy selection includes French Feta,

England’s best Farmhouse cheddar, Danish extra-creamy blue cheese,

Emmi Swiss yogurt; and Creme Chantilly from Normandy with Madagascar

vanilla.

Other items are hard-to-find Boyds organic coffees; Northern

Italy’s, Gavioli, a sparkling juice that’s a great alternative for

teetotalers; and Clearbrook Farm’s tart shells and fruit fillings.

* BEST BITES runs every Friday. Greer Wylder can be reached at

[email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.