The $600 million expansion at Westfield UTC is bringing in some major business to the luxury shopping mall. One of these businesses, in particular, is The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar, the third location for SoCal-based restaurant partners JC Clow, William Lewis, and Chef Yvon Goetz. Having already seen success in similar businesses at The District in Tustin, as well as a location in Newport Beach, their move to Westfield developed, and expanded, quite rapidly.
To celebrate their Fall 2017 opening, and present a four-course showcase of their menu, “The Winery” will be hosting a food and wine pairing event entitled “Uncorked.” Founder and managing partner, JC Clow, says that initially they were approached by Westfield solely to have a chic, bistro-esque wine and tapas bar. As things progressed, they ended up reaching the 7,000-square-foot patio and bar area, replete with a 1,000-square-foot wine bar. “When we opened in Irvine, there really weren’t restaurants doing what we were doing,” said Clow. “Chef Goetz is from France, and has spent his career working at world-class hotels and Michelin-star restaurants way before farm-to-table was even a thing in the States.
“We’ve accepted the designation of ‘Contemporary California regional cuisine.’ And following the chef’s background and principle, we support small boutique farmers from wine country, as well as sourcing our fish directly from Hawaii. If doesn’t arrive within 24 hours of being caught, we don’t pay.”
The Uncorked event will exhibit The Winery’s extensive menu, paired to perfection with wines solely produced in California. Highlights of the event will include the following wine pairings: Seasonal local heirloom tomatoes with fresh burrata cheese, micro arugula, garlic Croutons, extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar paired with a rosé by Martin Ray Winery (2016). This is followed by a chili lime rubbed mahi-mahi with grilled tropical fruit chutney, jasmine rice, roasted pistachio and lemongrass-Gewurztraminer butter, paired with Martin Ray, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County (2015). “Initially, Westfield wanted us to team up with some of our neighbors, who we love, but it worked out better in the long run for us to showcase more of our menu,” said Clow. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit www.westfield.com/utc/events.