CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Keith

January 31st, 2012

Wife and I went to Rio about 5 yrs ago. At Ipanema beach, we rented chairs and umbrella and bought sunscreen, on the sand. Then people walked up and down shoreline selling tasty fried cheese and beers. All of these were just a few bucks ea. Best beach experience ever. Didn't have to pack anything and didn't spend much. Why can't Big Corona have this? Seems like a no-brainer, yes? ... Obrigado

Voy Sufreeson

January 31st, 2012

Sounds great "Lunches of salads, gourmet hot dogs, deli sandwiches, and Mediterranean appetizers and grilled kabobs" though Porthole might want to explore the actual demographic that dominates Big Corona during the summer season and weekends. I don't want to witness another failed business here or in CdM. Zack's has had success for over 40 years with Beach concessions and would make a great addition to CdM. Heck, they might even bring back 'raft' rentals.

Dan

January 31st, 2012

Thanks for the article. I will be sure to review the Porthole’s application. I am opposed to having a nightclub operator run the place, considering the issues we have had with alcohol and drugs around the fire pits and Pirates Cove.

Jamie

January 31st, 2012

$12 lunch items? Are they crazy? I can go to Gary's or Rose's for half that. Who is behind Zacks? I hope it's not the outfit that had the concession before for so many years. They were horrible and are part if the reason the concession sucked. We don't want them back. Anybody is going to have a rough go of it. Why do you think Ruby's and Wahoo's don't want it. I ran the numbers every which way trying to figure out a profitable way and it looks to me like a great way to lose a quarter million bucks. But good luck to whoever gets it. As for renting beach gear - Thank your personal injury lawyers for that. What happens if someone wipes out on a boogie board? They sue the guy who rented it to them. And thank you Dan for referring to Pirates Cove by its name and not by the name the out of town lifeguards use for it.

Goldenrod Local

January 31st, 2012

Roosters, or Zack's seem logical and a good fit. Something that meshes with CDM and really makes you want to patronize the place. The Port is already a neighborhood nuisance why would we want more of that. They have a hard time complying with their operating permit, litter in the neighborhood, oh and if you eat there you may want to know your produce is delivered in the back of an immigrants dirty car trunk.

Voy Sufreeson

January 31st, 2012

Zack's is a concession operated in Huntington City Beach originally by a great local family from HB for over 40 years. They also owned at least 2 others, Dwight's and Jack's all successful. The raft comment is just a fond memory of childhood. Zack's has the experience of dealing with a seasonal crowd and with the recent resort developments in HB know how to cater to a year around upper scale clientel. I'm not familiar with the other applicants, I would believe they have similar experience. Any reasonable applicant need just drive down to the parking lot midweek during 8 months a year and see how formidable it would be to attract patrons for a bite to a remote destination and still cater to the masses during summer.

Frank Peters

January 31st, 2012

I agree with Jamie; be careful! It looks like a sure fire way to lose money. Wahoo's operates on the boardwalk in Huntington Beach, but not this time of year; that would be foolish. I have a good perspective on this site; my son worked at Fuji Grill one summer, but more to the point - I got to watch the business die a slow death. No one wants to pay $15 to park to buy a hot dog at the beach, especially in the off season. Many of our Hispanic beach-goers bring their own food. What was wrong with the taco trucks last summer?

Brent

January 31st, 2012

To Jaime: why do you care what goes in down there? Per your comment on the Fire Pit post, you don't visit the beach and haven't in years!

Barbara

January 31st, 2012

I can't help but smile at the idea of an "on-beach concierge service for out of town visitors". I hope the applicants and those selecting keep in mind what the average beach customer is looking for. Seems like a simple snack bar would be most appropriate...

Alexander

February 1st, 2012

I like the fact that Porthole will be having a seasonal menu geared to visitors during summer and nice selections for locals - I like to support them since Port is one of the best if not the best restaurant in Newport and favorites of many locals. They have a great chance to be successful of course if the city doesn't ask for a high rent and not raise the parking fees.

mory

February 1st, 2012

OK so why do we have to do the racial card on this ? White and all other races bring their own food too! ? Really? Why just mention Hispanic ? Really ?

Bobbi

February 1st, 2012

*Please no vendors on Little Corona, that is the sight of my wedding(someday!). SO beautiful I am breathless.......

Ryan

February 1st, 2012

I've worked as a lifeguard in Newport Beach for 6 years at all beaches including CdM. There are tons of different places across the beach for dining from Great Mex, to Blackie's, and the Beach Comber. We've never had a solid place in CdM to have coffee and breakfast burrito or casual dinner, but I'd love to see one. People who travel to the beach over the summer would love cheap easy tasty refreshments while locals who dine during the winter would enjoy fresh coffee and quality meals. Let's bring something which can offer both!

simple me

February 5th, 2012

I would love any reasonably good vendor. I love going to Rooster Cafe but their menu is limited and sometimes service is slow but always good food. Their breakfast burrito alone would have me there! In this case I believe being overly ambitious would be a detriment. Pre-made (reasonably priced) food; salad & sandwiches would do well because they would be served quickly. I would love to see a cafe that sets a good example health-wise while including summer staples like chips/fries & of course, ice cream or Popsicle type things.