By JACKIE MOE
Walking into the brand-new Warehouse 72 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine feels like stepping into a whole new world—one where art, design, and dining come together in a vibrant and immersive experience.
Your eyes are immediately drawn to the 30-foot LED digital art installation, a dynamic display of 3D visuals that range from crashing waves to serene beach sunsets and even wine glasses being filled in larger-than-life detail. This is Orange County’s latest upscale dining destination, where modern American cuisine meets an avant-garde atmosphere.
Founded by local restaurateur Doug Pak, Warehouse 72 embodies three core elements: modern art, modern design, and a modern American menu. And boy, do those elements come to life as you step inside. The interior is a vision in white—white walls, white chairs, white tiles—like dining in the clouds. Pak calls it the “elegance of angels,” a nod to the angelic symbolism of the number 72.
Spanning 6,200 square feet, the restaurant offers a variety of dining options, from intimate tables and cozy booths to private spaces perfect for corporate gatherings. The outdoor patio adds to the allure with banquette seating, lounge areas, and a fire pit that beckons you to relax and unwind.
The modern design of the space is just as captivating, with natural light flooding in through open-air windows and live plants bringing a touch of nature to the chic surroundings. A raw stone bar top adds a rustic yet refined touch, perfectly in tune with the health-conscious vibe of the venue.
But let’s talk about the real star—the food. The modern American menu is as thoughtfully crafted as the space itself, with dishes that elevate classic flavors with innovative twists.
The cocktails are as beautiful as they are delicious, each one garnished to perfection. Highlights include the vodka-based Arancia Fresco, the gin-infused Salt & Pepper, and the refreshingly floral Cucumber Elixir.
Dinner kicked off with a market salad that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, loaded with golden raisins, fresh blueberries, sunflower seeds, dried apricots, almonds, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
For the main event, the Double Ranch Signature Filet Frites impresses with an 8 oz beef filet, salmoriglio steak butter, hand-cut fries, and black truffle aioli. Equally enticing is the Peruvian Roasted Jidori Chicken, served with spiced crispy marble potatoes, grilled broccolini, aji verde, micro cilantro, and fresh lime.
And just when you think the experience can’t get any better, dessert arrives—a tableside-torched Frozen S’more, with graham cracker crust, chocolate ice cream, and marshmallow, offering a sweet finale to an unforgettable meal.
Warehouse 72 opens to the public on Thursday, August 15. The restaurant is located at Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA.
For more info, visit: https://warehouse72.com/
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