By Janice and Jim Lacy –

The formal name of this wonderful French restaurant is “Tradition by Pascal”, but don’t try telling that to the longtime clientele based in Orange County, who simply know it as ‘Pascal,’ named after its talented chef owner Pascal Olhats.

Located in an upscale strip mall near John Wayne Airport, Pascal is an elegant, award-winning French Provencal restaurant, with a wonderful wine list. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in Orange County.

This is a small, personalized restaurant, laden daily with fresh bouquets of roses and other flowers, so be sure to make reservations, especially on the weekend.

Your dinner may be prepared under the personal direction of Pascal himself. We are impressed with the consistently interesting dishes Pascal includes on his daily menu, such as quail, duck confit, foie gras, veal sweetbreads, and a delicious Dijon crusted lamb. Here you will also find traditional Provencal dishes, such as coq au vin, bouillabaisse Provencal, and braised rabbit. There is also a prix fixe menu and the possibility of wine pairings. But save room for the classic desserts, especially the apple tart.

Pascal is located at 1000 N. Bristol in Newport Beach. Phone number is (949) 263-9400, ext. 1 You can take a look at Pascal’s menu at www.PascalNewportBeach.com