Jeff and I have lived in the Tustin and Orange areas for about 10 years now.  We have driven up and down Newport Boulevard in Tustin hundreds of times and have always wondered about the Ivy covered building called Nieuport 17.  We have always wanted to check out the restaurant, but never seemed to find the time.  Well, recently the mystery has been solved as  Nieuport 17 hosted our Orange County Blog Crush group this month.

 

Tustin’s Nieuport 17 Restaurant is a local restaurant serving premiere steak, seafood and cocktails.

 

Walking into the Aviation themed spot, I felt like I was walking into another time.  The walls were covered with photos and such of aviation history.  Owner Bill Bettis shared with us his story of opening his restaurant and told us the background of  Nieuport 17.  He named his restaurant after a World War 1 airplane.  Many of you may not know, but Tustin used have a large military base in their city, so famous Pilots and Officers used to flock to this restaurant for dining and cocktails.

 

Lobby of Nieuport 17 Restaurant

 

Neiuport 17 is filled with grand decor including the Antler Chandeliers

 

Nieuport 17 Dining Room

 

Executive Chef Marco Colin served several fantastic specialties including a

Goat Cheese, Pecan and Fig Appetizer (They were divine)

 

Not only does Nieuport 17 have fabulous food and a wonderful dining experience, but each evening they have live entertainment in the Barnstormers Bar.  Jeff and I loved this.  We sat by the fireplace in the tufted sofa and listened to the piano player.  The best part was we sipped some of our favorite classic cocktails.  I enjoyed a Pimm’s Cup (or two) and Jeff, an Old Fashioned.  We totally loved our experience and the service was impeccable.  We just may have found a new spot to dine or just sit and enjoy a cocktail when we need a break.

 

Nieuport 17 is located at:  13051 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780