2018 Newport Restaurant Week Kicks-Off

Cucina Enoteca restaurant’s Ben Minick, makes hand stretched mozzarella for guests during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

The quint, a special grilled cheese sandwich from Sessions West Coast Deli, is served during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

makes hand stretched mozzarella for guests during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

A memoir book by chef Nobu Matsuhis on display at the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

Alaskan black cod prepared by chef JP Nourrie was served for guests compliments of Nobu, at the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

Chefs from the Mayor’s Table, in the Lido Hotel, prepare samples for guests during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

Guests take pictures of the display at Sessions West Coast Deli stop, as they grab “the quint” a special grill cheese style sandwich by chef and partner Maxmilian Shlutz, at right, during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

Chef Edgar Nieto presses “the quint”, a special grilled cheese sandwich from Sessions West Coast Deli, during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

Jenn Hall, left, and Jad Elsayed from the Cucina Enoteca restaurant team, create mozzarella bites during the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

A tender short-rib with grilled onion served in a martini glass is served during the the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)

Newport Beach mayor Duffy Duffield makes comments during the Newport Beach Restaurant Week media preview party at the Lincoln Center Experience in Fashion Island on Thursday.   (Don Leach / Daily Pilot)