Pascal’s Back as No. 1 in O.C.

Pascal restaurant in Newport Beach isn’t used to being relegated to second place in Orange County when it comes the Zagat Survey, a guide that ranks restaurants nationwide.

Yet after being ranked No. 1 throughout the decade, Pascal Olhats’ French restaurant slipped to No. 2 in 1999 behind Troquet in South Coast Plaza.

But now Pascal is back. In the recently released Zagat Survey for 2000, the restaurant is tops once again.

“We’ve reclaimed the crown to finish the decade,” said Olhats, owner and chef. “The best thing is, this is not one person’s opinion, it is the customers’ opinion.”

The restaurant received a 28 food rating for its French meals, out of a possible score of 30, in the survey with its bite-sized critiques of eateries around the country. The restaurant was lauded for its menu, service and “romantic” setting--despite being located in a strip mall.

“We want to make customers feel good,” Olhats said. “We’re not just here to make money, we’re here to have a good life. It’s a work of love.”