NEWPORT BEACH, CA (June 6, 2007) -  The Island Hotel Newport Beach's signature restaurant, newly renamed "Palm Terrace" following an extensive two-month renovation, reopens to the public June 9 - unveiling inventive new menus and freshly redone interiors.
 
According to The Island Hotel's Managing Director Ray Jacobi, the restaurant was previously known as "Pavilion," and is now aptly named "Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge" to reflect a sun-splashed new tropical oasis-like motif. Also sporting dramatic new interiors, the Palm Terrace Lounge re-opened on May 14, and continues to showcase the spirited sounds of popular, award-winning vocalist Jimmy Hopper.
 
The restaurant remains under the skillful direction of executive chef Bill Bracken, who will present his signature "small bites," savory offerings which enable guests to customize their own tasting menus. Bracken has also introduced new lunch and dinners menus that artfully reflect his straightforward Midwestern roots and inventive approach.
 
Known for his honest and flavor-packed "American-style cuisine with a twist," Bracken's new menus combine his signature dishes such as truffle-scented Macaroni and Cheese and a flavorful Potato-Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with new dinner items, including Summer Fish Stew (Bracken's unique take on paella, brimming with the freshest seafood) and 30-hour Kobe Short Ribs with Summer Vegetables.
 
Lunch highlights range from Tuna Tartine (an appealing ahi tuna salad sandwich on toasted ciabatta), to Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho to the robust Prime Ground Beef Burger (with roasted onions and Tillamook cheddar atop a plump focaccia bun).
 
The vibrant new décor - masterminded by Los Angeles-based Darrell Schmidt Design Associates, was carefully conceived to create a lush, verdant oasis within the property's prime urban location in one of American's premier oceanfront communities. 
 
A rich color palette sets the stage, accentuating the many shadings found in lush foliage - deep greens, soft celadons and elegant bronzes - and is enhanced by the dark greens of interior and exterior plantings.  Reinforcing this whimsical "urban oasis" theme, a tropical motif adorns select draperies, wall coverings and upholstered pieces.  Adding a polished counterpoint, the elegant furnishings are plush yet sleek in design, and lavishly upholstered in complementary deep greens and warm gold hues. Additional fine touches include: hand-hammered bronze hardware and lamp bases, and pale rattan and bamboo detailing on select furnishings.
 
The Palm Terrace also showcases four custom floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets, housing over 1,000 wine bottles. Also on tap:  a vast array of beers from around the globe and wines by the glass, plus a lengthy Bar Menu with creative concoctions such as a "martini of the day," island-inspired mojitos, fruity mai tais and south-of-the-border style margaritas.
 
Palm Terrace Restaurant is open for breakfast from 6:30 to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday; 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Lunch is served from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner is nightly, from 6 to 10 p.m. The adjacent Palm Terrace Lounge serves cocktails and small bites daily, from 11 a.m. to midnight.
 
For dining reservations, please call (949) 949-760-4920.
 
Overlooking the nearby islands of Balboa, Lido and even Catalina, the property was originally built in 1986 by The Irvine Company and now features: a new 4,000-square-foot spa; a 3,000-square-foot resort-style pool; a fitness center; two outdoor, lighted tennis courts; and over 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is across the street from the popular Fashion Island shopping center, and just minutes away from Newport Harbor. For reservations and more information, please contact The Island Hotel Newport Beach, toll-free, at 1-888-321-4752; or visit the website at www.theislandhotel.com.