Beachwood Pizza & Beer, located in Huntington Beach, is celebrating the legacy of the late Chef John Ash, often regarded as the ‘father of Wine Country cuisine’. To honor his contributions, the restaurant will feature a limited-time menu from October 23 to November 2, inspired by Ash’s celebrated cookbook “From Earth to Table.”

The temporary menu includes three distinctive dishes: an Earth To Table Sourdough Pizza, a wine-braised chicken Orecchiette, and a Spiced Wine Poached Pear dessert. Chef Ashley Arias, who created these dishes, noted how Ash’s focus on seasonal, local ingredients heavily influenced her culinary approach. The pizza combines Bechamel sauce, mozzarella, Dutch brie, Canadian bacon, portabella mushrooms, and caramelized onions, aiming to capture the essence of a charcuterie board.

The chicken dish features creamy, wine-braised chicken served with herbed Shiitake mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, described as "super herbie" and "savory." The dessert utilizes the same type of wine mentioned in Ash’s cookbook to poach the pears, achieving a tender texture while retaining firmness.

Beachwood’s owner, Gabriel Gordon, reflected on Ash’s impact on his career, highlighting Ash’s influence as a mentor and friend during his formative cooking years. This tribute not only showcases the flavors and philosophies of Ash’s cooking but also reinforces the continued relevance of his work in contemporary cuisine.

Location: Beachwood Pizza & Beer, 5205 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach
Event Duration: October 23 – November 2
More Information: Beachwood Brewing