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Dining



PALM TERRACE ANY TIME!

05.04.12

Review by Sheryll Alexander

Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge is an iconic fine dining spot in OC and for good reason. We recently enjoyed a delicious dinner with Island Hotel Newport Beach’s new executive chef, David Man, who also just happened to be rolling out his menu of what may become some “new” classics.

We happily sat down in the restaurant’s relaxing tropical-inspired dining room and started with a refreshing housemade cocktail. (Don’t want to dine in such a formal atmosphere? You can get the same cocktails, wines and most menu items while chillaxing in the lounge.)

Next, order one of Chef Man’s “share-able” plates. We enjoyed the crispy fried calamari with a tangy yuzu dipping sauce. The pear and Point Reyes bleu cheese flatbread with tender wild arugula was also a crisp and savory palate-opening treat.

Don’t worry. Palm Terrace’s famed macaroni and cheese dish made with orecchitte pasta, Taleggio cheese and freshly-shaved truffles is still on the menu. This pungent dish can also be eaten as a side dish and pairs well with either red or white wines.

We were also impressed with the new “chicken share burger.” Made with top notch ground chicken, this melt-in-your-mouth slider has a fluffy bun and a smoky finish.

Ready for something light, yet hearty? Surprisingly, our favorite dish of the night was the chef’s potato leek soup. This creamy potage has just the right texture, a goodly amount of pepper and comes topped with a gooey Fiscalini “crisp.” Yummy!

For those who like starting with a salad or who want an entrée-sized salad, order the “wedge.” Chef Man’s take on this classic California dish includes terribly tender baby iceberg lettuce leaves, giant succulent grilled prawns and a tangy ranch-style dressing. Formidable!

Chef Man also kept his famous short ribs on the menu. Cooked “sous vide” in a red wine marinade for 48 hours, these ribs are the definition of “falling apart” and come paired with a creamy potato puree, braised greens and a gremolata sauce.

All of the desserts were delightful. However, the not-yet-on-the-menu s’mores dessert was particularly memorable. A crisp yet substantial housemade graham cracker stood at the ready on the plate to be dipped into a clear glass jar of dark chocolate ganache then a layer of salted caramel and then a layer of sticky real marshmallow. While we dug in, our teenaged guest at the table announced, “That dessert needs to go on BOMB.com!” We agree wholeheartedly. Genius!

After this visit, we are certain that OC insiders and the international jet set come year after year to Palm Terrace for the casual upscale vibe, the intimate romantic setting and, as always, the fabulous food and drink.

All-Inclusive Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch at Palm Terrace

Palm Terrace is also a great place to take Mom for her special day. On Sunday, May 13, Palm Terrace is hosting a scrumptious patio buffet from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. along with paired tasting cocktail options and musical entertainment. Start with a refreshing mimosa at the made-to-order omelet station where chicken and waffles with rosemary syrup is served. Or, head for breakfast quesadillas matched to a tasting portion of skinny margaritas. On a lighter note, visit the sushi station and sip some sake. The carving center is the place to find prime rib, roast turkey and wild salmon – all with accompaniments and maybe a zesty mini Bloody Mary. Pair a house red or white wine with dishes from the pasta and salad tables. There’s also freshly-baked breads, pastries and a dessert buffet. Kids enjoy a buffet of their own, which includes grilled cheese, silver dollar pancakes and macaroni and cheese. The cost is $95 per person ($24 for children ages 4-12 year old; children four and under are free) and includes beverages (exclusive of tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 949-760-4920.     .

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.

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Dining



TRY MIRROR WINES!

05.04.12

Review by Sheryll Alexander

We love to review wines and especially vintages with a good story to tell as well as bold flavors and smooth finishes. So we were excited to taste test Mirror Wine, which just so happens to be the passion of former NFL player and now vintner Rick Mirer (pronounced like mirror hence the company name).

Former Oakland Raider Rick Mirer founded Mirror Wine Company when he met Jeff Smith of Napa Valley’s Hourglass. Mirer was an Hourglass aficionado and Smith was a devoted Raider fan. The two football lovers formed a friendship. Then, the bromance became a triple whammy when Rob Lawson – a famous cult winemaker from Napa Valley – was brought in to craft exceptional wines. So, the three guys founded Mirror Wine with a a common philosophy: “a humble approach to making the best wines possible and a desire to over-deliver at every stage.”

First off, we tried the Mirror 2010 Sauvignon Blanc with a first course of a Mom’s delicate Chinese chicken salad. The aromas from this straw-colored white are delicious: citrus, peaches, pineapple and pear. On the tongue, this white has the perfect balance of acid, creamy and zesty flavors.

To pair with a second course of Dad’s famous marinated steak with a side of pasta marinara, we enjoyed the Mirror 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. This glass of wine had a gorgeous floral, yet smoky nose with flower blossom, tobacco and chocolate smells. With just the right amount of tannins for a round red, this Mirror Cab was a sensuous experience with its dark berry and cherry flavors as well as oak, vanilla and spices.

Want to try Mirror Wines? The following OC restaurants carry the label: Starfish (Laguna Beach), The Ranch (Anaheim), BigCanyon (Newport Beach), The Winery (Tustin). Also ask for Mirror Wines at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and Amazing Grapes Wine Store in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.

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