I don’t know what’s more luxe: standing at the pearly gates while Gabriel blows his horn announcing your arrival or dining al fresco at Ocean Prime. I really do not know.
I had the pleasure of reserving a table recently and was treated not only to some of the most calming culinary environs in Southern California but also some of the freshest, finest seafood and steak.
First up was their take on Surf n Turf, a divine combination of sea scallops, braised short ribs, and gremolata. I knew I was in for a great night the second I bit into this. It was succulent, saucy, and sublime.
It rested on a bed of mashed potatoes, which added a certain down-home flavor to the proceedings. Taken as a whole, it was surprisingly filling and fresh, more savory than other iterations I’ve had, and certainly more inventive.
Next up was French onion soup, a sort of aqueous layer cake of flavors. It was as if each time I put the spoon to my lips, I discovered something new, something lightly spicy and aromatic and perfectly salty.
The filet mignon was an exercise in restraint on my part, because it was so perfectly tender and flavorful I could have eaten it all night. Happy to take out a second mortgage for more of this delectable tenderloin.
It sat on a bed of asparagus and was adorned with some of the most delicious crab meat you’ll have the privilege of eating.
I’m trying to use less hyperbole in these reviews, so I’ll say it in pig Latin: Isthay asway ethay estbay eakstay Iway’evay everway adhay.
Truly remarkable.
For dessert, I had the warm layer cake and sorbet, respectively. The former, covered in fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sauce, was another elevated down-home experience, a filling, fancy and not-too-sweet combination of satisfying flavors.
The latter was surprisingly subtle despite its iridescent color. This is a lovely resort dessert. It’s refreshing with just a hint of decadence, with small pangs of sweet flavor tickling the roof of your mouth. One of the best desserts I’ve had in a long while.
Quick aside: La La was there. Celebrity sighting! Someone referred to her as ‘Carmelo Anthony’s wife,’ and I hated that. But still pretty cool to see someone I grew up with eating next to me.
