It’s been more than six months since we last visited Dominique’s Kitchen. It had left such an impact on my son that he wanted to go there for his birthday, so we made the drive to Redondo Beach and re-visited the little French bistro we were so enamored with so many months ago.
The menu remains the same, with several specials available the evening of our visit. We were eager to try some new things as well as some my son was anticipating again.
Our server aptly repeated the specials of the evening and we decide on the Seafood Trio ($9.99), comprising marinated white anchovies, octopus, and mussels. Every dish is prepared well, the seafood perfectly executed, tender and not chewy. I especially loved the white anchovies with a lovely vinegary finish.
Another special of the evening was Pork Rillettes ($4.99) which Chef Dominique is extremely adept at. In fact, get any of the pates or rillettes and you won’t be disappointed.
Soup of the Day ($3.99) was lobster bisque and seeing it is one of the birthday boy’s favorites, we had to order it. Absolutely delicious! Creamy with bits of lobster floating within the rich, flavorful soup. I can’t believe how reasonably priced it is.
French Onion Soup ($6.99) is one of my personal favorites so I thought we should try it. I really loved the robust nature of the broth and the well-caramelized onions. However, there was way too much bread which soaked up a lot of the broth and made it too doughy and goopey especially with the amount of cheese used.
Another of the boy’s favorite is Escargot ($9.99) and he was quite specific this was what he was coming for. Classic baked snails in garlic and butter is executed well. They are tender and not at all rubbery. When you are done, dip some bread into the sauce so not to waste it.
Spicy Lamb Sausage ($5.99) is something we’ve had before and loved. The sausage is made in-house and possesses good texture and flavors. Served with organic quinoa tossed with mint, raisins and almonds, I am always surprised when I enjoy this because I do not usually care for sweet in my savory dishes.
We decide to break up the flavor profiles by selecting Californian Goat Cheese ($4.99) next. Again, I was pleasantly surprised by this dish. Goat cheese is not something I am particularly fond of because often, it can be pungent with strong gamey, grassy notes. This goat cheese from James Farms is subtle and very creamy. Add to that the honey and crunchy almonds, it becomes a perfect start or midway break between dishes.
Our final dish of Lamb Chops ($21.99) is generous and laden with a gorgeous roasted garlic and thyme au jus. It is savory and pairs exquisitely with creamy polenta. In fact, I would have liked more of it! A stellar entree selection executed immaculately.
Dominique and his wife Liza should be very proud of their neighborhood eatery. It is quaint, cozy, and a perfect example of what a French bistro should be. The menu is solid and prices so reasonable. My only complaint is that they are so far from me. Still, I hope to visit twice a year to see what Chef Dominique is up to. If I don’t remember to do so, I know my son will bug me enough that we will! He loves this place!
Dominique’s Kitchen
522 Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Tel: 424-247-9054
Wow! Looks amazing. Reminds me a little of Bistro Bleu. Will be adding to my Savor favorites list. Thanks.
We love it !!
Every things like you said