I was recently invited to a tasting of Tommy Bahama’s new menu items and as always, I am always excited because I absolutely adore Chef Jacqueline Nabong. Her dishes are always fresh, light and flavorful, drawing upon her Hawaiian heritage and staying true to the island-feel of Tommy Bahama’s care-free image.
Our dinner was served in the private dining room, and as usual, I took tons of photos, but when I went to download them, something was wrong and I ended up losing all the photos I took. So, the photos I’m using is a compilation of ones I’ve found courtesy of Tommy Bahama.
We started with Peri Peri Dusted Seared Sea Scallop, a succulent scallop sitting in a citrus ponzu with just enough tartness to whet your appetite. Kumquat slices served both as garnish and a hint of freshness.
A soup of Heirloom Tomato, served with burrata bruschetta was very enjoyable. I love tomato soup and all the produce procured by the restaurant is from Future Foods Farm — a farm specializing in the hydroponic way of farming.
I always love the use of fresh sashimi-grade fish in dishes so Hamachi & Grapefruit did not disappoint. Mache, crushed red pepper, strawberry and a yuzu-soy accompanied.
The combination of kale, edamame, hearts of palm, beech mushrooms, roasted corn, pine nuts might sound like a lot, but together, the acroutrements for this lemongrass encrusted ahi tuna drizzled with tahini-miso vinaigrette was so mouth-puckering good.
A palate cleanser of Spiced Salted Grapefruit did its job perfectly in preparation for the entrees to come.
Seafood lovers will enjoy Hot Iron Swordfish & Barbequed Tiger Shrimp served with a delicious charred corn succotash, spinach, local herb quinoa,in a lemon beurre blanc sauce. The succotash consisted of Israeli cous cous which I absolutely LOVE!
For carnivores, Rock Salt Grilled Meyer Flat Iron Steak is the way to go. The white bean puree is so delectable I wanted more, and the use of shimeiji mushrooms is in perfect harmony with the Asian influences that is the restaurant’s appeal. The steak is drizzled with a root beer reduction, giving the rich sauce a touch of sweetness to lift the palate.
I’m not a huge fan of dessert and while I enjoyed the Tommy Bahama signature pineapple shaped cookie, I only took a sample of the Malted Pie, Pina Colada Cake, Butterscotch. The pina colada cake surprised me because I don’t usually like coconut, but using toasted coconut here really changed the entire feel of the cake.
I’m never disappointed when I visit Tommy Bahama’s and I am confident, neither will you. Two lucky winners will be selected to win a $50 giftcard courtesy of Tommy Bahama’s. Leave me a comment with your FULL NAME telling me if you’ve been to the restaurant before, if so, your memories, and if not, what you are most excited about trying. Entries close on Sunday, June 10th.
Tommy Bahama’s Bar & Grille
854 Avocado Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-760-8686
I’ve never been to Tommy Bahama’s and was surprised to learn there are restaurants associated with the store! Definitely excited to try the hamachi and grapefruit dish (I LOVE HAMACHI.. seriously it’s an obsession – next to my obsession with southwest chicken salads.. don’t ask). And as I’m also a fan of surf and turf, the flank steak looks amazing as well (seared to medium rare perfection)!
I’ve never eaten here before (aren’t they a clothing store, lol?) but that meal looks amazing! I’d love to try that seared scallop and all the other delectable fish dishes!
– Stephanie Han
yeah they’re a clothing store, but they have restaurants too. There is one in Newport Beach, which is this one, and another in Laguna Beach with a really relaxed feel — I love both of them!
congratulations you are the winner
woohoo, thank you!!
I’ve never been to Tommy Bahama’s, but have heard good things about it. I’m most excited to try the pina colada cake!
I’ve never been but I’d love to try the Hot Iron Swordfish & Barbequed Tiger Shrimp with Israeli cous cous. It looks so good!
I have never been but after looking at the menu, I would get the Hawaiin Butterfish and the Pina Colada Cake!
I’ve shopped there but never eaten at the restaurant. Would love to try it, and since I’m a total carnivore, the flatiron steak looks like a winner!
Never eaten there. The flat iron steak looks delish!
I’ve never been, but the Peri Peri dusted seared Sea Scallop and Hamachi and Grapefruit looks to be definite must trys!
The food looks so delicious, I have never been to the restaurant, but in a few weeks, I will be on vacation in Laguna Beach, and I would love to try their restaurant. The Rock Salt Grilled Meyer Flat Iron Steak, looks yummy~Thank you all of the great photograph’s. The reason, I have never been to the Tommy Bahama’s restaurant is because we always seem to go back to the Gulfstream Restaurant that is on the corner of the shopping area where the restaurant is located, their food is also delicious, and their biscuits are to die for~Thank you for the opportunity!
I thought the contest was over……I just saw the message on my facebook wall. I would love to win, and I am sure everyone else is also excited about the possibility of winning Thank you for the opportunity~
Hi Marta, my contests usually run from Thursday to Sunday 🙂 as long as you get your entry in by midnight on Sunday, you still have a chance to win 🙂
Nice to know that the contest runs through end of the day~Good luck everyone!
haven’t tried before but the flat iron steak with beans looks great. thanks.
I’ve never been there before but would love to try the rock salt flat iron steak.
That Sea Scallop looks awesome. I guess I need to make my way back there. Love their Cocunut Shrimp.
haven’t had a chance to go, but would love to try their tiger prawns
I’ve never been either! Yeah, I immediately also thought of the clothing store (Like Steph) and then I thought of Fashion Island next to Cheesecake. I actually want to try the pineapple cake, hey , that’s what I get for being Taiwanese! They’re known for that.
I have been to Tommy’s several times and have never been disappointed. Most recently I took my mom for the first time and she git the kobe cheeseburger. She’s still talking about that burger and I took her a month ago! We also love how kid friendly the place is.
I’ve never been to one! I was going to go in Florida, and then the group I was with decided to change their mind when they realized the wait was too long. Would love to go!
Mmmm, I love Tommy Bahama! It was one of the first places I ate when I moved to CA in ’99, took my mother, the gourmet chef, there when she came out in 2002 and we had an amazing meal, and am just beyond pleased every time I go. It’s been far too long for me! I must make it a point to hit this place up this summer. Love them!!
I visited the location in Hawaii with my entire extended family almost two years ago and we had a wonderful dinner there (drinks too!) Would love to take my mom to the one here in our own backyard and share a couple of seafood entrees – the scallop and swordfish/tiger prawn dishes look especially amazing.
I’ve been once, a few years ago. We enjoyed the coconut shrimp.
I have only been there once (sometime last year). But I thoroughly enjoyed the Crab Bisque, Kobe and Scallop Sliders, and my entree which I believe was a Kahlua inspired pork shank. All I can remember for sure was that it was a braised piece of pork and delicious.
If I was to be lucky enough to get the gift certificate I would be all over the:
– World-Famous Coconut Shrimp
– Macadamia Encrusted Goat Cheese
– Miso Marinated Hawaiian Butterfish
– Thai Shrimp and Scallops
I haven’t been but i would love to try quite a few dishes! The Blackberry Brandy Pork Ribs & the lobster grilled cheese & heirloom tomato soup are calling my name! And who doesn’t want to check out several of their cocktails?! Thanks for letting us know about this restaurant! I too thought they were only a clothing store and had no clue of their restaurant.
oh dear…not sure where my comment went. =/
2nd attempt…
i would love to try the lobster grilled cheese and the blackberry brandy pork ribs. as for their cocktails, the coconut cloud, the pineapple yuzu and the mango jalepeno mojito are calling my name!
The Salt Rock Flat Iron Steak sounds tasty and the Piña Colada looks really delicious . Thank you for your blog, my hubby’s birthday is coming up soon and I wanted to take him someplace we’ve never been. I never knew there were Tommy Bahama’s restaurants, this would be a great place to surprise him.
I’ve only been to the Newport Beach location, and enjoyed the steak salad and lobster grilled cheese. My wife loves their pina colada cake but I think it’s a little too sweet.
I’ve only had the pleasure of enjoying a cocktail at TB. All of these pics above make my mouth water… the swordfish or flat iron steak should get in my belly!
xo, Shannon Smith
congrats you are the winner
Thanks!! So exciting… look forward to trying all the yumminess.
I have yet to go there but can’t wait!! Those pictures look amazing but what looks the best are the desserts!!! Can you say oh yum!!
I’ve eaten there but I only remember the coconut cake! Go figure! Would love to try it gain!
We love Tommy Bahama! I’ve been for business lunches, with friends, and took my daughters and other family to celebrate when they “graduated” from elementary school. I’ve lived everything I’ve ever had from there but your post has some new items I wouldn’t mind trying! 🙂
keith reeves
never eaten there but, the scallops and the grapefruit bite look great
I have never been but always wanted to try..looking forward to the pina colada cake…
Lokks great, I’ve never try their food before.
food looks amazing. Thanks!
I’m Jihan Assi
I have never been to Tommy Bahama’s before but the pictures you shared gives me a good impression. Would love to try thier fish and shrimp also the filet!!