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Putting on The Ritz

July 5, 2012 Mad Hungry Woman 36 Comments

When my friend Chris Gialanella, Publisher of Riviera Magazine heard I’d never been to The Ritz restaurant, he was aghast and quickly gathered together a bunch of mutual friends together for lunch. Let’s just say, he was eager to introduce to us, one of his favorite restaurants in the area.

I was excited to try a new restaurant, especially when there were six of us at the table and I insisted that no one duplicate their orders so I can maximize what I’ll be tasting — off everyone’s plate, that is — for the sake of research. Yes, that’s what I always tell them when I am about to embark on a rather gluttonous journey.

But as luck would have it, my photos were on the same faulty memory card as the one I used for Tommy Bahama‘s so I returned again in order to get some photos for this post. I will mention that we did a reprisal of some of the items because they were really good but some others were lost.

We all started with a meatball both times — Chris insisted upon it and he was right. These homemade meatballs are hearty, substantial and a couple of these might be enough for a light lunch. The sauce is flavorful and with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, was indeed a great start to any meal. My friend Brenda’s little girl Maddie devoured this and ended up dipping her bread into the remaining marinara sauce.

Since on our first trip we omitted The Ritz Egg ($16.50), we decided to order it this time. It arrives in a carefully cracked egg shell filled with a lightly scrambled egg with smoked salmon. Topped with caviar, each mouthful was a smoky, salty, umami-filled delight. Again, it is very telling when a 6-year-old couldn’t stop eating it.

Our entrees include Seafood “Mixed Grill” ($21.75), a broiled skewer of shrimp, scallops, swordfish and halibut served with remoulade and a crab cake. The swordfish and halibut were a tad over cooked hence dry, but otherwise, a nice light alternative for those wanting a substantial, yet relatively healthy meal — just don’t eat the crab cake.

Another seafood item we tried was Pan-sauteed Barramundi ($19.50). This Australian seabass is cooked perfectly with a lovely beurre blanc sauce and served with fresh asparagus and spoonleaf spinach and portabella.

The special of the day was a Ravioli dish which our 6-year-old guest chose. It was rich, delicious and definitely a great item kids love.

There is a Prix Fixe 2-course lunch menu for a mere $17.50 with several choices for an appetizer or dessert, and entree. We loved the Wild Mushroom “Cappuccino” both times, served with a parmesan cheese straw.

The 8oz top sirloin steak was very tough and when we mentioned this they immediately took it away and brought us our alternate choice.

Filet of Petrale Sole — sorry, no photo — was delicious with sauteed with domestic mushrooms and served with seasonal vegetables. What I love is there isn’t a lot of carbs in these meals. Everything comes with vegetables and if you want to go even lighter, ask for the sauce on the side.

We finished with Harlequin Souffle ($10.75) but this takes some time so if you want it, order it when your entree is brought to the table. This Grand Marnier and Belgian chocolate souffle is served with a Grand Marnier creme anglaise. Absolutely delightful.

If you’ve never been to The Ritz, now is the time to visit. Service is awesome and food is good. I have a $100 gift certificate to The Ritz Restaurant courtesy of Riviera Magazine. To enter, you have to follow Chris Gialanella of Riviera Magazine on Twitter and then leave me a message that you’ve done so. Entries close Sunday July 8th and winner will be announced Monday July 9th. Good Luck! This is one giveaway you don’t want to miss!

The Ritz Restaurant
880 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-720-1800

The Ritz on Urbanspoon

American, Newport Beach CA, old school

Comments

  1. Trina D. says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:20 am

    Following Chris on Twitter

    Reply
  2. sean solomon says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:26 am

    Hello. I followed him on twitter. My handle is sleeplessinhb.

    Reply
  3. ravenouscouple says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:27 am

    you’re not the only one who’s never experienced the Ritz hospitality! btw, we met your friend Alysson recently!

    Reply
    • Mad Hungry Woman says

      July 5, 2012 at 9:31 am

      which Alysson? 🙂

      Reply
      • ravenouscouple says

        July 5, 2012 at 9:33 am

        alysson from fountain valley, tran pham?

        Reply
        • Mad Hungry Woman says

          July 5, 2012 at 9:38 am

          oh yes! she makes very delicious Vietnamese food 🙂

          Reply
  4. ravenouscouple says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:29 am

    oh, forgot, we just followed Chris

    Reply
  5. Shayla says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Now Following http://www.twitter.com/christophergia and Yourself on twitter . @CherishMyLove !

    Reply
  6. Maria says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Hi Anita, i am Following Chris on twitter…good luck to all of you.

    Reply
  7. Shari Bonnin says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Now following @christophergia on Twitter!!! I’m @sbonnin

    Reply
  8. smalldumplings says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:05 am

    Nice photos, guess you have a backup card now right? 😉 will follow Chris on twitter

    Reply
  9. smalldumplings says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:07 am

    Following Chris on twitter

    Reply
  10. SG Angela says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:22 am

    It is a great place. I never ordered the caviar egg before. Will do so next time. ~Angel

    Reply
  11. Lynn @ The Actor's Diet says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:27 am

    awesome giveaway! just followed him as @mslynnchen

    Reply
  12. andrea v says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:33 am

    Now following @christophergia ! 🙂

    Reply
  13. Hayley Hansen says

    July 5, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Following Chris on Twitter!

    Reply
  14. Jay Lukes says

    July 5, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Following Chris. I love these Old classic places.

    Reply
  15. Julie Nguyen says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Now following Chris on twitter!

    Reply
  16. Stacy M. says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    Following Chris on twitter.

    Reply
  17. Wendie says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    I just followed Chris! Thanks for alerting us ro this delicious sounding restaurant!

    Reply
  18. Erin V says

    July 5, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    I am following him!

    Reply
  19. @DianaWei says

    July 7, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    I am following @christophergia!
    Twitter: @DianaWei
    Tweet: Looking forward to dining at The Ritz #newportbeach 😉 Entering for $100gc! http://wp.me/p1l2nd-1Qd via @MadHungryWoman @christophergia

    Reply
  20. Debbie says

    July 7, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Following @christophergia. Plwas

    Reply
  21. Debbie says

    July 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    Following @christophergia. Pls enter me for the Ritz contest!

    Reply
  22. Allen Taylor says

    July 7, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    I am now following Chris, I’ve got my fingers crossed.

    Reply
  23. Lori Birdzell says

    July 7, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    Now following!!
    @blndez01
    Please enter me in the contest! Thanks!

    Reply
  24. Debbie Matlow says

    July 7, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    I gotta have that egg!

    Reply
  25. Michele P says

    July 7, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Now following Chris on twitter.

    Reply
    • Michele P says

      July 7, 2012 at 11:00 pm

      i’m Mich Ele on twitter

      Reply
  26. nishconsumerism says

    July 7, 2012 at 11:13 pm

    hope you’re doing well Anita. following Chris on twitter. I really want to try the mushroom capp! my handle is @foodismynish.

    Reply
  27. Jonathan Za Bala says

    July 8, 2012 at 12:22 am

    Following Chris =)

    Reply
  28. Wilson C. says

    July 8, 2012 at 12:59 am

    Following @christophergia! Please enter me also! Thanks!

    Reply
  29. Mimsy says

    July 8, 2012 at 1:14 am

    Following @christophergia. MimsyYamaguchi on Twitter

    Reply
    • Mad Hungry Woman says

      July 9, 2012 at 7:25 am

      congratulations, you are the winner. please email me your mailing address. thanks

      Reply
      • Mimsy says

        July 9, 2012 at 7:34 pm

        Thank you so much! I send you an email.

        Reply
  30. Jane Gillespie says

    July 8, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Following both of you as @JGPR! 🙂

    Reply

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About Me

This blog is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I'm passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn't end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.

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