It’s been years since I was last at Brasserie Pascal, but recently, a bunch of my friends and I came here to try their Sunset Menu which offers two entrees at the mere cost of $13 each. These items are offered between 4 and 6pm and is a great item for people who want something delicious and affordable.
As we perused the menu, we ordered some cocktails to start and found some innovative creations such as Pomegranate Skinny Margarita ($13) and at 140 calories, you can have several of these without feeling guilty. The other was Not Your Daddy’s Manhattan ($13) which The Hungry Dogg was more than happy to try.
Since there were only two entree items on the Sunset Menu, we decided to also partake in the $19 three-course prix-fixe as well, which is a constant fixture on the menu regardless of what time you’re dining.
Some delicious bread was placed on the table and this grainy, crusty bread was served with a tapanade spread which we replenished several times while waiting for our food.
The prix-fixe offers four choices of appetizers, two soups: Soupe du Jour or Soupe l’Oignion (soup of the day or French onion soup), a green salad or Pate/Rillettes plate.
I didn’t care for the French onion soup. It was just okay and lacked depth.
The pistou was absolutely sublime. This vegetable soup was flavorful and filled with all the goodness of seasonal vegetables and beans.
The Rillettes was decent, needed a little more salt, but overall, good and a generous portion.
For entrees, there were three choices. Since we were also having the two entrees from the Sunset Menu, we decided to choose the Chicken Cordon Bleu since the other two were steak and salmon — the same proteins except prepared differently.
From the Sunset Menu, the salmon ($13) is grilled and served over a bed of basil-pesto risotto and tomato coulis. If you like your salmon medium rare, please let your server know when you order because it does arrive medium well otherwise. The tomato coulis was magnificent I wanted more of it.
The Sunset Menu’s Filet Mignon ($13) is served with gruyere potatoes au gratin, with lightly buttered asparagus and Pascal’s “secret” sauce. I would recommend getting the sauce on the side because it consists of cumin and might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The prix fixe menu’s Filet Mignon is served with mixed veggies, pomme puree (potato puree) and a rich Bordelaise sauce. The steak was nicely prepared and again, a really good portion. You will not leave hungry.
Chicken Cordon Bleu with sherry cream sauce is tasty, but a little heavy for me. Served with mixed veggies and French fries, you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for this traditional French favorite.
There are three desserts to choose from the prix fixe including Creme Caramel, a caramel custard similar to flan. It isn’t as light as flan and
Ile Flottante is a soft meringue floating on top of a pool of creme Anglaise. When it arrived I remember eating this before but the name had something to do with “snow”. I did a little research and found that it is also known as “oeufs a la neige” and that was the dish I remembered. I also remembered not liking it much because I am simply not a fan of meringue anything.
I love custard or flan and Creme Caramel is every bit the dessert I remember eating as a child. The custard part is a little denser than flan but it isn’t super sweet so it was very enjoyable.
Chocolate Mousse was absolutely my favorite. Light and airy, it was rich in chocolatety flavors and I would choose this again should I order the prix fixe again.
However, when you have a choice, I would definitely go for one of the souffles — it takes 20-25 minutes so please place your order with your server when your entree is served. They come in various sizes and different flavors.
Going out for a French meal can be affordable, especially with these great offerings at Brasserie Pascal. The Sunset Menu is awesome for light appetites while the prix fixe is great for those with bigger appetites. There are a lot of other menu items to explore as well, but that’s for next time.
Brasserie Pascal
327 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: 949-640-2700
I’m so glad I found you. I live in Laguna Beach, and always looking for good reviews. French is good, but not my favourite, well unless I’m France. Not often enough! Will check out your other reviews.
Ooh, what a deal! Thanks for the tip 🙂
That’s a great deal! And now, I’m hungry for French food. I’ll have to check this place out next time I’m down in the NB area.
You’re a bad influence:)
As always, you’re making me hungry! I love Chicken Cordon Bleu and this one looks awesome. And this is close to me… kinda. I have to check it out.