A few weeks ago, I was invited to The Resort at Pelican Hill to get a taste of new fall menu items at Coliseum Pool & Grill. I arrived a little early and was taken aback by the stunning view of the pool and the beautiful weather that afternoon. As I walked around the circular design of the place, I took a peek at the cabanas available for rental, and slowly made my way to the last one, where we would begin our afternoon with some appetizers and drinks.
Sangrias were poured as we waited for the others to arrive. It was an intimate gathering with less than a dozen people, which gave us a good feel of what an actual cabana experience would be like.
We nibbled on Irvine Ranch Fig and Goat Cheese on top of ciabatta crostini, drizzled with balsamic reduction and topped with micro arugula. A beautiful palette of colors and a wonderful showcase of the beautiful figs in season.
Next came Chicken Tortilla Soup in shot glasses for us to sample. In all honesty, I could have slurped an entire bowl of this easily because it was SO palate teasing. Chicken breast pieces float within the silky soup filled with savory nuances, but I didn’t want to be rude and ask for more, but as you can tell, I absolutely loved it!
Our last appetizer was Ahi Poke chunks coated in a sesame soy, tossed with toasted coconut, macadamia and green onions, served on top of taro chips. Packed with flavor but perfectly healthy and light so you won’t feel guilty indulging.
Our dinner tasting was served on the terrace. After we were all settled into our seats, our first course of Irvine Ranch Beet Salad was placed in front of us. A medley of golden and red beets are seasoned with a balsamic reduction and dotted with goat cheese and shards of arugula. The sweetness of the beets meld well together with the saltiness of the cheese and hint of bitterness from the greens.
Next came a mini portion of Shrimp & Crab Wrap which ordinarily, would be a full size wrap enough for a whole meal. The shrimp and crab filling is umami-filled and the morsels of crustacean delicately sweet. The pico de gallo here is kicked up a notch by adding roasted corn for a lovely crunch, not to mention, sweetness. A lemongrass dressing with basil leaves completes with a subtle hint of citrus aromatics.
When I saw Thai Fettucine Pasta on the menu, I was at first skeptical. I couldn’t wrap my head around a curry flavored fettucine. However, the minute I put a forkful into my mouth, all my worries were washed away. The creamy curry sauce was so delicate it never overpowers the perfectly al dente noodles. The tender pieces of Angus beef were delightful with the oven dried tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms. I was flabbergasted. Never would I ever think this dish would work, but it not only worked, it was absolutely fantastic.
The same goes for Grilled Meyer Lemon & Vanilla marinated Chilean Seabass. I’ve never been a fan of vanilla even in desserts, so I was wary about vanilla with fish. Again, I was bowled over by Chef’s clever use of an ingredient I don’t particularly care for and created something so exceptional. I was speechless. The fork-tender citrus-perfumed fish melted in my mouth with ease. I didn’t even care about the rest of the accompaniments on the plate which included seasonal Irvine Ranch vegetables, roasted tomatoes and herb mashed potatoes, even though the latter was really rather good.
Dessert Flight of pumpkin cake, black forest cake and key lime pie were last but not least, however, unfortunately, I had no room left except for a bite of each. Needless to say, my favorite was the wonderfully tart and creamy “pie” layered in a cup.
This week, I have a giveaway for one of my readers to win. The Resort at Pelican Hill has generously donated lunch for two valued at $75 at Coliseum Pool & Grill. Leave me a comment with your FULL name and why you should win and who you will bring with you. Entries close on Sunday, 27th. Winner will be announced on Monday 28th. Gift certificate expires October 31, 2014.
Restrictions: All reservations based on availability. Certificate must be rendered at time of dining experience. Certificate has no cash value, is non-transferable and may not be combined with any other offers or promotions. Dining credit for Coliseum Pool & Grill only, does not include alcohol, tax or gratuities – not to exceed $75. Not valid during special events, holidays or holiday weekends. Strictly not eligible for extension. May not be replaced if lost or stolen.
Coliseum Pool & Grill
The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Tel: 949-612-1915
I’m going to take my mother in law who will be in town next month. What a wonderful way to treat her to lunch while my father in law and husband are golfing! I would appreciate the opportunity and if I win, i’ll repost all your blog entries for a month!
Hi MHW,
I’d love this gift certificate cause I’ve never been there, only heard great things about it and scene photos 🙂
Oh and I’d bring my daughter and husband!
Your description of the choices on the fall menu had me salivating. I have not been working as much as I wish (still recovering strength) so I’ve been keeping to a tight budget, eating my own frugal cooking and not dining out and using your blog to dream… I would adore a chance to savor
the Irvine Beet Salad, the Shrimp and Crab Wrap, the Thai Fettucine Pasta and the grilled Meyer Lemon & Vanilla Sea bass with one or two of my Orange County or LA friends. And the dessert flight you were too full to finish has three of my very favorite desserts in the wide world! I’ve never been to the resort at Pelican Hill but I have the feeling it will become a favorite stopping place if I began a regular commute to LA from San Diego once every 6 weeks or so.
It all looks good but the crostini +fig +goat cheese looks amazing… I would bring my boyfriend and have a lovely day.. We never get a chance to just relax and enjoy Bree Briggs
I hope to bring my husband for a relaxing & beautiful meal. Haven’t been up to Pelican Hill & look forward to checking out the property. Thank you.
It all sounds so delicious. I would love to bring my parents when they come to visit next month. Thanks for the tip.
I would like to win because it is not often that we eat out at such a nice place. I would bring my husband.
We are still exploring the food scene here in OC since moving here. Your posts have been a big help! We have never been here and would enjoy trying it out based on your comments.
Every single dish sounds exquisite. I am particularly fond of key lime pie so that is definitely a very happy ending. Some days in life, you just need a win. And this is one of those days. A delicious win would be even more gratifying. I would bring one of my foodie friends who can apprecaite this experience.
Robin Wachner
would love a date day with my wife! Have not been able to go out much with a new baby! Sounds like a great place
I am a total foodie and always enjoy a new culinary experience in the OC!! Every Monday a few of my mommy friends and I plan a water adventure that we have never tried (i.e paddleboarding in Laguna Beach, Surfing lessons in Newport Beach). After our fun, we love to try new restaurants near the ocean for Drinks and delicious food! We would love to add the coliseum to our list! We have always wanted to try it and will plan our next water sport (maybe parasailing) before we enjoy our amazing meal! I would bring one of my mom friends with me!
congratulations you are the lucky winner!
Thank you!! I am so excited to have lunch at the Colisuem!!
It is meant to be! My friend & I were just chatting about throwing a baby shower luncheon poolside here & it would be amazing if we could go try the menu items first to make sure it will work for our dear friend! Her favorite dish is seabass so we might have to consider splurging to have that on our menu! Sounds amazing! Pls consider my friend & I hosting this baby shower for a “free” tasting to plan this special occasion! Thanks!
Take my future wife out for a nice lunch and further enhance our loving relationship, we are goat cheese and fig fans!
I would like to win as I am in desperate need for a nice date with my husband. He started a new job working 15+ hour days and its been forever since we sat and had lunch together. I would obviously bring my husband and treat him to a much appreciated and needed meal.
I’ll take my wife for a midweek date. Thanks
The food sounds amazing ! I would love to celebrate my husband’s birthday and our anniversary somewhere special since its coming up in the next few weeks and this would be perfect!
It all looks delish… I would for sure bring my sister to celebrate my moms birthday…and remember great memories!
I would love to have a date with my husband! I just reached my weight loss goal and this would be a perfect place to show off new bod. We brought our kids with us last year on Easter, it was the best brunch we’ve ever had!
That poolside view looks AMAZING. I’d bring my mom and dad. They deserve it! Not saying i wouldn’t mind having some of that beet salad though!
Thai Pasta? Sign me up! I’d love to win this gift card for a casual date night. I love restaurants that have great tasting dishes, but doesn’t require me to throw on my heels and Spanx. Thanks for sharing and allowing me to drool all over my keyboard 🙂
I would take my husband, he deserves a treat. The food looks amazing, and your descriptions made me hungry!