Yesterday, another show makes its debut at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Dirty Dancing‘s opening night sees a new menu created by Chef Ross Pangilinan for the show and we always make it a point to eat here before attending a performance.
We are here for three-course theater prix fixe menu ($45/pp) but first, an amuse bouche to tickle the palate. Salmon tartare sits on top of a potato chip with hints of passionfruit to wake up the senses. Delicious!
As usual, there are two choices available for the three-course theater prix fixe menu ($45/pp). The first course features Some Kind of Wonderful, a farmers market vegetable soup which changes daily. Carrot and lime kicks off its two week run (read about it here) with a drizzling of Greek yogurt and a touch of sumac for an added zesty twang on the palate.
Hey! Baby is a gorgeous salad which catches my eye each time it comes out of the kitchen and makes its way past me. A brightly hued bouquet of little gem, red endive, beets with petite herbs and flowers, it is dotted with goat cheese, poached pear and some walnuts for crunch. The champagne dressing is light and does not overpower.
Meat lovers will enjoy Hungry Eyes, a generous portion of CAB boneless beef short rib with Yukon gold potato pave, king trumpet mushrooms, cipollini, delightful pieces of herb tempura in natural jus.
I thoroughly enjoy She’s Like The Wind, a flaky piece of Steelhead salmon, atop creamy parmesan risotto. Roasted seasonal vegetables include radish, courgette and carrot.
Desserts are beautiful, including Will You Love Me Tomorrow, comprising a raspberry macaron, chocolate cake ball encased in a chocolate shell, raspberry sorbet, port air & pate de fruit
I opt for a different dessert from the Market Menu (three courses $60) instead of the ice cream selection from the theater menu. Strawberry Shortcake is a deconstructed version of the traditional with cubes of vanilla shortcake under a caramelized short crust with macerated strawberries. Refreshingly light.
Give yourself two hours to enjoy the menu before your show, although Chef Ross and his team are pretty well versed by now if you have only an hour. However, I highly suggest giving yourself the extra time to fully enjoy the evening’s experience without being rushed.
Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge
615 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: 714-429-7640
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