The new summer menu at Five Crowns is one of the best to date, since Executive Chef Alejandra Parilla joined the team. The dishes use creative, seasonal ingredients featuring the best of what’s available on the market today.
One of our favorites is Grilled Colorado Lamb Ribs ($21). Even though no Asian ingredients were used, the seasoning is reminiscent of an elevated hoisin sauce, perhaps from the black cherry. Regardless, the deep sweet and savory flavors are familiar and plays well on the palate. Pickled cucumbers help cleanse the palate between bites.
Soft Shell Crab ($19) is another we loved tremendously. The crab is fried to perfection, enveloped in a light batter that doesn’t overwhelm. The accompanying corn salad with diced mango and pickled Fresno chile lend a combination of sweet, tart and spicy, dancing on the tongue in perfect harmony.
Meat lovers will absolutely delight in Grilled Short Rib ($45), served with smoked tomato, warm horseradish cream, and a Worcestershire reduction. It is a rich dish that is hearty and decadent.
Pan Roasted Cod ($36) with saffron beurre fondue, dotted with PEI mussels, peas, and chorizo is a personal favorite. I love savoriness and this dish has every aspect of this, along with layers of umami, like a crescendo in my mouth. The fish was a tad overcooked, but everything else was right on point.
We were intrigued when we saw Lobster & Crab Carbonara ($38) on the menu. This exquisite presentation of house-made squid ink pasta with tomato, Thai bird chile, and basil is best enjoyed as soon as it hits the table. Each forkful sees bits of lobster and crab clinging on to strands of pasta, and you’ll most definitely taste it as well.
Although Summer Eggplant ($12) is listed as a side dish, I would recommend having this as an appetizer. These fried eggplant slices may look heavy, but they are anything but. I am a huge fan of eggplant, and I wouldn’t hesitate ordering it as a light small plate to pair with a glass of wine, or cocktail.
I can never visit Five Crowns and NOT order Yorkshire Pudding ($12). This is one of my favorites, and again, best eaten as soon as it arrives. I like to generously pour the jus until it is soaking in between the crevices, then, pop it in my mouth. Often, I would break off a piece of Yorkshire pudding and place it on a spoon, then pour jus until the spoon can no longer hold any more liquid, before taking the bite. This is one of those things that makes me smile when dining at Five Crowns.
If you haven’t been to Five Crowns in a while, this is the time to go! The new seasonal items are stellar, and won’t be around forever. Get them while you can!
Five Crowns
3801 East Coast Hwy
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Tel: 949-760-0331
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