i seldom venture outside of orange county for media tasting. but when eating around socal andbaleenkitchen partnered up to host a media tasting for bk’s valentine’s day menu, i couldn’t pass it up. how could i resist a beautiful location right next to the marina?baleenkitchen is part of the portofino hotel & marina in redondo beach. it was voted top 10 best restaurants for waterside dining in la by the zagat. read on and you will understand why. the restaurant recently gone through a renovation. the nautical theme dining area next to the chef’s kitchen and the outdoor seating are perfect for a more relaxing and casual gathering with friends. once we checked in with our hostess, annelise, we sat next to thebaleenlounge while waiting for other media guests to arrive. the lounge offers ”small-plates fare with bold flavors and a little latin spice, accompanied by a serious mixology program of ‘classic reinvented cocktails’.” we got to sample (pictured above from left to rig