baleen kitchen

while baleen kitchen, hidden inside the portofino hotel, is relatively unknown to those not living in the south bay, it tends to be to go-to special occasion restaurant for redondo beach locals. i personally had only been forlunchmore than 2 years ago but remembered liking it.

posted on june 20, 2011 by southbayrantsnraves chef jesse souza, restaurant manager chris schaefer and their wonderful staff hosted a casuallunchfor some of us bloggers. we sat outside literally steps away from the marina on a sunny and slightly breezy day. it made for a wonderful atmosphere. starting off with an amuse buche of a soft baguette topped with smoked salmon, avocado, boursin cheese, capers, and arugula. i was very impressed by the soft bread. it really meshed well with the salmon and the cheese. this was compliments of the chef & wasn't available on the menu. this chinese chicken salad was one of my favorites of several we were served that day. i'm a noodle fiend so i of course was more than happy to see some on the plate. the taste was very subtle and refreshing. the poached chicken was moist, mandarin oranges are always a welcomed addition. what i loved about this grilled shrimp salad was that it was panzanella inspired. if you don't know, panzanella, a dish i wish i kn

outside patio seating overlooks marina. baleen is located across from the hotel portofino's entrance. there's an outside patio dining area overlooking the redondo beach marina. i hadlunchhere out on the patio. the salad i had forlunchwas god and everything was very fresh. the server was attentive, the view superb. although the food was okay, what i had was not outstanding and i felt it was kind of pricey.