Beach
House: Magnificent Menu with a Mesmerizing View
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
The
Beach House is located above Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove,
in one of those destinations they must photographic for post cards
that people around the world associate with the pristine beauty
of the California Coast. The Restaurant has a charming New England
appeal, and the panoramic view of the Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary is a magnet for couples seeking a romantic evening out
together. It is also happens to be where one of the most dynamic
chef couples in creative cooking are holding court.
Beach House View
Upon
entering the Beach House, you will see a bevy of activity in the
bar on your right, with a beehive of activity from the open kitchen
to your left, and as you approach your window table in the dining
room you will be stunned by the breathtaking ocean view that surrounds
you. I am told you must have a reservation for restaurants sunset
supper at 5:30 p.m. and be seated before 6:00 p.m. to partake
of this special offering, and that was obvious by the hungry crowd
waiting outside to savor the dinner and the sunset at the Beach
House.
Chefs Sammut & D'Angio
Chefs
Briana Sammut and Guilllaume D'Angio are the main attraction at
this foodie fantastic venue, and have developed some renown as
two of California's most promising young chef's. Briana grew up
in Salinas Valley, where she attended Notre Dame High School,
she began her culinary career working the line at the Monterey
Plaza Hotel and Spa, and at 21 she attended the Culinary Institute
of Americas in Hyde Park, where she worked with chefs from around
the world and apprenticed with a Certified Master Chef. Following
internships at Mario Batali's Tarry Lodge in Greenwich, Connecticut
and Jose Carce's Tinto in Philadelphia she moved back to California
where she was pastry chef at Crema, followed by a stint as sous
chef at Il Vecchio in Pacific Grove.
Pork Tenderloin Entree
Chef
Guillaume D'Angio was born in Marseille, France and like many
outstanding chefs began cooking in his home at an early age. He
attended Poitiers Culinary Academy for seven years and received
his Master's degree while working at the famed French restaurant
Le Bacchus. He also was the pastry chef for five years at the
renowned French hotel Chateau de Marcay. Guillaume trained with
Alain Ducasse, one of the world's most renowned French chefs who
has earned over twenty Michelin stars. Following his arrival in
the United States, Chef D'Angio helped open the French-style Provence
Bakery in Prunedale with his older brother.
Steamed Seafood Dish
Today
the culinary dream team of Briana and Guillaume are making magic
in the new Beach House at Lovers Point. Their menu includes some
original new recipes, and some unique innovations on old standards.
The Beach House sunset supper menu is a myriad of delicious surprises
that includes steamed clams with tarragon and butter that is a
simple and delightful starter to enjoy with a chilled glass of
white wine, and the flame-broiled pork tenderloin with braised
red cabbage and apple, served with smashed Yukon gold potatoes
and French hard cider sauce is most amazing, and a plate that
would certainly in my opinion get a nod from Chef Joachim Splichal
of Patina fame or Chef Daniel Boulud of Daniel New York. The talented
Sammut and D'Angio culinary team participated in the recent Monterey
Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide annual gala culinary event, designed
to raise consumer awareness regarding the importance of buying
sustainable seafood.
Sicilian Sausage with White Beans
The
grilled Sicilian sausage with buttered white beans, roasted grape
tomatoes and fresh basil topped with breadcrumbs, or the imported
black truffle gnocchi with black pepper cream are also signature
chef creations, and so delicious. Naturally, the desserts served
never disappoint with two skilled pastry experts in the kitchen.
Each dessert clearly demonstrates their skill and imagination.
I watched Chef Sammut putting the finishing touches on our memorable
sweet ending. Following dinner there is a lovely pathway around
the point where visitors may enjoy a relaxing stroll.
Lemon with Sorbet & Strawberry Dessert
This
is such a special dining escape for lovers, or whole families,
and is a location every American or and visiting tourists deserves
to experience. It's America the beautiful at its best!
Beach
House
620 Ocean View Boulevard
(831) 375-2345
www.beachhousepg.com
By Bonnie Carroll