Kimberly L.
Yelp
[Review #793]
2023-081
Food & Drinks Order:
Tray Passed Appetizers: CAPTAIN SHRIMP, TUNA TARTARE CONES, AVOCADO TOAST; CAESAR SALAD (crouton, romaine, grana padano), BREAD (butter, maldon salt), CHICKEN (truffle jus, polenta), TOMAHAWK (medium rare; prime, bone-in), SHRIMP PASTA, BABY POTATOES (scallion ranch), ASPARAGUS (béarnaise, fresh herbs), MAC & CHEESE (mornay sauce, toasted panko), STRAWBERRY PAVLOVA (guava cream, meringue, strawberries), PEAR OF DEUCES, PIÑACILLIN (pineapple, ginger, honey)
Server: Brody (friendly, superb service)
Our company held its annual holiday linner celebration at The Rex Seaside Steakhouse, located in Riviera Village. The restaurant behemoth (it's 3 stories! & has an elevator if you want to skip the stairs) was easy to spot & there were several open metered spots by the entrance. Score! Upon entering, you're hit with seasonal decor to celebrate Christmas & delish scents floating en route to our private room on the 3rd floor.
As we waited for our colleagues to arrive, I started with a fun pear cocktail, admiring the gorgeous sunset while chatting about holiday plans. Our guy, Brody, was friendly & proficient in alternating between executing drink orders & passing hors d'oeuvres. The tuna tartare cones were cute, but too small of a bite & not cool enough to highlight its freshness/butteriness. The grilled shrimp was a tad overcooked/rubbery & missing cocktail sauce. Of the 3, the avo toast had more flavor & best executed. The salad was a caesar, no wow factor, just a side of greens. But that simple bread... wowza, so buttery & crisp... your hips won't be happy but it's so nom-nom awesome!
Our main course consisted of a perfectly seasoned & cooked medium-rare tomahawk (but not carved well, too much fat) & delish roasted chicken. I paired it with a refreshing non-alcoholic Piñacillin. While the tomahawk was tender & tasty, it's the chicken that's the "winner winner chicken dinner." Soooooo tender & succulent... with a delish jus that you might want to lick the plate. LOL ^_^ No comment on the pasta but it was for one of our pescatarian bosses. The sides were a good pairing with the rich proteins, but I would have preferred either Zucchini (tomato, grana padano) or Roasted Wild Mushrooms (pecorino) over the mac & cheese. The asparagus had a nice bite & char, while the baby potatoes were fork-tender & addicting.
We shared holiday tradition stories prior to dinner, & a fun round of white elephant exchange. The gag gifts were especially hilarious! Some minor menu execution blips, but Brody's amazing service made up for it & provided us an amazing party to close out the year!! Definitely coming back to taste what Chef Walter Nunez has to offer... happy holidays!
Recommended: Chicken, Tomahawk, Avocado Toast, Tuna Tartare Cone (plated form is better), Baby Potatoes & Asparagus (a must!), Bread (addicting), Strawberry Pavlova, Captain Shrimp, Mac & Cheese. Dulce de Pear & Piñacillin highly recommended!