Marina del Rey’s iconic seaside restaurant, recently recognized by Gayot as one of LA’s “Top 10 Beachside Restaurants”-ushers in National Seafood Month with three exclusive events: an evening featuring the wines of Antinori Vineyard taking place on October 4, a four-course dinner showcasing the celebrated blends of Lezzet Spices on October 10, and a special Fish Mongering Class with Executive Chef Daniel Roberts offered on October 27. Capturing the essence of CAFE del REY’s coastal ambiance and signature Mediterranean-inspired décor and cuisine, each event is designed to evoke a seaside spirit while celebrating the best of fall’s seasonal bounty and the sea’s most exquisite offerings.
Antinori Vineyard Dinner
On October 4, CAFE del REY toasts National Seafood Month with one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished wine producers, the Antinori Vineyard from Florence, Italy (6:15 p.m., $75 price per person, not including tax and gratuity). Chef Daniel has created a four-course prix fixe menu filled with robust Italian flavors that compliments a rare selection of the winery’s finest varietals, often not seen on menus stateside. The menu includes: Black and White Fennel Ravioli (lobster, caramelized fennel, chive, light white wine cream), paired with 2011 Vermentino, Zatar-Crusted Sole (Pomme dauphine, leek confit, saffron vanilla sauce, black olive powder) paired with a 2007 Prunotto Mompertone Monferrato, Braised Rabbit (mushroom truffle risotto, baby morel mushroom, Italian summer truffle, braising jus) paired with a 2004 Tormaresca – Masseria Maime, Salento, and finishing with Tiramisu (marsala marscarpone, coffee-soaked lady fingers, café con panna, espresso beans) and a 2007 Antinori Vinsanto.
Lezzet Spices Dinner
Named a recent “Editor’s Pick” by Bon Appétit, the products of Chicago-based curator Lezzet Spices will be showcased in an exclusive four-course dinner on October 10, marking the first time these small-batch spices will be seen on a menu in Los Angeles (7:00 p.m., $65 per person, not inclusive of tax and gratuity). Using spices grown in the finest regions around the world, Chef Daniel will flavor each dish to create a truly one-of-a-kind Mediterranean menu that highlights the breadth and adaptability of the seasonings. Nils Bunde, the co-founder of Lezzet Spices, will be on-hand throughout the evening to offer background information on each blend and answer any questions guests may have. The menu includes: Grape Leaf Cigar Duo (vegetable rice pilaf, herbs, beef, eggplant, peppers, tzatziki, raz el hanot), Pan Roasted Char (salsify puree, dupey lentils, zucchini, piquillo pepper, isot pepper oil), Black Cumin Braised Lamb Shank (legume ragu, chicory, confit garlic, lamb jus, black cumin), and Savory Profiterol (spiced tomato, bacon ice cream, meringue leaf, bacon caramel sauce, red stamp pepper). Each coursewill be paired with a different wine, complimenting each dish respectively: sparkling Rose, buttery Chardonnay, Syrah, and Dolcetto. The evening will be hosted in the Regatta Room, lined with citrus trees and overlooking the water, creating a quintessential seafood dining experience.
Fish Mongering Class with Executive Chef Daniel Roberts
Rounding out the celebration of National Seafood Monthon Saturday October 27, CAFE del REY will offer a thirty-minute class for cooking enthusiasts, including techniques on whole-fish butchering and tips on how to cure salmon at home, featuring the restaurant’s celebrated recipes ($50per person, including three-course prix fixe brunch and bottomless mimosas, exclusive of tax and gratuity). Beginning at 12.30 p.m., Chef Daniel will share his expertise for using every part of the fish while debunking the myth that curing seafood can’t be easily executed at home. Following the demonstration, guests will enjoy a three-course seaside brunch, with a selection of entrées including Duck Confit Hash (roasted red potato, shallots, garlic, spinach, fried eggs), Moroccan Lamb Burger (sheep’s milk cheese, tzatziki, house made bun, harissa spiced fries), and Brioche French Toast (pear syrup, bacon, whipped cream).
Space is limited, reservations are encouraged. For more information or to make a reservation, please call310.823.6395.
ABOUT CAFE del REY:Located in Marina del Rey, directly along the marina docks, CAFE del REY offers seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from Executive Chef Daniel Roberts. With unparalleled views of the harbor and a recently redesigned interior, CAFE del REY strives to provide diners with a casually sophisticated dining experience, representative of the best of what Southern California has to offer in both cuisine and ambiance. Just a 10-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport, yet ideally located along the tranquil Marina del Rey harbor, CAFE del REY is convenient for both visitors and locals alike. The 225-seat restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with lunch service offered Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner hours are Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5:30-10 p.m., and Sunday 5-9:30 p.m. Happy Hour is offered every day from 3-7 p.m., as well as 9 p.m. to close. Valet parking is complimentary during lunch. Both reservations and walk-ins are welcome. For additional information, call 310.823.6395, or visit www.cafedelreymarina.com. More information is also available via Facebook and Twitter.
