Catalina

This restaurant is making an attempt to survive in a location that has not been successful for its predecessors. First it was a mystery book store, then it was a high tea room. It morphed into a little-noticed italian restaurant that opened and closed with little fanfare. Let’s hope this one can stay. Great, well-informed serviced, white tablecloth restaurant. Appetizers vary from an excellent, anchovy-laced caesar salad (not drenched in mayo like Nick & Stef’s abomination), crisp pannini/flatbread plates, frog’s legs (!) and a really good looking rabbit pot pie. An amuse bouche of wonderful potato leek soup with creme fraiche and great little croutons in a demitasse cup was a nice start. The menu is not over-reaching, offering two or three fish courses, some slow-cooked items, and some nicely presented meats. We had the Duo of lamb, (double cut lamb chops with braised lamb cheeks), and the Braised shortribs with a barley risotto that made a wonderful counterpoint. We also ordered their wine flight - $16 for three wines to match your dishes. A great value; generous pours and well-matched wines.

The prices were slightly above average – appetizers ranged from $8-$15; entrees averaged about $25-30. But the portions are generous, the food well-prepared.

I really hope this place can make it. It is an enjoyable, high quality place with a relaxing ambience. Redondo Beach is seriously lacking in spots like this. For a Saturday night at 7, there were only 5 tables seated. Please give this place a try.