Bourbon Steak Now Open At Monarch Beach Resort

Chef Michael Mina's new Bourbon Streak at the Monarch Beach Resort in Orange County combines tradition with a modern flare.

The restaurant shares the same name with Mina's Scottsdale, Miami, D.C. and Los Angeles locations of the chain, but the Dana Point Bourbon Steak is much smaller and offers an ocean view.

Designed by Bishop Pass, the old Stonehill Tavern space is a blend of upscale American steakhouse with a cozy coastal vibe. The 100 seats are housed in an open-air design centered by a beautiful walnut bar with metallic cork and linen walls. Guests can choose to dine in cozy taupe leather booths, tables or al fresco on the patio overlooking the pool and Pacific Ocean. Colorful art and oval lighting fixtures are displayed throughout the space.

Dinner service begins with Mina's signature trio of duck fat fries and smoked onion aioli, yuzu mayonnaise and sour cherry ketchup sauces. These fries alone are worth the drive from LA to the OC.

Standout dishes include the wood-fired hot roasted shellfish platter full of oysters, shrimp, King crab and lobster with red miso butter and a tableside pouring of lemongrass tea; Ahi tuna tartare with Asian pear, pine nuts, Scotch bonnet and sesame; bacon in a bourbon soy glaze with tempura oysters; Wagyu and Angus dry-aged beef served tableside with a choice of lobster, shrimp, bourbon lobster butter, horseradish crust, King crab and blue cheese crumble accompaniments; béarnaise, bourbon steak; chimichurri, horseradish and red wine reduction sauces and tableside main classic dishes including Main lobster pot pie, whole fried Jidori chicken, broiled Tai snapper and hay smoked Snake River Farms rib eye cap.

Sides include black truffle mac n cheese, pork fried rice; potatoes with bacon and cheddar; charred asparagus; crispy Brussels sprouts with honey and lime and grilled broccolini.

Desserts include a banana tarte tatin with honey ice cream; warm spiced beignets; coconut panna cotta and a Valrhona dark chocolate parfait.

Executive Chef Bryan Brown is manning the kitchen, sommelier Michelle Morin provided amazing wine suggestions and General Manager Amber Ault supervises an exceptional wait staff.

Bourbon Steak Orange County is located in the Monarch Beach Resort at 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point in California. Reservations can be made at 949.234.3900.

Meals that are the subject of this review were provided at no cost to the contributor, care of Bourbon Steak Orange County restaurant, photos by Bourbon Steak and Shaena Engle.