BLUEWATER GRILL
FINE DINING WITH A VIEW

There’s nothing like fine dining with a view. There are just so many picturesque locations in Southern California that a lovely setting only helps to make a meal all that more special. At Bluewater Grill, founded in 1996 in Newport Beach with locations including Redondo Beach and Catalina Island, among others, a great meal is made better by breathtaking harbor and ocean views.

At Avalon on Catalina, as well as in the South Bay in Redondo Beach, the views of the harbor, the water, and of course sunset are amazing. Other locations include Tustin, Temecula, and Carlsbad. Walk into the Redondo restaurant and you’re taken away to a relaxed and swank setting, then look out into the harbor and your getaway is complete.

Bluewater Grill is known for its fresh, sustainable seafood and during our recent visit for Saturday lunch we relished our time in the bright and comfortable dining room looking out into the harbor. It seemed to me that a cocktail was in order and I always remember a good friend telling me that a Dark and Stormy is a good start to any night. Made with Goslings Black Seal Rum with ginger beer and fresh lime, the drink is billed as the sailor’s choice, and it’s a good way to get things going, that’s for sure.

Another refreshing libation perfect for day drinking is the American Mule made with Blue Ice American Vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime served in the classic copper mug. These go down so easy and really make for a relaxed, long lunch. If you’re drinking while the sun is out, you may want to order the Fisherman’s Mary with shrimp and pimento stuffed olive. Who doesn’t love a stiff and spicy Bloody Mary during the afternoon?

With the drinks taken care of (for the time being), a good appetizer to share and start your meal are the oysters on the half shell. They’re just so delicious. Oysters are par for the course when eating seafood but the highly recommended “Sea Bon Bon” sashimi scallops, which I probably never would have ordered on my own, were absolutely amazing. Served like oysters, the dish is prepared on the half shelf with ponzu, wasabi aioli and wakame salad. This is a must have.

If you’re looking for something a little different, the Michelada Oyster Shooter is big and boozy and very nice. I was expecting your typical oyster shooter but this is a full size Michelada cocktail with an oversized oyster in the glass. Gulp it down or sip and eventually eat the oyster—that’s up to you but definitely know that this is a big serving.

Other recommended appetizers include the Maryland Style Crabcakes with remoulade, chive oil and micro greens, and the tasty Tuna Poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish that combines bite-size pieces of raw ahi tuna, avocado, tomato, cucumber, cilantro, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili oil.

File under “just because”—just because you’re in a lovely setting by the water and indulging in a savory seafood meal—try the Lobster Bisque. It’s rich and creamy and comforting, and a really good choice considering where you’re dining.
 
A hearty option that’s also location appropriate is the Seafood Paella Valenciana prepared with shrimp, mussels, clams, chicken, chorizo, Spanish rice, peas, saffron, garlic and olive oil. This one is perfect to share. A disappointing dish was the Maine Lobster Roll served with hot butter or with chilled lobster salad in a toasted brioche bun. I have friends who rant and rave about the lobster rolls they have in Massachusetts and Maine and I always feel like we get the short end of the stick. They’re a lot pricier here and not as hearty.

Speaking of hearty, if you’re feeling ravenous, you may want to opt for the Steak and Lobster with grilled 14oz Angus New York steak and 11oz Rock Lobster Tail served with scalloped potatoes, asparagus and broccolini. We shared it but it can be a satisfying gut-busting meal on its own.

If you manage to save room for dessert, the Lava Cake is the decadent way to go. Sure, this was on the verge of overkill but shared (OK, that’s a total excuse) it didn’t feel so guilty. Any fan of chocolate will love this.

Like I said, what’s better than a great meal with a stellar view? Throw in good company and tasty cocktails and your dining experience can’t be beat. 

Bluewater Grill is located at 665 N Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach. Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am to 10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am to 11pm; Sun 10am to 10pm. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Call (310) 318-3474.

Story by Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy of: Bluewater Grill