A Weekend in Redondo Beach: Day 2

This is part 2 of my 4 part series on a fun-filled weekend I spent in Redono Beach back in June.   I was invited by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau to spend a weekend touring Redondo Beach, getting a closer look at the hotels, restaurants, and activities around Redondo Beach’s harbors and pier.

My first night at the Portofino Hotel was very relaxing!  I’m thinking my restful sleep was encouraged by:

• The activities from the previous night: tequila tasting!
• The lulling sounds of sealions barking just outside my balcony
• A very comfortable bed

The ultra cozy bed in the Presidential Suite at the Portofino Hotel. Sadly, I didn't sleep in this one but mine was just as nicely appointed!

I woke up energized and ready for day #2.  The schedule: A bike ride along the strand, hotel and restaurant tours, and (of course) relaxing.

Breakfast at Ruby’s Diner

Before getting into anything else, breakfast was the first order of business.  Fortunately, Ruby’s Diner was within walking distance of the Portofino Hotel.  Ruby’s — the 50’s diner with the leggy brunette waitress as a mascot — is a nationwide chain with several locations in the South Bay.

The menu and theme are the same at each restaurant but they all have thier own character.  The Redondo Beach location is great for beach folks with ample seating on the outdoor patio.  Diner food is perfect for a morning meal with pancakes, eggs, and bacon being par for the course.  Menu otions for later in the day include an array of burgers, shakes, and other comfort food.

Outside view of Ruby's in Redondo Beach. Catch some rays on the patio or enjoy the 50's tunes inside.

Ruby smiles from the cover of her menu.

Pancakes topped with ample butter at Ruby's.

Bike Tour From Crowne Plaza Hotel

After filling up at Ruby’s, my daughter and I made our way over to the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  There, we were outfitted with beach cruisers and helmets for our bike tour led by Marilyn Atchue, a staff member at the Crowne Plaza. Her “Famous Bike Tour” led us on a relaxing ride through the King Harbor area, the Redondo Beach Pier, the Esplanade, and along portions of The Strand — the 22 mile paved  path that runs from Torrance Beach in the south all the way up to Pacific Palisades in the north.

Along the way Marilyn pointed out sites that make Redondo Beach “famous” includiing locations where movies were filmed (Pirates of the Carribean, Cannonball Run) and statues of surfing legends. The tour also included stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and green cliffs next to sandy beaches.

A panoramic view of the horse shoe shaped Redondo Beach Pier. Click the image for a bigger picture!

Posing near the pier.

View from The Strand, looking north.

Behind the Scenes at Kincaid’s Fish, Chop, and Steak House

After an invigorating ride, we lounged until the evening activities got underway.  All of the writers participating in the tour regrouped for a reception at Kincaid’s Fish, Chop, and Steak House on the Redondo Beach Pier.  Fortunately, their happy hour was in full swing so cranberry mojitos, calamari, and baked brie were all on deck.  Follow this link to read my review of their happy hour.

Some of the highlights of the reception were meeting Redondo Beach mayor, Mike Gin, and Kincaid’s general manager and head chef.  They all welcomed us to Redondo Beach and shared their thoughts on what makes this seaside community a great place for a vacation destination.

We also got the chance to take a closer look at the busy kitchen in Kincaid’s.  The chef explained how all the staff work together to make sure the orders are taken, prepared, and served as expected.  Getting this close to the action had me feeling like a judge on Chopped or Iron Chef!

The chef and cooks were a flurry of culinary action in the kitchen at Kincaid's.

Tour of Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club

Immediately following the reception, we made our way over to the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club.  We toured the oceanfront property, checking out the lobby, guests rooms (unoccupied, of course!), and exercise areas.  Opened in 1965, the Portofino is showing no signs of age with a recent $11 renovation.

The entire property has a classic, nautical vibe — whites, blues, sea greens — mixed with a casual, modern flair.  If you’re fortunate enough to stay in the Presidential Suite, you’ll have an awesome view of the ocean from your bath tub!

Bathtub with a view in the Presidential Suite at the Portofino Hotel.

Dinner at Baleen: “Serious Food.  Whimsical Mood.”

After working up an appetite touring the grounds of the Portofino, we headed over to Baleen — the hotel’s on site restaurant and lounge — for dinner.  On the lower level of the restaurant, we met with Baleen’s new Executive Chef, Jesse Souza.  Chef Souza shared his vision for staying in line with Baleen’s motto — “Serious food.  Whimisal mood” — while also being innovative.  As he described what was on the menu for dinner, I couldn’t wait to get started!

The star of the menu was an amazingly tender braised short rib.  Flavored with ginger and sweet soy, it was a delectable sensation of sweet and savory.  The portion was moderate, enough to get satisfied without feeling stuffed.

Coming in as a close runner up was desert: a rich cake aptly named “Chocolate Decadence”.  The whipped cream and berry coulis were pleasant but took a back seat to the succulent cake.  This dish was also not a huge portion, but was certainly big enough to split and still be happy about it.

Diving into the menu at Baleen Los Angeles.

Braised short rib with truffle and asiago potato puree.

"Chocolate decadence" with vanilla bean whipped cream and mixed berry coulis.

After Hours in the Baleen Lounge

As dinner came to a close (I was licking the chocolate from my fingers), the group began to thin out as everyone retired for the evening.  Instead of heading back to my room, I checked out Baleen’s lounge which is adjacent to the dining room.  Through dinner we could hear the sounds of live music coming from that direction and I was eager to see what was going on.

The "South Bay" one of Baleen's signature cocktails. Citadele gin, fresh lemon juice, muddled mint.

The after hours crowd had a great time in the Baleen Lounge, singing and dancing with a live band.

In the bar area, people were dancing and singing along to the sounds of a small band playing recent hits and catchy standards.  I ordered one of the signature cocktails and joined in the party.  It was a nice way to end a long day.

As the band finished up their next to last set, I headed for my room.  I figured I needed to get at least a little bit of rest.  After all, this was just day two; there were still two more days to go!

Stay tuned for day three of my four day weekend in Redondo Beach.