Dominique’s Kitchen: French Comfort Food in South Redondo Beach

When I’m driving, I see so many people wearing ear buds in the car.  Instead of escaping through music, I enjoy soaking in the scenery.  Even taking the same route home each day, I’m constantly looking on both sides of the street hoping to find the next great restaurant or interesting new business.  I’ve always taken notice to the location at 522 S. Pacific Coast Highway as it has had a lot of recent turnover.  An impressive black awning recently adorned the establishment and that piqued my curiosity.

Dominique Theval, Executive Chef and Owner

Dominique Theval, Executive Chef and Owner

Named after Executive Chef/Owner, Dominique Theval, Dominique’s Kitchen is the current restaurant at that location.  Theval has impressive credentials as he operated his own restaurant in London, worked in a hotel restaurant in Cambodia, and worked most recently in Los Angeles at Morel’s Bistro and Taix (LA’s oldest French restaurant).  Dominique’s Kitchen features “Euro-French” cuisine and is presently only open for dinner.

Dominique’s Kitchen is a very cozy and comfortable place to dine.  As you enter, the mood is somewhat intoxicating as contemporary jazz plays in the background, spot lighting sets the mood in the bar, and unlike most LA bistros, the seating isn’t cramped.  Heated outdoor seating is also available.

Escargot with garlic butter and herb sauce

Escargot with garlic butter and herb sauce

Salted cod on a grilled baguette

Salted cod on a grilled baguette

Spicy lamb sausage w/ organic quinoa, mint, raisins, almond, lemon and honey

Spicy lamb sausage w/ organic quinoa, mint, raisins, almond, lemon and honey

Charcuterie (French cured meats), pickes and olives

Charcuterie (French cured meats), pickles and olives

Their appetizers really set the mood for a truly European restaurant.  The classic baked escargot with herb garlic butter sauce was absolutely delicious.  The salted cod and potato spread over a grilled baguette is a Portuguese inspired dish that didn’t have the visual appeal for me, but combined with the olive oil was a delightful taste sensation.  Another big surprise was the charcuterie platter.  Believe it or not, the meat was more tender and flavorful than the charcuterie I’ve experienced in Paris.

Grilled Boston sea scallop over "smashed potato" and kale

Grilled Boston sea scallop over “crushed potato” and kale

Roasted chicken with olive oil, provence herbs and seas salt, garlic french fries

Roasted chicken with olive oil, provence herbs and seas salt, garlic french fries

The entrees did not disappoint.  I’m partial to seafood and the grilled Boston sea scallop over “crushed potato” was grilled to perfection.  The garlic and shallots worked well together to complement the kale and potato combination.  The combination of olive oil, sea salt and provence herbs made for incredible flavor on the chicken.  In addition, Dominique must use organic or free range chicken as it was extremely moist and flavorful.

Meringue with caramel sauce or "Floating Island"

Meringue with caramel sauce or “Floating Island”

Passion fruit creme brulee

Passion fruit creme brulee

Dark chocolate mousse

Dark chocolate mousse

Three desserts were served.  The Floating Island is a French dessert which is made out of meringue drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with sliced almonds.  The dark chocolate mousse is a 30 year-old recipe from Maxim of Paris.  My personal favorite was the passion fruit creme brulee.

Liza Theval, wife and co-owner of Dominique’s Kitchen, explained to me that they would like their restaurant to be an extension of their home.  She added that she would like this to be a “de-stressor” so that you can relax, unwind and enjoy yourself.  After enjoying the food, music and comfortable chairs, I was in no hurry to leave.  Finally, the food is quite affordable.  With the exception of the prime rib-eye, all of the entrees are priced under $20.00.

The restaurant is open from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., and stays open to 10:00 P.M. Fridays and Saturdays, while keeping closed on Tuesdays.  They plan to have their Grand Opening on this Friday, November 16.  On Thanksgiving, they will offer a 3 course pre-fix meal for only $24.99 per person.  If you enjoy French and European cuisine, this restaurant definitely warrants your attention.

Dominque’s Kitchen
522 S. Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach
424-247-9054
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DominiquesKitchenLLC
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Dominiquesktchn

* All of the items mentioned in this article were provided on a complimentary basis as part of a special tasting menu for the purpose of this review.  This story was accurate when it was published and reflects the uninfluenced opinions of the reviewer.

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