Make It Memorable: Treat Mom to Bourbon Steak for Mother's Day

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Forgo the brunch crush on Mother’s Day! Instead, plan what’s sure to be a memorable dinner at Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina restaurant, newly opened at the luxurious Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA.

Mother’s Day is the biggest brunch day of the year — all the more reason to avoid brunch, on this particular Sunday, at all costs. I’m pretty sure Mom would enjoy a quieter, more sophisticated meal with her loved ones. Why not treat her to a deliciously blissful evening out at the new Bourbon Steak?

cast iron broiled oysters, shrimp, crab and lobster at Bourbon Steak

Smokin’ Hot Shellfish Platter

Mom will swoon over dry-aged prime steaks making a grand entrance at the table under a smoke-filled cloche and, then, carved table-side! Or the spectacular cast iron broiled shellfish platter (above) with a bounty of the sea’s finest: fresh oysters, Gulf shrimp, King crab and a gorgeous half lobster! Smoke and tableside service is a signature of Bourbon Steak’s dinner experience.

hay smoked steak at Bourbon Steak, Orange County, California

Hay-smoked Snake River Farms ribeye served tableside.

Red Miso butter, charred lemon and lemongrass tea elevate the broiled shellfish platter.

Led by Executive Chef Bryan Brown, Sommelier Michelle Morin and General Manager Amber Ault; the March 1st opening marked the debut of the first BOURBON STEAK in Orange County. The menu highlights Chef Michael Mina’s signature butter-poached and dry-aged prime steaks along with creative, refined dishes showcasing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

table side preparation of tuna tartare at Bourbon Steak, Orange County, California

Preparing Ahi Tuna Tartare tableside.

Signature dishes unique to Bourbon Steak‘s coastal Southern California location include the Smokin’ Hot Shellfish Platter, Ahi Tuna Tartare prepared table-side, and The OC Lobster Salad.

Asian pear, pine nut, Scotch Bonnet and mint lend complexity to the Ahi Tuna Tartare.

With a modern, seasonal take on the classic steakhouse, Bourbon Steak offers a timeless dining experience and cutting-edge beverage program. After closing the successful Stonehill Tavern last December in order to create Bourbon Steak, Monarch Beach Resort set out to further enhance the resort’s dining scene with a stunning new look and modernized culinary concept. Mission accomplished!

May I suggest you begin your celebration sipping a libation while watching the sun sink below the alluring expanse of the Pacific. The restaurant’s spirits program pays homage to classic cocktails and simultaneously inspires with modern interpretations. Have fun comparing the “Old School” and “New School” versions of a favorite cocktail.

My dining partner, the lovely Talia Samuels of Outshine PR, and I decided to try both versions of the ubiquitous Moscow Mule. She started with the traditional and I ended the evening with the “New School” rendition: an eye-opening elixir of Green Chartreuse, green chile infused vodka, Yuzu juice, shiso and ginger beer.

Moscow Mule at Bourbon Steak Orange County, Dana Point, California

Icy “Old School” Moscow Mule

The tempting trio of fries with enticing dipping sauces are the perfect nibble, just don’t let the addictive flavors lead to overindulging — dinner has yet to begin!

Caviar parfait at Bourbon Steak, Orange County

Signature Caviar Parfait

Special occasions call for caviar! Bourbon Steak features a caviar selection that includes Imperial Osetra and Royal Osetra presented in a Traditional Service or as a Signature Parfait.

The wine program features a robust library of wines, from both the old and the new world, that pair perfectly with signature dishes. Sommelier Michelle Morin will happily suggest a wine based on your preferences or pairings for each course of your meal.

Sommelier Michelle Morin at Bourbon Steak restaurant, Orange County, California

Sommelier Michelle Morin at Bourbon Steak, Orange County.

For a truly extraordinary experience that mom deserves, consider a family weekend getaway and enjoy the exclusive activities that the luxurious AAA 5-Diamond coastal sanctuary Monarch Beach Resort offers, including championship golf links and restorative spa services. Extending your stay also gives you more time to appreciate the unrivaled coastal ambience and more than one restaurant in MBR’s collection of six.

Chef Donald Lockhart presents roasted beet hummus

AVEO Chef de Cuisine Donald Lockhart

Don’t miss lunch on the sun-splashed patio at AVEO; or the Mediterranean-inspired tapas menu created by AVEO Chef de Cuisine Donald Lockhart for Happy Hour, Sunday-Thursday from 2:30-6:00 p.m. The upscale, locally sourced menu is priced from $7 to $12 and includes items such as a trio of daily oysters, turkey meatball sliders and snapper ceviche. Libations are priced from $5 to $12 with a selection of draft beers, wines, sangria and craft cocktails. Check out my previous post about the fabulous craft cocktail and tapas offerings during AVEO’s Happy Hour.