March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Café del Rey Serves Up Fresh Spring Offerings:

With the changing of the season, Café del Rey executive chef Chuck Abair is in the midst of transitioning his menu at the Marina del Rey waterfront restaurant from winter to spring.

Abair, who joined the restaurant three years ago as Chef du Cuisine, was promoted seven months ago when former executive chef Daniel Roberts left the establishment.

With his focus on creative presentations of the area’s best seafood, such as his house-cured salmon, along with a focus on making pantry staples such as pasta and bread from scratch, his menu sets the mood for sophisticated yet relaxed marina dining.

“I strongly believe strongly in the interplay of local ingredients and sustainable seafood,” he said. “For me, it’s about exceeding guests’ expectations, making as much in-house as possible, and providing a dining experience that suits the spectacular location.”

Abair brings his seafood-driven background to the restaurant, crafting seasonal menus that focus on the flavors of the French and Italian Riviera with accents from throughout the Mediterranean region.

“Being in California it’s pretty much beautiful all year round,” Abair said. “Right now we are doing a Steelhead with a fun play on peas and carrots. We’re also doing a pan roasted salmon with a corn, fava beans, red bell peppers, green zucchini, and red onions.”

Abair said his dishes evolve in interesting ways.

“Sometimes they just happen,” he said. “Or sometimes myself and my Chef du Cusine and others have to keep brainstorming on an initial idea. Sometimes things don’t go on the plate as you imagine in your head. A lot of times it starts with an idea whether you are walking through the farmers market or grocery store. The idea pops into your head like a light bulb turning on, which is usually something fun that you want to try or play around with.”

Abair said his menu always features a “Sustainable Pick of the Day” special.

“We try and rotate that as much as possible with whatever is current and whatever our suppliers have got going on,” he said. “Our seafood company does a great job sourcing what’s being pulled out the water.”

A Southern California native, Abair first learned to cook in his grandmother’s kitchen. With the encouragement from his family, he set out to become a chef by earning a degree from the California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu, Los Angeles.

After graduating from culinary school, Abair worked in a number of restaurants throughout Los Angeles including the Viceroy Hotel, Anisette, and Westside Tavern.

He also worked alongside Chef Michael Cimarusti at Water Grill and followed him to Providence to take on the role of sous chef.

There, Abair not only helped the restaurant earn a Michelin star, but he also developed his love for creatively showcasing seafood.

He said the best part of his new position at Café del Rey was the ability to use whatever ingredients he wanted as long the dishes stayed within the brand.

“Café del Rey really let’s us have that vehicle,” he said. “In California, we have the great views. it’s a really beautiful restaurant, and it’s fun to be creative here.”

The 225-seat restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with lunch service offered Monday-Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, Saturday brunch 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and Sunday brunch 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Dinner hours are Monday-Thursday from 5:30-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30-10 pm, and Sunday 5-9:30 pm.

Happy Hour is offered every day from 2:30-6:30 pm.

It is located at 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey.

For more information, call 310.823.6395 or visit www.cafedelreymarina.com.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...