catalina kitchen — Restaurant in Rancho Palos Verdes

I do not think I have ever left a restaurant so angry at the service as I experienced last night from Catalina! We came as part of a party of 12 for a birthday dinner party of a friend and the first thing I asked of our waiter (Jay Jay), can you break to the check and he said "yes". This was important to know as we did not want to order something more expensive as others I know would order less. As there were 5 couples and two singles, this would be 7 checks. After we ordered a bunch of food and drinks and before dessert, I hear that the waiter cannot break the checks up.

As we're waiting for our dinner, each of the appetizers and salads did not come out right or were sent to the wrong people and they came out late. Then we started having drinks delivered that were not ours that Jay Jay supportively comped us. And finally when the dinners came out over 10 min period a few of the orders were messed up and never were corrected.

It always became a joke after a certain point in time but we just tried to stay and have fun. Until the very end, when people work expecting the only pay their portion, there was about $150 unaccounted for that unfortunately got stuck with the host.

As I knew we all paid our portions correctly and honestly, I can only believe that it was the waiter it was screwing up orders based on the incorrect food and drinks that was being delivered.

I remember speaking to the waiter about it and his advice back to me was "in the future know that restaurants don't divide bills up more than four times "... I quickly corrected him and said that lido in Manhattan Beach has done as many as 50 people in one big party we had in their rooms and it was never hassle and never mistake.

As a high end restaurant, I would expect Catalina to be delivering much higher service. Unfortunately we do not experience that last night. I left the restaurant feeling very upset for Jim and Jill who hosted this dinner and got stuck with the extra $150 bill.

The bottom line is that we don't want to go back to any restaurant (or hotel) at Terranea with this...

If you have not been here recently, then you have not been to the NEW Catalina Kitchen. It has been beautifully remodeled, has a new menu and is very warm and inviting. We just discovered this last night for a birthday dinner.

Most importantly, the food was incredible. The Butcher Block meat and cheese platter was one the best I've had and the presentation was amazing with olives, figs, jam and much more. I enjoyed the Black Cod which melts in your mouth, my wife loved her short ribs. Portions are not huge so do yourself a favor and begin with one of their starters, which includes fresh seafood platters.

The decor is beautiful and fits right in with the California coast that it overlooks. The patio has comfortable seating with inviting heaters to take the chill off. There is even a great lounge area with fire features. It's a nice spot to meet new friends, both local and travelers. The bar has an incredible wine selection, local beers and creative cocktails.

Friday nights they do a seafood buffet that has to be seen to be believed. Excellent fresh quality that will make you want to try new things. They also told us that starting 3-12-17 they are going to start doing a Beef buffet that I'm sure will not disappoint. These options are not cheap, but you truly get what you pay for; excellent food and service.

Speaking of service, Nicholas, our waiter for the evening, could not have made us feel more welcome, special, pampered and relaxed. He was both informative and attentive. Perfect timing and he anticipated our every need. We will be back often.

Final Tip: take the time after dinner to explore the resort. Terranea has walking paths everywhere that lead you to secluded fire pits surrounded by luxurious chairs and couches. Whether you are vacationing here, or just want to feel like you are on vacation when you are minutes away from home, as we were, Terranea truly lets you get away from it all and reminds you what life should actually be...

I'm sorry to have to write this post about a Christmas experience at Terranea, but was very disappointed with the Christmas buffet this year at the Catalina kitchen.

In the past, the champagne was free flowing with the meal. It was part of the holiday experience at Terranea, unlimited mimosas and champagne. I later found out that if we had booked for the ballroom buffet that would have been included, but that's not the point! I've spent most holidays at either place in the past and both the Catalina Kitchen and the ballroom buffet have included the champagne in the $100 bucks per person on the holidays.

And they should, considering the generous and conscientious people of Rancho Palos Verdes recently voted to free them from the long arm of the labor union. (Unions exist to protect workers rights, not resort's profits) And you are welcome Terranea!

My advice to next year's patrons before choosing your holiday dining experience? Make sure the 2020 jingle for the holidays is let it flow let it flow let it flow. The champagne that is! That would go for Catalina Kitchen and the ballroom! Ask when you make your dining reservations, the price and the food are the same for both places. Cheers! #Starbucksgotitright #freeholidaystarbucksdrinks #itsnotaboutthemoney #wherestheholidayspirit

‘First things first. Get the champagne.’ Winston Churchill, 1931, New York.

‘I could not live without Champagne. In victory I deserve it. In defeat I need it.’ Winston Churchill, 1946

Remember gentleman, it’s not just France we’re fighting for, it’s Champagne! ...