In the latter part of the 70’s, the late Paul Wallach proclaimed that the South Bay was a “gustatory wasteland”. In 1982 Michael Franks and partner Robert Bell opened Chez Melange and established California cuisine in the South Bay. They soon opened a number of restaurants including Restaurant Christine, which had a successful run of 20 years.
Chef Christine Brown of Christine returns to head the kitchen at newly opened Pacific Standard Prime. Owned by ex-pro golfer, Kevin Leach, he also spent time managing both Chez Melange and Restaurant Christine. Pacific Standard Prime took over the location which was previously Azure Mediterranean Grill. Their focus is on all-natural steaks.
Due to the pandemic, dining is confined to their outdoor patio. My wife and I were there together with friends. As we made our way to the patio, we had an opportunity to see the beautifully renovated dining room. Unlike many dimly-lit steakhouses, it is bright and inviting.
Kumiai oysters were available that day. They are both salty and sweet and tasted like they were just plucked out of the Pacific Ocean. Huge chunks of crab meat filled the warm crab dip and unlike many places wasn’t drowning in cream cheese.
Tomahawk steaks are trending at steakhouses across the country. They are an impressive sight when they arrive at the table. Their tomahawk steak ($145) is separated from the bone and cut into thick slides to retain its shape and presentation. A choice of steak sauces are available including their own house PSP sauce made with green peppercorns and brandy cream.
The ribeye is available bone-in ($70) or boneless ($60). The steak was cooked perfectly and had very little fat. Their Wanderer Beef is free-range yet grain-fed beef. The unique combination of grass, wild herbs, and barley fed regime allows for high animal welfare and delicious flavor.
Grilled fresh asparagus is topped with brown buttered panko and topped with heirloom tomatoes. The panko gave the asparagus a slightly nutty flavor and interesting texture.
Make sure you save room for dessert. The bread pudding is both sweet and salty. It is served with a salted caramel sauce and topped with candied bacon. Raspberry nicely works with chocolate in their Chocolate Raspberry Pots de Crème. This dish is much like a rich chocolate raspberry custard.
Pacific Standard Prime is best known for its premium steaks but they also feature less expensive items like halibut, roast chicken, and a cauliflower “steak”. The starters are also thoughtfully sourced and prepared which helps set the tone for a wonderful evening.
Pacific Standard Prime, 1810 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 424.247.7521
pspsteak.com
Cannot wait….