There are a few things that get me excited. Steak. I grew up eating steak a few times a week because my father was a butcher. Now, I eat it from time to time. I got the pleasure to dine with some great foodie friends hosted by the main man himself, Michael Cardenas. I've known Cardenas for a few years, but this was the first time we finally sat to have dinner. This man is always busy, but is extremely smart with tons of food adventures to share. If you want someone to be envious at, he's the man.
We dined at BOA Steakhouse in Santa Monica the other day. This location is great for sunsets, dates, drinks, and of course steak. Everything I had were delicious. I am still stuffed from this night. So without further delay, I'll be happy to share the fantastic last supper with y'all.
101 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
We all got to pick an appetizer, but we were still able to try a lot of them because we were all generous to share.
Old Fashioned
First things first, drinks. I've been drinking Old Fashioned 3 times this week already. Such an easy drink to sip through the night. They also have a few specialty cocktails available which I highly recommend. I've just been hungover since Saturday, and needed to just let it ride. Let it ride.
Amuse Bouche
This was a little amuse bouche from the chef. Foie Gras Agnolotti with white truffle, mushroom, and fried crispy sage. Simple and elegant. Everything a girl can ask for.
Prime Steak Tartar
Buttery steak tartar that will melt in your mouth. Served with a side of crostini, olives, and cornichons. This was served tableside. They also showed the ingredients before the items were mixed in.
Seared scallops
Served with sunchokes, chanterelle, baby leeks and shellfish froth.
Classic Caesar salad
Served table side, all the ingredients are mixed right in front of you. This Caesar was amazingly delicious. Spicy, salty from the Parmesan and anchovies, light garlic, and petite croutons. I highly recommend this if you want to order a salad for the table.
Chilled saffron jumbo prawns
I am skeptical when restaurants serve jumbo prawns. Most of the time, they are liars. The prawns are never jumbo as it is stated. BOA Steakhouse? They will deliver on that. These bad boys were more than just jumbo, they were on steroids. Super meaty and deliciously sweet. Another item I would always order. I'll even be happy having this with the caesar.
Roasted Bone Marrow
With gremolata and toast.
1/2 dozen oysters.
Goat Cheese Baklava
Served with Pistachios and black truffle. Yup, you can imagine this was good and I don't even like goat cheese.
medium rare
Yeah, there were a few platters of this to make sure we all left with full bellies and cute to go containers.
Left to right: bone in ribeye, Lobster, center cut, and new york strip.
Served with roasted garlic and lemons. You can only imagine how much we were all salivating as we took photos.
The steaks are served with creamed spinach with crispy shallots, mashed potatoes with smoked cheddar & bacon, and Mac n Cheese. These dishes scream John's name. And to be honest, who doesn't like classic steak side dishes?
There were desserts, but those got devoured quickly. I, of course, found the one that won my heart.
Grape cotton candy for the win. I mean, why not end the night with more food. I am the happiest I can be.
Drinks, friends, and great food. Take some time to spend with friends and family. Enjoy a few hours. Have a few drinks, or, a lot. Don't forget to cheers and make a few toasts. And most importantly, don't forget to thank the servers and people who clean up for you. One of the hugest pet peeve I have.
Many thanks Mike!
Warmly,
D