Chef's Table Tuesday Dinner at Mesa Lounge in Costa Mesa, CA

Last month, I experienced one of Mesa Lounge's Chef's Table themed dinners which occur every Tuesday. Each month is inspired by a song artist or group, and my dinner highlighted good Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. I was really looking forward to this dinner in particular because I love Sinatra's music, it's timeless and evokes feelings of nostalgia.

I was invited to this dining experience by 100 Eats, and attended the dinner with my friend Sydney. We enjoyed a pre-fixe four course dinner with cocktail pairings, created and prepared by Mesa's chef Niki Starr. She incorporated her background in French cuisine, and innovative and unique touches to craft the specialty menu.  

"For the Frank Sinatra dinner, I was inspired by the very first kitchen I worked in: French 75 in Laguna Beach. It seemed like every time I would walk through the dining room with red velvet booths, dim lighting, and an old school fine dining feel, Frank would be playing through the speakers, giving the restaurant even more of a classic and romantic feel.
This is a homage of sorts to my time at French 75 -- classic french dishes, paired with the timeless voice of Frank Sinatra." - Chef Niki Starr (source 100 Eats)

Frank Sinatra Menu

1st Course: 
French Onion Soup, Short Rib, Puff Pastry
Cocktail Pairing: DO I WORRY - Bourbon, Lucano, Cio Ciaro, Sarsaparilla, Bitters

2nd Course:
Foie Tourchon, Pickled Cherry Compote, Måche, Onion Ring Maldon Salt served with Rustic Loaf
Cocktail Pairing: POOR YOU - Reposado, Aperitif, Heering, Citrus

3rd Course:
Coq Au Vin served with Cauliflower Puree (Prepared Tableside)
Cocktail Pairing: SOME OTHER TIME - Gin, Cava, Jasmine, Honey, Lemon

4th Course:
Chocolate Soufflé, Hot Chocolate Ganache, Chantilly Cream (Prepared Tableside)
Cocktail Pairing: GOODBYE LOVER, GOODBYE - Vermouth, Fernet, Irish whisky, Coffee, Egg

What made this dining experience unparalleled to other dinners that I've taken part in was the uniqueness and twist on each dish, as well as some of the dishes being prepared tableside. Our entire dinner was tied together by Sinatra's music playing in the background. My favorite dish was the French Onion Soup; as simple and understated that may seem, it actually was one the most delightful culinary dishes I've ever tasted. When I think French Onion Soup (as much as I love it), an abundance of cheese, onions and croutons comes to mind. This French Onion Soup was excellently executed, including pieces of short rib inside the soup and covered in the yummiest puff pastry which was the perfect mix of doughy and crispy textures. All four dishes worked well together to tell a story on my palate, and the cocktail pairings elevated the experience. 

This Frank Sinatra Dinner brought the month of April to a close, this month, the Tuesday dinners are inspired by Talking Heads and the month of June will focus on Florence and The Machine. For the foodies out there or if you're looking for a unique dining experience, the Chef's Table dinner at Mesa is a must. Check out the Chef's Table dinners and other events here. 
 

MESA LOUNGE

725 Baker St, Costa Mesa CA 92626
Phone: 714-557-6700

Chef's Table Dinner
$60/person +$25 drink pairings
Seatings at 6pm and 8pm