Knoxville: High Gravity Beer And Lowland Scotch

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I love continental dining. You know, real old school cuisine, the food that all chefs should know in their repertoire. The classics like Standing Prime Rib, Lobster Bisque, and Caesar Salad – “Real Food”. When you are in the mood and often I am, Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar is the place to go! On a recent night we had the pleasure of experiencing some great food and a wonderful evening. We were warmly greeted at the door by Allie and of course a toasty fire in the hearth. Off to our table in the main dining room, we had the pleasure of being served by Jennifer a recent graduate of Berkeley University. Jennifer sported two glasses of Jean Charles Boisset “JCB” Champagne to start the evening off. Five Crowns has that old world charm that has been known for more than 47 years at this king of landmark restaurants in Corona Del Mar. The recent renovation was completed by local craftsmen enhancing that English country inn look.

Okay enough info already let’s eat! Start with the Crispy Rock Shrimp with Horseradish Aioli, Aerated Cocktail Sauce and Celery Micro-greens, a fabulous match with the “JCB”. We scooped ...
... up every morsel. We just put down our forks when Jennifer brings two glasses of ZD Chardonnay and a bowl of the most creamiest lobster bisque we have had in years. On top of the beautiful burnt umber pool layed a light airy cream foam of Vidalia onion and a touch of chili oil. We dove into the bisques only to discover tender chunks of white lobster meat underneath the surface of this expertly prepared soup. The ZD was a tremendous match to the bisques with flavors of orange blossom and caramel. Whoever said soup is good food had the Lobster Bisque at Five Crowns. Mmm Mmm Good! Joining us was Allison Robbins, the Director of Sales and Marketing. Need a place for a wedding or private event? Call Allison and ask her to give you the tour and history of Five Crowns.

Chef Greg Harrison joins the table toting a USDA Prime – Prime Rib Carpaccio. Thinly sliced and dressed with a fresh poached quail egg, fresh grated horseradish and hand cut micro pomme frites. Chef is a native of SoCal but has shared the stove with Roy Yamaguchi in Maui, Michael Mina in Las Vegas and Iron Chef Morimoto himself in Napa. A graduate of Le Cordon Blue, Greg is married to his Pastry Chef Anna Springer. The chef is not only well skilled but is a humble man with a philosophy of being better tomorrow than we were today. Chef Greg enjoys teaching and mentoring his team treating the kitchen as a classroom and a place where legacies are born. The chef favors local growers as much as possible where he features the Kenter Farms greens in in Mary Alice’s Pride salad with toasted pistachios and apple wood smoked bacon and the Drake Family Farms in an heirloom beets salad and chevre.

We took a break from dining and toured the restaurant a bit. Five Crowns has opened a casual bar concept named “Side Door”. Rated the best gastro pub in Orange County with a menu that matches the lively atmosphere and music. The Five Crowns Green House was dressed for a wedding and a private dinner was being conducted in the Hurley Room. A real busy evening as most evenings are in this Corona Del Mar icon. After our stretch of the legs Tommy “Roadrunner” Martin stops by with some great stories and pictures of Chuck Jones creator of Bugs Bunny and so many cartoon characters that we all come to know and love.

Chef Greg Harrison with Jim Colombo, the general manager

Jim Colombo, the general manager, shares a bottle of Tolosa Estate Syrah. The Seared Woodland Duck with risotto and Medjool dates went well with the Syrah tasting of blackberry pie, vanilla and bacon. Of course, we could not escape this evening without sharing a bit of the masterpiece 35 day aged Prime Rib of Beef. This prime cut of beef is a standing rib roast that is served with Yorkshire pudding and Organic Horseradish whipped cream. UNBELIEVEABLE!! We barely escaped this gastronomic event with a Dark Chocolate Soufflé with a Devonshire double cream. I surrender. I have to admit Five Crowns has great food, great service and it was a great evening.

So for a guaranteed fantastic night out in SoCal, head off to Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar. Open only for dinner beginning at 5, Five Crowns has valet parking. The month of December has Strolling Holiday Carolers and Friday night’s features a Chef’s Supper for a table of 8 – 10. Book early at 949.760.0331. Like Five Crowns at Facebook and get the latest news and events.

By Chef Robert Sturm

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