The Beach House is located above Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, in one of those destinations they must photographic for post cards that people around the world associate with the pristine beauty of the California Coast. The Restaurant has a charming New England appeal, and the panoramic view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a magnet for couples seeking a romantic evening out together. It is also happens to be where one of the most dynamic chef couples in creative cooking are holding court.
Upon entering the Beach House, you will see a bevy of activity in the bar on your right, with a beehive of activity from the open kitchen to your left, and as you approach your window table in the dining room you will be stunned by the breathtaking ocean view that surrounds you. I am told you must have a reservation for restaurants sunset supper at 5:30 p.m. and be seated before 6:00 p.m. to partake of this special offering, and that was obvious by the hungry crowd waiting outside to savor the dinner and the sunset at the Beach House.
Chefs Briana Sammut and Guilllaume D’Angio are the main attraction at this foodie fantastic venue, and have developed some renown as two of California’s most promising young chef’s. Briana grew up in Salinas Valley, where she attended Notre Dame High School, she began her culinary career working the line at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, and at 21 she attended the Culinary Institute of Americas in Hyde Park, where she worked with chefs from around the world and apprenticed with a Certified Master Chef. Following internships at Mario Batali’s Tarry Lodge in Greenwich, Connecticut and Jose Carce’s Tinto in Philadelphia she moved back to California where she was pastry chef at Crema, followed by a stint as sous chef at Il Vecchio in Pacific Grove.
Chef Guillaume D’Angio was born in Marseille, France and like many outstanding chefs began cooking in his home at an early age. He attended Poitiers Culinary Academy for seven years and received his Master’s degree while working at the famed French restaurant Le Bacchus. He also was the pastry chef for five years at the renowned French hotel Chateau de Marcay. Guillaume trained with Alain Ducasse, one of the world’s most renowned French chefs who has earned over twenty Michelin stars. Following his arrival in the United States, Chef D’Angio helped open the French-style Provence Bakery in Prunedale with his older brother.
Today the culinary dream team of Briana and Guillaume are making magic in the new Beach House at Lovers Point. Their menu includes some original new recipes, and some unique innovations on old standards. The Beach House sunset supper menu is a myriad of delicious surprises that includes steamed clams with tarragon and butter that is a simple and delightful starter to enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine, and the flame-broiled pork tenderloin with braised red cabbage and apple, served with smashed Yukon gold potatoes and French hard cider sauce is most amazing, and a plate that would certainly in my opinion get a nod from Chef Joachim Splichal of Patina fame or Chef Daniel Boulud of Daniel New York. The talented Sammut and D’Angio culinary team participated in the recent Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide annual gala culinary event, designed to raise consumer awareness regarding the importance of buying sustainable seafood.
The grilled Sicilian sausage with buttered white beans, roasted grape tomatoes and fresh basil topped with breadcrumbs, or the imported black truffle gnocchi with black pepper cream are also signature chef creations, and so delicious. Naturally, the desserts served never disappoint with two skilled pastry experts in the kitchen. Each dessert clearly demonstrates their skill and imagination. I watched Chef Sammut putting the finishing touches on our memorable sweet ending. Following dinner there is a lovely pathway around the point where visitors may enjoy a relaxing stroll.
This is such a special dining escape for lovers, or whole families, and is a location every American or and visiting tourists deserves to experience. It’s America the beautiful at its best!
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Bonnie Carroll
620 Ocean View Boulevard
(831) 375-2345