Costa Mesa Dining: Charlie Palmer

Generous, robust, and bold.

The restaurant is tastefully decorated and the service was superb. First impression: the restaurant is beautiful, very modern, lots of nice small touches and details. You don't feel like you're sitting in the converted corner of a Bloomingdale's. Second impression: this restaurant has a humongous staff. I couldn't really identify who our waiter was because we were served by a "team" of 4-5 men (awesome!).

I started out with the blue cheese stuffed dates (hold the bacon) and roasted bone marrow in a raisin marmalade. Both were fantastic. Dinner was a thyme roasted wild striped bass that I paired with creamy truffled polenta that was equal parts awesome and awesome.  The cocktails were perfectly served, and the wine list was impressive but also had a good selection of wines by the glass. PDA-style wine concept is very cool, and sommelier was very helpful.

Now for my favorite part: dessert. And, the only thing better than crème brulee is a trio of crème brulee. Espresso (yum!), vanilla (yuuuum!), and pumpkin (festive and heavenly).

We're going to go back to get the sliders because seriously, I would say at least 2/5 of the people there ordered some version of the sliders. You get three very cute sliders in one order and the fries are served in a little silver trough separately with dipping sauces. So adorable!

Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza

3333 South Bristol Street

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 352-2525