Bistango (Irvine, CA) - The Episodic Eater

We went to Bistango just to have a night out with the family. My dad had been suggesting this place as our next night out because the last time we had been here all together was probably 8 years ago! We all were impressed by the delicious dishes we ordered, so let’s get to the recap!

Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

The restaurant is actually located inside a building, but the center is in a courtyard, although it looks like an al fresco cafe! There are art pieces everywhere like the sculptures in the picture below, and paintings on all of the walls. In fact, there is a small art gallery located at the restaurant. Also, we typically do not enjoy live music while we eat out, because it is usually loud and intrusive. However, the jazz band was perfect and my sister even took notes for her cocktail hour because we loved it so much! 🙂

The menu is so varied that I thought there was no way that everything would be delicious. So, so wrong!

Starters

Waldorf Salad

Fuji Apples, Endive, Celery, Walnuts, Gorgonzola, Pomegranate Balsamic

A twist on the classic and simply delicious!

Caesar Salad

Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Croutons

This was just plain classic and perfectly dressed!

Wedge Salad

Baby Iceberg Lettuce, Tomatoes, Bacon, Pickled Red Onions, Black River Gorgonzola Dressing

Mexican White Prawns Cocktail

Spicy Cocktail Sauce, Garlic Crostino

Both beautiful and delicious classic starters.

Main Courses

Baked Chilean Sea Bass

Exotic Mushroom-Asparagus Risotto, Truffle Essence, Concord Grape Demi-Glace Reduction

Maybe not the best picture, but it was stunning in person!

Marinated Pan Seared N.Z. Lamb Chops

Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Port Wine Reduction

This dish was beautifully presented and taken along with some side lighting from my mom and sister. 🙂

Seared Rare Sesame Seed Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna

Asian Style Vegetables, Shiitake Mushrooms, Wasabi, Spicy Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette

This almost resembles a work of art, doesn’t it? The pinks and greens look look they were painted instead of just cooked to perfection.

Peppered Prime Flat Iron Steak

Wilted Spinach, Onion Marmalade, Potato au Gratin, Red Wine Reduction

An amazing flat iron steak accompanied by an even more potato au gratin. Potatoes were just made to be eaten like this!

Sea, Land and Sky Paella

Chorizo de Bilbao, Sweet White Corn, English Peas, Roasted Peppers, Onions, Chili Vinaigrette

I ordered this delicious, colorful dish. The shrimp was some of the best cooked shrimp I have ever eaten with an amazing, flavorful sear.

Pan Seared Cauliflower with Garlic Breadcrumbs

A nice little side dish for the meat eaters at the table. 🙂

Dessert

Grand Marnier Soufflé

Any time we know there is a soufflé on the menu, we order it. Usually, they are okay or sometimes disappointing. This was easily the best soufflé we have eaten in a very long time. Just the right amount of airiness, sweetness, and cooked through wonderfully.

Pastel Tres Leches “Three Milk Cake”

Whipped Cream, Strawberry Relish

There was an option to get the cake caramelized, so we did. Oh my goodness… It was like having a cross between tres leches cake and a creme brûlée. Magnifique!

Next time we head out for dinner as a family, I’m sure we will not be forgetting this meal any time soon. Delicious!

Have you rediscovered any long-lost favorites lately?

Bistango
19100 Von Karman Ave
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 752-5222
http://www.bistango.com

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