Seafood and beach views are the perfect match regardless of season.
But if we are being completely honest, they might just be best enjoyed during summer—when one of two annual DineLA events showcases Los Angeles’ diverse culinary experiences at special fixed prices.
This local favorite event highlights more than 300 restaurants from July 14 to 28, ranging from the heart of downtown to the shores of the Pacific. So many eateries, in fact, that it can be difficult to choose your next lunch or dinner destination – hence why we approached Casa del Mar’s Director of Outlets, Jiaqi Tang, for some insight on what to order right here in Santa Monica.
At Casa, DineLA mainstays Terrazza and Catch will return for the event with prix-fixe menus showcasing both innovative new items and coastal favorites.
Incorporating requests from guests, Chef Gemma Gray decided to open the Terrazza lunch menu with a choice of smoked piquillo pepper tomato gazpacho or burrata bruschetta, followed by lobster ravioli with brandy cream, fennel, and parmesan or Casa’s signature marinated skirt steak sandwich with chimichurri, crispy onions, and avocado.
The delectable midday offerings come at a great value ($25) with a side of sweeping ocean views.
Nearby at Catch, the dinner menu ($49) reflects some of the most popular items from the restaurant’s newly debuted summer menu. Choosing between appetizers like English pea soup, yellow fin tuna poke, and grilled asparagus, Jiaqi likes the soup because fresh sweet peas are in season and the serrano ham chip garnish is truly unforgettable.
Then for the main course, she opts for the swordfish with tomatoes, black and pickled olives, capers, and Cipollini onions. (Other choices include fettuccini with wild mushrooms and Mary’s roasted chicken with black truffle mashed potatoes.)
But the best should always be saved for last. “Floating Island has to be my favorite dessert [on the summer menu],” says Jiaqi. “It’s a passionfruit custard with lemon meringue – a great way to finish a meal on a hot summer day.”
With no further ado, on to the reservations for Catch and Terrazza …
