CULINARY EXPLORATION | Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille – My Senses went on Vacation and I didn’t have to go through TSA to get there by Melissa Sherman Pearl
Did you know that there’s a restaurant inside the Tommy Bahama store in Newport? And not just some namby pamby little eatery, but a true, bona fide Island Grille complete with a native Hawaiian Executive Chef Jacquelyn Nabong who spent many years with Roy’s both back home and on the mainland?
The amazing fusion of flavors, signature Mai Tais and Mojitos crafted by a bartender who knows how to pour drinks, and live music (six nights a week) are further enhanced by a setting rich in sultry, dark woods and classic, tropical components. Plump, tender, crunchy Coconut Shrimp paired with a tangy papaya mango chutney and a beautiful Halibut Ceviche featuring the distinct citrus flavor of seasonal Asian yuzu accompanied by ample crispy triangular wontons kicked off the evening’s food frenzy. Fresh, inviting, sweet, and savory. And oh so tasty.
Somehow, someway, the main courses managed to further create their own fervor. That yummy yuzu reared its head again in a colorful lilikoi butter sauce that played host to a generous portion of fish. A sundried tomato, basil and caramelized onion risotto was the yin to this Pacific Palisades Sole’s yang. The special Flat Top Seared Wild Salmon was perched upon layers of Portabella mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and Swiss accented with a red bell pepper cream sauce. As delish as these two dishes are, Tommy’s Ribs, with their tender meat falling off the bone and a Blackberry Brandy BBQ sauce that’s actually making me salivate as I type, solidify the Island Grille a gotta have on the list of go-tos.
Even though we had already reached our food limit, saying no to the gorgeous desserts would have been criminal – almost as deadly as the Mulholland Malted itself. Chocolate malted pie in a chocolate cake with fresh malted whipped cream? Really? Wow. There simply aren’t words. And yes, it’s big enough to share.
Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille’s happy hour, or ‘Island Time’ as they call it, rocks some great specials in the form of $5 small plates and libations ranging from $4-7. Boasting heaters for the occasional chilly evening, the outdoor patio is a summer scene waiting to happen.
Can’t wait to get away and go back.
Hailing from the entertainment biz, Melissa moved to Orange County 10 years ago and 
started her life as a freelancer. A regular contributor to California Homes Magazine, her work has been featured in Frommer’s California for Dummies, Luxe, a slew of other glossies, and she edited the book The First 8 Days of Being a Mom. She also enjoys crafting marketing materials for her rather diverse roster of clients.
HAUTEOC TRAVELER profile: “Explorer. I’d rather spend time someplace and get to know it inside and out that just pop in, look around and pop out.”
Island Time is Tommy Bahama’s take on Happy Hour. Offered everyday from 4-6pm in the bar, Island Time offers great deals on your favorite wines, martinis, and tropical cocktails as well as $5 small plate appetizers.
