Gentrification is gutting Redondo Riviera, and the fancy-schmancy has a firm foothold. I don’t even keep track of the fine dining lah-di-da anymore, but a happy hour got me to Gabi James.
They have some outdoor seating in the street, garnished by green grass and heat lamps to make it pleasant, and the experience only improves when you see their selection of spirits. A rare specialist in gin, you get to choose from a curated collection ranging from sweet to dry. I got something bold, and I would have given them a 5 on that drink alone.
The menu is a please-all kind of deal, appetizers that look appetizing, entrees that sound enticing, accommodating all diets and desires.
I will say that the Roasted Mushrooms were not the best start. They could have used a sprinkle of seasoning…any seasoning, though that make the quality any less clear. The mushrooms themselves were juicy, and the egg yolk was nicely done.
Same for the Tortilla Espanola, full of soft, thin layers of perfectly scalloped potato.
A slow start with the starters, but the Jamon Wrapped Dates were right on. A really pretty plate, with gooey dates full of bold bleu in Spanish bacon.
All Day Oxtail Ragu has been braised to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and I loved the contrast of a crispy trenne with all its hard edges.
I got a bite of Paella from a sharing-is-caring friend, and I must say they made a delicious plate. A beautiful yellow sunset sprinkled with squid and shrimp…and I forgot to take a photo.
I’ve had worse in the Rivera, and though I’ve yet to fall in love with anything new, I’ll admit, Gabi James got game. More importantly, Gabi James got gin, and I’d come back for more of what they got.
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