Ambrosia

Restaurant Review
by Steve Zall and Sid Fish

Ambrosia was a wonderful experience. The maitre d', Phillipe, met us at the door, cheerfully greeting us and promptly escorting us to our table as he eloquently described their featured items. The dining room was gorgeous with a pleasant atmosphere and an irresistible ambiance. The booth was roomy and pleasingly private with very comfortable seats and a meticulous table setting. Our waiter was efficient, attentive, understanding and knowledgeable.

We chose Pellegrino for our water and an excellent domestic White Zinfandel to accompany the meal. The appetizer was a delicious Beef Carpaccio with black truffles, pecorino and fava beans. Moving on, we enjoyed their sumptuous onion soup with Gruyere followed by a refreshing organic greens salad with avocado and grape tomatoes. Our entrees were delectable scallops in a remarkable fennel endive sauce served with couscous and black fig vanilla bean gastrique, and a sumptuous grilled salmon in a fantastic lemon verbena sauce with white beans, escarole, and artichokes. Their incredible Bananas Foster completed our meal. We then relaxed with fresh roasted coffee and fragrant tea while enjoying the live jazz music. Service was nothing short of perfect. Dishes were promptly removed and glasses were topped off frequently.

After dinner Phillipe showed us the rest of their impressive facility including five spectacular private rooms, each with a different unique design. The oceanic themed Dome of the Sea and the Spanish themed El Presidente each seat up to 8, the country styled Lodge seats 14, their Wine Cellar can seat 18 people between two massive wall racks holding an impressive selection of wines and champagnes, and for the ultimate in privacy and anonymity the Boardroom with its own private entrance behind a secret panel in the wall seats up to 12. Prices are not outrageous for this quality of food and level of service with a three-course meal running $62-$90 plus drinks. Appetizers are $17-$26, soups & salads are $10-$15, and entrees are $35-$49. This is now one of my favorite places now and gets my highest recommendation.

Ambrosia is located in the Orange County Performing Arts Center at 801 N Main St in Santa Ana. Open for lunch Tuesday to Friday 11:30-2:30 and dinner Tuesday to Saturday (+Show Nights) 5:00-10:00. For information or reservations call 714-550-0811 or visit www.ocpavilion.com online.