Jennifer’s birthday dinner celebration at Iva Lee’s in San Clemente. I was really looking forward to this as they are supposedly Southern to the core!! Their menu certainly seems to confirm that.
First course – a basket of cornbread and baguettes with our Springtini (vodka, Aperol and lemon) and French Martini (vodka, Chambord pineapple juice and rose water). Second course – Fried Green Tomatoes topped with goat cheese on a tomatillo puree, and Buttermilk Hushpuppies with grilled Peach and Vidallia Onion Marmalade.
Neither of us could resist the Fried Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, haricot verts & Gravy. The potatoes could have been a little thicker and creamier, but overall, it was very good (not Willie Mae’s good, but very good). To top it off, the waiter treated us to a birthday N’awlins Bread Pudding complete with a candle and birthday song! Our waiter J.C., by the way, was very cute, very attentive, and very efficient.
The Other Thing – You do get a Southern feel here. There is even live music Wednesday through Saturday. I can imagine after a few Hurricanes and some Zydeco, the place would be really jumpin’!!
or immediate drinking. This place, across from the pier, is small but mighty. Most of the seating is outside with a great view of the ocean. Their coffee menu changes often. They make their own sauces and flavorings daily in house, even the almond milk. Nutmeg-accented vanilla, dark chocolate ganache, my lavender-infused caramel, who wouldn’t be drawn to such a list. There is always a crowd but the waiting is not long. There are several smiling servers on hand to expedite your order. They are friendly and accommodating.
This, That, and The Other Thing 