There are so many reasons why Leatherby’s Café Rouge at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California is the best choice for pre-theater dining. There is the superbly innovative cuisine, extensive wine list, inviting ambiance, and stellar service and then there is the location, location, location! Conveniently housed inside the soaring, light-filled architectural splendor of the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall building – you are steps away from Segerstrom Hall. An evening at the Theater simply becomes magical when it begins with dinner at Leatherby’s Café Rouge.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Building
Entrance
🌟 Ambiance and Decor:
The interior/exterior design of Leatherby’s Café Rouge seamlessly complements the vibrant artistry of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts architecture. The restaurant boasts a wall of glass windows that face the Segerstrom Hall allowing for a flood of natural light – a delightful feature you won’t experience elsewhere. Glowing moon globe tree lamps add a distinctive atmosphere. The restaurant exudes a modern elegance that sets the mood for your entire evening.
5StarTip🌟:
Reserve your table well in advance. Arrive a little early so you can request a table next to the window. The windows offer spectacular views of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts courtyard.
You are able to view the bustle of activity right outside while enjoying the interior’s tranquil atmosphere.
🌟 Culinary Options:
Leatherby’s Café Rouge is a steakhouse which celebrates the classics by offering a cutting edge modern approach to surf and turf selections.
A very exciting reason that Leatherby’s Café Rouge is an excellent dining choice is their menu boasts seasonal fare. This allows the Chef to create new menu selections and exciting changes are made often. All of us who appreciate farm to table dining will appreciate their dedication to providing their customers the best that the season has to offer.
“We believe in locally sourcing seasonal, farm fresh vegetables and the freshest, most sustainable seafood available. Our steaks hail from the finest purveyors on the planet, chosen for flavor and quality. “
– Patina Group
Honey-dijon vinaigrette, fennel, yellow peach, Fourme D Ambert bleu, walnut
Whipped burrata, basil, spiced pecan, champagne vinaigrette, saba
Rhubarb relish, ciabatta, violet mustard, fine herbs
Steaks range from USDA Prime, dry-aged for at least 28 days,
to the finest grass-fed beef possible.
pic credit: Leatherby’s Café Rouge
Acquerello rice, mascarpone, basil, Grana Padano, heirloom tomato, English pea
Bing cherry, thyme polenta cake, haricot vert, rosemary port sauce
Coconut lime broth, P.E.I mussels, cilantro, yellow corn, baby tomato
Brandied cherries, coconut Chantilly, salted caramel sauce, espresso foam, mint
Fosselman’s vanilla ice cream, sweet oat crumble, white chocolate pearls, raspberry coulis
The food is artfully prepared, as you can see from the images above. The Chef has a true gift by incorporating new inspirations to bring traditional dishes to a whole new level.
Wine:
All that is missing is pairing these fabulous dishes with the right wines. The staff is more than willing to recommend the best wine to compliment your meal. However, as everyone knows, I love to begin my meal with a glass of excellent sparkling wine. The Prosecco they offered was perfect to start my culinary journey.
With the duck breast entrée, we opted for the Duckhorn, Migration, Sonoma Coast 2016 – Pinot Noir. This wine is known for its layers of blackberry, raspberry, moist earth and fresh-cut grass on the nose. It disclosed a savory new level to the duck breast dish. Pinots are ideal with duck and other game birds.
Pinot Noir
With the Pacific Rockfish dish, it was recommended that we try the Domaine De Cala, Rosé, Provence France. Voilà, this was the right choice! The creamy finish accentuates tastes of white peach, orange and lemon, and a hint of strawberry with subtle floral and herbal notes on the nose.
The wine list is extensive and you are sure to find your favorites. I strongly recommend trying something new! Step outside your comfort zone and request some suggestions!
Staff and Service:
It is clear the staff’s focus at Leatherby’s Café Rouge is to make your entire dining experience very memorable. The service is as superb, extremely friendly, very attentive, and comfortable as well. We had the opportunity to meet Morell Marean (Executive Vice President of Patina Group – Leatherby’s Café Rouge restaurants). He made it a point to stop at each table and warmly introduce himself to every customer. I observed that several regular customers welcomed his attentiveness and personal touch. His personality lights up the room!
Executive Vice President of Operations
at Patina Group Restaurants
Sous Chef to Executive Chef Greg Stillman
I want to go on and on about Sous Chef Vana who not only prepared an outstanding dining experience, but her passion for her art is evident. With her delightful personality, she wins all over by her charm! Be sure to send your compliments to the Chef! She deserves the praise!
5StarTip🌟:
The Executive Chef is Greg Stillman who has two decades of culinary expertise. Chef Stillman also has a pastry degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Location and Hours:
Address:
615 Town Center Drive Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Leatherby’s Café Rouge hours vary and are based on show performances at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. To make reservations click here: RESERVATIONS
George’s Café :
Leatherby’s Café Rouge is part of the Patina Restaurant Group. Also owned by the Patina Group is George’s Café. The café is located directly across from Leatherby’s Café Rouge. This is an open-air, casual dining restaurant. During performance hours, George’s Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Full coffee and espresso bar is open daily as well.
5StarTip🌟:
George’s Cafe offers a Happy Hour! For more information about the hours they are open: George’s Cafe Dining Hours and Menu
Final Thoughts:
Leatherby’s Café Rouge personifies the “Dinner and a Show” concept. With the elegant yet relaxing ambiance, friendly staff, and amazing food and wine, this is a culinary experience not to be missed. Conveniently located just steps from your performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts!
Cheers to an Always5Star night out! And it all begins at Leatherby’s Café Rouge!
5StarTip🌟:
I stayed at the luxury boutique hotel Avenue Of The Arts for a weekend of fun in Costa Mesa, California. The Avenue Of The Arts is just across the street and a short walk to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Leatherby’s Café Rouge! A fabulous weekend getaway!
For more information on recommended activities, restaurants, and shopping in Costa Mesa, California:
Disclosure: Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge sponsored my dinner experience – however, the opinions expressed in this article are my own.
A bit about the author: Lyn Rossi Semeta
Lyn Semeta is a Southern California native who started her career as a corporate and real property attorney. She spends her free time in her studio painting in watercolor, creating Mixed Media art or writing about the impression’s life makes on her day today. She exhibits her work in local art shows and has received awards, including Best of Show, for her work.
Lyn and her husband raised two daughters in Huntington Beach and while they enjoy all that the Southern California lifestyle has to offer, the excitement of traveling to new places is a passion. When visiting a new destination, Lyn tries to take in art museums, galleries, and public art installations whenever possible. Reading a novel set in each destination she is preparing to travel to, gives her a head start on immersing herself in the culture and vibe of the city. Lyn can be reached at lrsemeta@gmail.com.
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
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