Planning an extra special evening out in celebration of a milestone? Ready to wind down after a long day, relax on a sprawling patio with stunning ocean views as the sun sets over the horizon? Located in The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, Henry’s Coastal Cuisine showcases an exceptional dining experience enhanced by an incredible sight line of the Southern California coast.
Executive Chef Lewis Butler takes special care in crafting a menu in which each elegant and creative culinary delight showcases regional flavors from local shores to ensure a seasonal and locally farm-to-table experience for each guest.
Sip from an extensive wine list full of curated French and Californian varietals, along with specialty craft cocktails. Our genial server Jay was polished and highly knowledgeable – sharing tidbits about the restaurant’s history and Chef’s inspirations as well as suggesting the perfect wine pairing to accompany our selected starters.
I am the unabashed seafood aficionado in our family, so a menu with so many fresh fish and shellfish options speaks to my culinary leanings. Inventive appetizers range from a Jumbo Lump Crab Salad (carrot fudge, brioche toast, electric blue spirulina aioli) and Lobster and Mushroom Cannelloni (Maine lobster, ricotta oyster mushrooms, sauteed spinach, truffle drizzle) to the grilled Spanish octopus puree (Yukon gold, crispy capers, asparagus and forest mushroom fricassee).
I have enjoyed many a Hamachi Crudo over the years, but Henry’s exquisitely plated version is among the most flavorful I’ve sampled. Slices of marinated yellowtail arrive with surprising accents of uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), gooseberries, Fresno chili tempered with a soothing cucumber green juice.
Sous Chef Michael Wilson’s preparation of entrees are equally beautiful to behold. My “worth writing home about” Braised Short Rib was fork tender and delicious atop a carrot and carraway seed puree and sauteed spinach.
Because emphasis here is placed on seasonal, local, farm-to-table ingredients, the menu changes several times throughout the year. Herbs, spices and “picked at its peak” produce informs the elevated culinary offerings. In fact, at the time of this writing a new lineup of Chef Butler’s imaginative gastronomic delicacies are set to make their Fall debut. For my part, I can’t think of a better cause for celebration.
