Gemmell’s Restaurant

Bon Appétit!

by Dina Scaglione

Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure as you explore vibrant, flavorful dishes, unlike anything you have tasted before at Gemmell’s French Restaurant. Celebrating 17 years in Dana Point, Gemmell’s is that unique kind of dining destination, complete with a snug French ambiance, set to a backdrop of seductive Parisian music. Award-winning Owner and Chef Byron Gemmell brings his 49 years of culinary experience to the harbor, preparing every delicious dish from scratch.

I suggest starting your dining experience with the Feuillette, a fluffy puff pastry, wrapped around asparagus spears and layered with a creamy tarragon wine sauce. Add shrimp or scallops and this becomes a satisfying meal unto itself. The Hearts of Romaine salad is a wonderful twist on the famous wedge salad, topped with roasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, diced tomatoes and topped with a delicious Bordeaux vinaigrette dressing.

Gemmell’s Chicken Elizabeth is anything but your typical poultry entrée. Fresh chicken breast is sautéed with artichoke hearts, garlic and shrimp, smothered in a citrusy chardonnay sauce, and paired nicely with rice and steamed veggies…unbelievably moist and flavorful. The tender Pork Tenderloin is topped with a delectable Madeira wine demi-glace and accompanied by roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Chef Byron’s Roasted Duck is a complete departure from what you may have experienced with duck, without the typical gaminess or fat. Sliced lean and topped with a unique caramelized banana rum sauce, you’ll be tempted to lick the plate.

No meal is complete without dessert, but you’ll be especially tempted to indulge at Gemmell’s. Like all of the restaurant’s dishes, the desserts are also made from scratch, and the proof is in the pudding! Do yourself the favor of ordering The Harlequin Soufflé when you start your meal; it takes 25 minutes to prepare, but is so worth the wait. Half chocolate, half vanilla, this soufflé is gooey and rich and imploding with a crème Anglaise sauce. Another decadent option is Gemmell’s Crème Brûlée – a deliciously smooth, custard, crowned with caramelized sugar and assorted berries.

Experience the best of French-Continental cooking without leaving Dana Point and plan to be swept away with every savory bite of Chef Byron’s beautifully prepared meals. Gemmell’s has been rated as one of Orange County’s Best Continental restaurants by ZAGAT — after one taste of their skillfully prepared meals, you will quickly agree.

Gemmell’s Restaurant
34471 Golden Lantern • Dana Point
(949) 234-0063 • GemmellsRestaurant.com