Renaissance Dana Point

Renaissance Dana Point
By Bonnie Small

No matter what you’re looking for – brunch on the patio, a lively place to meet friends for a drink, or dinner and live music – you’ll find it at The Renaissance Dana Point. Housed in the oldest commercial building in Dana Point, The Renaissance is a definite must-go for locals and visitors looking to satisfy their appetite as well as their hunger for live entertainment featuring home town artists.

Though my companions vary, we always seem drawn to Chef Bill Milton’s delicious steamed artichokes, steeped in fresh herbs and served with drawn butter and mayonnaise and crudités, this item has yet to disappoint. Sometimes I choose the artichoke as my main dish, but most often it serves as a perfect segue to my other favorites.

Hands down, the baked brie en croustade is one of the Renaissance’s most popular menu items. Molten brie is served in a hollowed out round of fresh sourdough bread along with fresh veggies and sliced fruit for dipping. On a recent visit, my friends and I also enjoyed Beef Carpaccio with shaved parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice – sliced paper thin and seasoned beautifully, this dish was quickly devoured.

Though listed as an appetizer, a fantastic meal can be made from the littleneck clams prepared in a yummy white wine sauce. Bivalve aficionados will be pleased with the flavors of this rich garlicky broth and perfectly steamed clams. Steak lovers have the choice of filet, New York or rib-eye prepared either marinated in The Renaissance’s traditional olive oil, garlic and rosemary combination; pan-seared and topped with blue cheese; or seasoned with cracked black pepper and finished with a sweet pepper sauce.

It’s hard to tell whether the entertainment is a complement to a great meal, or if the meal is a nice complement to the music, but either way you’ll find that The Renaissance offers a superior lineup of local musicians and groups every night of the week. The Renaissance leads the way as Dana Point continues its transformation into a South County dining and entertainment destination.

The Renaissance Dana Point
24701 Del Prado, Dana Point 949.661.6003
www.renaissance-danapoint.com