Why might you want to dine at Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California? It just takes one bite of the fabulous cuisine to understand why this is a restaurant you don’t want to miss! I am excited to share some of the reasons why you must dine here!
🌟 Award-Winning Chef
5StarTip🌟: Chef Ross Pangilinan is an award-winning Chef who has received the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand honor!
Pic Credit: Terrace by Mix Mix
Chef Pangilinan focuses on fresh, local ingredients and presents them in beautifully artistic plating’s which will leave you wanting to come back again and again. Your biggest problem may be choosing which of the many inspired offerings to order. Terrace by Mix Mix restaurant provides an enjoyable atmosphere perfect for a relaxing lunch between the excellent shopping options at the South Coast Plaza Shopping Mall in Coast Mesa, CA.
🌟 Shop, Wine, and Dine:
Hungry after a morning of shopping at the mall, my sister-in-law and I were anxious to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Terrace by Mix Mix. After researching the restaurant, we were both excited about sharing several of the small plate options which the restaurant is noted for. Our mutual goal was to also expand our palates a bit so we decided we’d ask the server for his recommendations for lunch. As you will see below, this was a good decision.
A fantastic upscale shopping mall in Costa Mesa!
After walking and shopping for a bit (and trying to get those 10,000 steps on my Fitbit), we both were looking forward to ordering some food and enjoying a glass of wine. I was pleased to see that they had bottomless mimosas, sparkling wine, and their famous sangria (red or white). My sister-in-law chose the red sangria while I opted for the sparkling Sharffenberger Brut, from Medecino.
There are plenty of wines and rotating craft beers to choose from.
🌟 Interior/Exterior Design:
Terrace by Mix Mix is true to its name as you can dine under an inviting covered patio on the west end of the South Coast Plaza Shopping Center. From the terrace seating, you have lovely views of the Bridge of the Gardens pathway that connects both shopping areas.
In the interior, there is a small wine bar and the restaurant features an open-kitchen concept. There is also a chef’s table counter offering an omakase-style tasting menu experience*.
* omakase-style tasting is a “chef’s choice” course/tasting menu that often consists of the best of their seasonal choices. The word Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it up to you”!
🌟 Culinary Options:
We ordered our first plate, Goat Cheese Toast, from the “Snacks” section of their menu. Lucky for us, peaches were in season, and our dish featured this delicious, perfectly ripened fruit! The presentation was exquisite! I just wanted to sit and admire it. You will want to take pictures to remember how beautiful it is…because once you take a bite…you will not be able to resist devouring the entire dish!
Goat Cheese Toast
Saba, Balsamic Reduction, Pistachios, Seasonal Fruit (Peach), Herbs
Do not let the Albacore Tostada simple ingredients deter you from ordering this creative dish. Though not a complex choice, the Chef’s innovative seasonings bring to this dish a distinctive tastiness – a dish that is easily shared as well!
Albacore Tostada
Sriracha Mayo, Japanese Dressing, Cilantro, Avocado
The Hamachi Crudo dish was not one that I would have normally ordered. However, after our server told us that is was her favorite, we decided we needed to try it. This was another winner! The serrano chili added a surprising and gratifying contrast to the watermelon and cucumber. Perfect for a hot summer day!
Hamachi Crudo
Watermelon, Cucumber, Mint, Basil, Serrano Chili, Sesame Seed
This next dish is where I think that Chef Pangilinan demonstrates why he is an award-winning chef. This is not your average New York Steak! While honoring a classic favorite, this dish truly exhibits the Chef’s sophisticated style which is influenced by French, Italian, and modern Filipino flavors! This tender steak melted in my mouth and savoring the flavors had me exclaiming…yum, after each bite.
New York Steak
Patatas Bravas, Broccolini, Calabrian Chili, Charred Onion Oil, Red Wine Jus
🌟 Location and Hours:
It is easily accessed by walking the Bridge of Gardens that connects the stores and restaurants by a beautifully landscaped path.
Sunday 11am–6pm
Lunch served Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm
Dinner served daily from 4pm to close
Weekend Brunch 11am to 3pm
Sunday Supper 3pm to close 3333 Bear St. Unit 316
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Located inside South Coast Plaza on the 3rd Floor of the Macy’s Home Store Wing
Final Thoughts:
Terrace by Mix Mix is not only the right choice when shopping at South Coast Plaza Mall, but it is excellent for any occasion! The menu options and platings are presented with such artistry that you must not miss this culinary treat! Cheers to a fabulous dine, wine, and shopping experience in the City of Costa Mesa, California!
5StarTip🌟:
It is best to make reservations. To make reservations: Open Table Terrace by Mix Mix
For more information on recommended activities, restaurants, and shopping in Costa Mesa, California:
Disclosure: Travel Costa Mesa sponsored my lunch at Terrace by Mix Mix – however, the opinions expressed in this article are my own.
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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