Bistango (Irvine, CA)

We went to Bistango just to have a night out with the family.  My dad had been suggesting this place as our next night out because the last time we had been here all together was probably 8 years ago!  We all were impressed by the delicious dishes we ordered, so let’s get to the recap!

Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

The restaurant is actually located inside a building, but the center is in a courtyard, although it looks like an al fresco cafe!  There are art pieces everywhere like the sculptures in the picture below, and paintings on all of the walls.  In fact, there is a small art gallery located at the restaurant.  Also, we typically do not enjoy live music while we eat out, because it is usually loud and intrusive.  However, the jazz band was perfect and my sister even took notes for her cocktail hour because we loved it so much!  🙂

Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

The menu is so varied that I thought there was no way that everything would be delicious.  So, so wrong!

Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater
Starters
Waldorf Salad
Fuji Apples, Endive, Celery, Walnuts, Gorgonzola, Pomegranate Balsamic
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

A twist on the classic and simply delicious!

Caesar Salad
Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Croutons

Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

This was just plain classic and perfectly dressed!

Wedge Salad
Baby Iceberg Lettuce, Tomatoes, Bacon, Pickled Red Onions, Black River Gorgonzola Dressing
Mexican White Prawns Cocktail
Spicy Cocktail Sauce, Garlic Crostino
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

Both beautiful and delicious classic starters.

Main Courses
Baked Chilean Sea Bass
Exotic Mushroom-Asparagus Risotto, Truffle Essence, Concord Grape Demi-Glace Reduction
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

Maybe not the best picture, but it was stunning in person!

Marinated Pan Seared N.Z. Lamb Chops 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Port Wine Reduction
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

This dish was beautifully presented and taken along with some side lighting from my mom and sister.  🙂

Seared Rare Sesame Seed Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna
Asian Style Vegetables, Shiitake Mushrooms, Wasabi, Spicy Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

This almost resembles a work of art, doesn’t it?  The pinks and greens look look they were painted instead of just cooked to perfection.

Peppered Prime Flat Iron Steak
Wilted Spinach, Onion Marmalade, Potato au Gratin, Red Wine Reduction
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

An amazing flat iron steak accompanied by an even more potato au gratin.  Potatoes were just made to be eaten like this!

Sea, Land and Sky Paella
Chorizo de Bilbao, Sweet White Corn, English Peas, Roasted Peppers, Onions, Chili Vinaigrette
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

I ordered this delicious, colorful dish.  The shrimp was some of the best cooked shrimp I have ever eaten with an amazing, flavorful sear.

Pan Seared Cauliflower with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

A nice little side dish for the meat eaters at the table.  🙂

Dessert
Grand Marnier Soufflé
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

Any time we know there is a soufflé on the menu, we order it.  Usually, they are okay or sometimes disappointing.  This was easily the best soufflé we have eaten in a very long time.  Just the right amount of airiness, sweetness, and cooked through wonderfully.

Pastel Tres Leches “Three Milk Cake”
Whipped Cream, Strawberry Relish
Bistango (Irvine, CA) on The Episodic Eater

There was an option to get the cake caramelized, so we did.  Oh my goodness…  It was like having a cross between tres leches cake and a creme brûlée.  Magnifique!

Next time we head out for dinner as a family, I’m sure we will not be forgetting this meal any time soon.  Delicious!

Have you rediscovered any long-lost favorites lately?

Bistango
19100 Von Karman Ave
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 752-5222
http://www.bistango.com


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