Tommy Bahama's ~ Newport Beach

One notable adventure that I will lead off with was my friend Nathan's screening of his short film in Hollywood (which I helped him produce).  It was at a swanky little screening room called Cinescope on Hollywood Blvd.  I don't have any pictures from that event yet, but if I do get any I will be sure to post them.  The after party at Barney's Beanery was fun too.  (see my post on The Beanery, although this time it was the West Hollywood establishment).

"I admire Sir Tommy Bahama.  He is a talented man..." - Aldus Snow, Forgetting Sarah Marshall

It is true.  He is a talented man.  I feel like restaurant/clothing store is a difficult combination to pull off and you just don't see it much anymore.  But Sir Tommy has done it and done it well.

This past weekend Jaime and Maureen came down to visit me (ok, so they came down for a baby shower...).  One of our stops was dinner at Tommy Bahama's in Newport Beach.  Dinner with Jaime and Maureen is always fabulous because they know good food.

But one menu item in particular caught my fancy.  A grilled cheese sandwich.  I know what you are thinking.  Grilled cheese sandwich? For dinner? What the hell is so special about that?  Well my friends, I will tell you.  See, those who know me well know that I make a mean grilled cheese.  So I recognize a great grilled cheese when I see one.  But even I will admit that ordering a grilled cheese at a nice restaurant seems absurd.  Unless that grilled cheese happens to be stuffed with copious amounts of succulent lobster.  That's right, the Lobster Grilled Cheese.  It was a triumph.

I have to admit I was skeptical, even when ordering it.  I have to thank Jaime for giving me a push in the right direction.  I was considering getting the burger instead, but like she said "you can get a burger anywhere".  Who has ever heard of a lobster grilled cheese? Not me.  I will add that the tomato bisque was the perfect complement.

Jaime had ribs and Maureen had a steak salad and those were also delicious.  There was even a guitar player who was actually talented (we even bought a CD!).  Another great meal with the DeGroots!

Tommy Bahama's Restaurant, Newport