A New Old Dining Experience at McCormick & Schmick's

When I worked in Pasadena many moons ago, one of my favorite activities was enjoying Happy Hour at McCormick & Schmick's. The food was always excellent and the drinks were made with perfect attention to detail. (M&S has one of the best, if not THE BEST, Martini.)
The problem is...I don't work in Pasadena and rarely do we head that far east.  Fortunately for me/us, I recently met the amazing management team from the El Segundo/Manhattan Beach location, that was lovely enough to invite to dine at this location for one of our date nights.

The large menu at McCormick & Schmick's El Segundo/Manhattan Beach

The menu at El Segundo/Manhattan Beach's McCormick & Schmick's is focused on their fresh approach to dining, while the executive chef showcases a vast selection of only the freshest quality seafood varieties, some of which were from local waters near their restaurant; as well as unique species from international waters. 
The McCormick & Schmick's El Segundo/Manhattan Beach Executive Chef also creates seasonally inspired dishes and regionally inspired menu items that are unique to this location. So while I was still able to order the Maine lobster bisque at the El Segundo location, there was an item or two that were on this locations menu that isn't on the Pasadena-location menu.
In terms of the location itself, the El Segundo/Manhattan Beach location is a lot closer to my Westside home, and close to both the 105 and 405.  This location is also directly across the street from a movie theater, making it the perfect restaurant for a date night or special night out.

Shrimp Kisses appetizer, bacon-wrapped pepper-jack filled shrimp

This location is quite large and had both a beautiful outdoor courtyard area, several private rooms and a stunning bar - making it the perfect location for special occasions or other celebrations. But since it's close to the LAX and other hotels, it's also ideal for meetings and small work gatherings.

Lobster Bisque

Clam Chowder

My hubby and I both enjoyed an a shrimp appetizer that was called "Shrimp kisses" to start, followed by Maine lobster bisque for me, and New England clam chowder for my hubby.

Although my hubby is a HUGE pasta fan, I was surprised to see him order a simple grilled fish dish, while I picked a more flavorful parmesan crusted sole with orzo.  Both were great, cooked perfectly, and exactly the right size to fill us without taking us over the edge.

Grilled Mahi Mahi served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes

The service was top-notch. Although the dining room buzzed with plenty of folks, private parties, and the usual busyness of a Saturday night, our waiter didn't skip a beat.
Everything, we experienced, from the location, to our private dining area for two, the drinks, to the food, and ultimately the service, was extremely well done.

Parmesan crusted sole with butternut squash orzo and seasonal vegetables

As if our evening couldn't be any better, we ended our meal with a seasonal strawberry dessert that highlighted the yummy strawberries that were in season.

Strawberry seasonal dessert

With dozens of menu items available at all McCormick and Schmick's locations – including fresh seafood, aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads, pastas and more -- we found that this was the perfect restaurant to bring everyone in the family, including our picky eaters, for a special night out, happy hour, or even to plan a special celebration.

McCormick & Schmick's El Segundo/Manhattan Beach

2101 Rosecrans Ave. #1280El Segundo, CA 90245(310) 416-1123
Reservations: Recommended
Hours: 
M-WED: 11:00AM-10:00PM
TH-FRI:   11:00AM-11:00PM
SAT:   3:00PM-11:00PM
SUN:  11:00AM-10:00PM

Price:
Happy Hour - Appetizers start at $2.99Lunch - $15.99+Dinner - $22.99+Catering / Special Occasion - vary

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Do let me know if you stop by or plan an event at McCormick & Schmick's El Segundo/Manhattan Beach - I would love to hear about your experience!