After an especially challenging month of events, it was such a welcomed and much needed respite to be at this breathtakingly beautiful resort with its calming seascape on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Even though this was not the first visit to the Catalina Kitchen at Terranea, it was the first time having brunch here. One does not need a reason to go up to this stunning oceanfront resort with its captivating panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The garden is large and immaculate, with walking trails and outdoor fireplaces – these fireplaces are especially dramatic and cozy on a cool California evening. This idyllic setting provides an wonderful escape from the mundane worries to the unavoidable intermittent difficulties of everyday life.

We were seated next to the window area overlooking the patio, with the sun shining softly through. The mood was relaxing. One look at the brunch selections, and I was ecstatic – there were so many assortment of cheeses to choose from. I love to taste and to try new cheeses, especially those from different countries. One can choose from various varieties of soft-ripened, semi-hard, and hard cheeses.

To go with the delectable cheeses, the next table over was filled with enticing and mouthwatering breads, croissants, pastries, danishes, rolls, muffins, bagels, donuts, the freshest raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, melons, as well as various cured meats, dried fruits, and pickled vegetables. Just the cheeses and pastries were reasons enough for me to come here.

The salad section, though small, were more than compensated by the excellence in freshness and selections, especially that of the asparagus and the crimson-red beets of which I had at least three or more servings.

All the different food stations here were relatively compact when compared to the other buffets in town. However, the food quality and taste were absolutely top of its class. The manager was constantly checking on the food, and telling the staff to keep replenishing, and to keep the food fresh and at right temperature. I was really impressed with the vigilance and care.

The smoked salmon, always one of my top choice, was great with the onions and capers on the halved croissant.. There were also fresh oysters, mussels, calamari salads, poke, shrimps, crab legs. The hot food station offered tender prime rib cut to order, selections of cheesy thin crusted pizzas, and the most buttery, creamiest mashed potatoes, with all the trimmings.

The next table over had breakfast selections such as fresh waffles, pancakes, very  moist and thick french toast, huge strips of bacon, pump and juicy sausages, steamed vegetables, some shrimp and pork dumplings, and soup of the day.

Sushi selections included tuna and salmon nigiri, and various maki-zushi such as tuna rolls, tempura shrimp rolls, California rolls,…There was a short line at the cook-to-order omelet and egg tables with its many add in options – that was probably the only section that I did not try.

The Dessert and Ice Cream Bar display was seductive and irresistible, and drew me in like a magnet. The numerous petite size cakes looked tantalizing and so inviting. The server, a very nice young lady, was more than eager to describe all the varieties to me. I told her I would tried one of everything. It was also fun to choose and add all the different toppings such as little marshmallows, chocolate covered pretzels, fresh fruits, different confectioneries, and whipped cream to my ice cream.

Did I mention that I had three delicious cappuccinos throughout the meal (included in the price, of course)and one of the freshest tasting orange juice to begin the meal with.

On the day of one’s birthday, the Catalina Kitchen offers a complimentary Surf N Turf dinner. I had the chance to try, and both the lobster and the filet mignon were exquisitely prepared and flawless in taste.

Catalina Kitchen at Terranea Resort: 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275  Phone: 310-265-2836