Walking into this restaurant one immediately gets the feeling of opulence and grandeur. Why this could be a movie set for Continental dining at its finest. And you would be right for The Madison Restaurant in Long Beach was just recently used as set for a newly released movie and plans are pending for a second film there 'on location'.
The Madison was built in the sanguine years after World War 1 as the headquarters of the California Security and Trust Bank. Here one finds high ceilings ornately finished, paneled walls and glittering chandlers. A perfect place for a restaurant thought Patrick Berretta and so it became the Madison in 1999. So as proprietor and general manager Patrick set out to give Long Beach a classic dining experience.
To go this splendid decor and ambiance there is a menu of classic and contemporary modern cuisine.
As Executive Chef for the past nine years Reynaldo Tovar delights in creating unusual appetizer creations and offering exceptional presentations with entrees. Appetizers here include fried calamari, crab cakes and New York Steak Quesadilla. Entrees like Beef Wellington and Chateaubriand are relatively rare in many restaurants today but they are always available at the Madison. Besides a full list of steaks the fish menu includes Dover sole, Maine lobster and grilled Alaskan King Crab Legs.
One recent evening we were at the Madison with the Academy of Culinary Professionals, a premiere dining group headed by Maestro Jim Woodin. We had the choice of opening with scallops on potato crisps with pea puree, seared salmon bites with Blue cheese dipping sauce or Lamb Korma on mini poppadoms. Here our wine was Duc de Raybaud Brut French sparkling wine. Next to arrive was the Bleu Cheese salad with field greens and Belgium endive and a apple cider vinaigrette. The wine was 2009 Canyon Road Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Coast. Entrees were seared Black Alaskan cod on a bed of orzo salad or Veal Osso Bucco. This was an easy choice for us since we consider Veal Osso Bucco one of our favorites. The veal knuckles came with red bliss potatoes and sauteed Brussel sprouts.We thought the Domaine Nomte de Luz 2008 Cabernet Franc from South America the best vintage of the evening. Dessert was Panna Cotta topped with fresh mixed berries and the wine served was Canyon Road 2009 Chardonnay.
Everything at this restaurant is on a grand scale. Behind the bar shelves tower with a vast array of spirits. The wine list is extensive with over 700 labels representing vintages from around the world. Here also a superbly trained staff of 40 professionals dedicated to providing customers with a memorable dining experience. And on every evening there are from five to eight special entrees on the menu.
The Madison is located at 102 Pine Avenue in Long Beach with dinner service from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. At this restaurant there is curbside valet parking. Telephone 562 628-8866, web themadisonrestaurant.com.
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