Restaurant of the Month: Nelson's at Terranea Resort

South Bay Events presents its pick of the month for June 2011!

The month of June brings with it a biological urge to explore your boundaries as the push of summer reveals the kid in all of us. Eating is an adventure and there’s no better time to entertain the notion of an adult scavenger hunt by taking a day trip toward the boundaries of the South Bay. Like a Spanish Manor guarding secret treasure, Terranea Resort sits atop an ocean vista that’s absolutely astonishing, encompassing a swath of real estate that has some of Southern California’s last remaining sea-side panoramas yet to be obstructed by crowds, commercialism, or cars. Within this up-scale Rivera awaits a gem of a restaurant & bar called Nelson’s. Don’t be put off by the country club atmosphere of deep pockets, Nelson’s is casual, more than relaxing and caters to a local clientele.

Head toward Palos Verdes by taking P.V. Drive West through Malaga Cove, then around Bluff Cove and past Lunada Bay, after Hawthorne Boulevard, the houses disappear and an authentic Mediterranean environment comes to life. The drive to Nelson’s at Terranea is scenic, banked by an untouched California coastline that harbors attractions like Point Vicente Lighthouse and seasonal whale watching, the road finally twists its way to 100 Terranea Way. There is plenty of parking for visitors and valet is an option too. Be sure to explore the grounds at Terranea before you amble on down to Nelson’s, there’s plenty to see.

The façade of Nelson’s matches the décor of the resort in general but its location happens to be right along the water’s edge, creating a view that’s worth the drive alone. No waiting here, if there is, just saddle up to the Pointe Bar (countertop made from recycled wine bottles) and soak it in. There’s a patio outside with fire pits as well as picnic style tables that give off a manicured rustic feeling, as if the Ahwahnee Dining Room at Yosemite married the Palos Verdes coast. The menu is simple and reasonably priced; the Loaded Waffle Fries come with real melted cheese, just like an order of Cheese Fries should. Try the Bavarian Pretzel with sweet beer mustard or the Green Chile Braise Pork Tacos to round out this summer-time adventure.

Nelson's is located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275 (310) 265-2800.