A Review of Morton's Restaurant
by Melanie Jennings
copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved

What’s not to like about Morton’s?

Their famous tableside presentation, top-of-the-line steaks, and incomparable location next to the Convention Center and the San Diego Bay, all contribute to a spectacular dining experience. A hit with local regulars, corporate travelers, and tourists, everyone appreciates a meal at Morton’s. The simple elegance of the dining room demands relaxation, so ease into an evening that promises a lovely meal as you stroll past well-stocked private wine cellars (you can have your own if you like, complete with your name engraved across the front), the cocktail lounge where you might catch ice cubes flying through the air and landing expertly in a high ball glass, and, finally, to your comfortable, candlelit booth in a quiet corner. Sit back, order a martini or a lemon drop or the house specialty, a cosmopolitan and prepare for the dining experience that is Morton’s.

The waiters here are on top of their game. If you’ve never experienced tableside presentation, understand that Morton’s took the idea and made it an art. Each cut of meat and fish is carefully described as the waiter holds it before you. Even the potato is gently tossed between the waiter’s hands and spoken about as if no meal could be complete without it. At Morton’s, I’d have to agree.

While known for its steaks, the night my guest and I dined we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the seafood courses. If you start with the shrimp alexander with beurre blanc, you won’t be disappointed. Suggest the scallops wrapped in bacon for your companion. The scallops feature a particularly surprising apricot chutney; the punch of the horseradish and apricot makes a perfect counterpoint to the savoriness of the scallops and bacon. For salads you might try the Morton’s, an iceberg-anchovy affair that can only be described as old school–in a good way, since it’s about this time you notice Frank Sinatra’s been serenading you from the sound system and black-and-white celebrity snapshots line one of the walls. Ah, old school, you think again. Just then your filet arrives. And what a filet. Don’t believe those who say that because the filet is one of the leaner cuts it doesn’t have as much flavor. They haven’t been to Morton’s. Morton’s prides itself on offering the best aged beef the USDA has to offer.

Mille Fleurs Restaurant is located next to the Convention Center and the San Diego Bay

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