SUMMER HOUSE, CORONA DEL MAR

Berries & Bubbles

What is needed: • St. Germain • Sparkling White Wine • Blueberries • Blackberries • Raspberries • Mint garnish

Chef’s Picks:

Fresh Grilled Ono & Arugula Salad (top left) BBQ Chicken Salad (left) Seared Rare Ahi Salad (right)

Summer House Corona Del Mar

Ask any Corona del Mar local about Summer House, and you’ll immediately get a warm smile. Summer House has been a neighborhood favorite for years, serving up coastal comfort cuisine that combines the laidback CDM atmosphere with local ingredients, fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and a perfectly paired wine list. Designed as a quintessential SoCal beach house, Summer House’s warm and inviting interior aesthetic echoes the endless summer vibe Corona del Mar is renowned for. With a dedicated staff committed to harmoniously blending the oceanside lifestyle with attention to detail, Summer House continues to create world-class dishes designed to take “beach cuisine” to the next level. So, it was with great pleasure that Elevated magazine was able to swing by and grab ourselves a bite (Ginger Crusted Fresh Ono, Potstickers, Baby Back Ribs, and a couple perfect Ultimate Margaritas), and check in with owner Dale Pierro to discuss the locals’ favorite relaxed, yet refined, spot to dine.

There is something about the sea air and the welcoming spirit of Corona Del Mar that attracts people to this area. The Summer House restaurant has become an icon not only because it is located along beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, but also because upon stepping inside there is a welcoming family spirit and an aroma of “home” in the air. Also, what truly makes Summer House the go-to location is the consistency of quality. Our chef takes pride in creating dishes that leave a lasting impression with our diners. Over the past 12 years at Summer House, our dedication to quality and consistency has been an integral part of our reputation, and pairs perfectly with our friendly and attentive staff of servers.

Your menu is defined as American comfort food with a tropical twist. Tell us what inspires the menu.

The Summer House menu offers a wide variety of food choices and combinations that satisfy a wide range of palettes. From our iconic comfort food dishes to our signature entrees like Island Chicken, to our flagship Ginger Crusted Fresh Ono, we serve up cuisine with a tropical flair that delivers a true island feel.

The Summer House brunch is a staple for Corona Del Mar weekends. Why are people so obsessed with it?

There’s something special about sharing good times with good friends— and that’s what Summer House delivers day in and day out—especially for brunch! Our delicious food and cocktails are built to please the most discerning palette, whether it’s our savory, homemade biscuits and rich gravy, our Hangover Burger, or our Eggs Benedict with thick Canadian bacon in a creamy fresh hollandaise sauce. Plus, our iconic Bloody Mary’s and fresh Mimosas are guaranteed to make you smile.

Everyone who has sat down at Summer House knows there is harmonious blend of a casual beach vibe combined with impeccable service and attention to detail. How are you able to walk that fine line between a relaxed atmosphere and excellent customer service?

The Summer House has always been a family-first restaurant, and our entire staff is an integral part of the family. Each and every one of our crew lets our diners know that when you’re here you’re family—and that’s what makes it a 5-star experience for our customers every time. Also, our distinctive, relaxed coastal decor and atmosphere is designed to create the feeling of being inside the home of a close friend.

Summer House boasts a fine craft cocktail menu including several variations on the classic margarita. Can you tell us a little about the bar program and how you select your cocktails and wine.

Many of our specialty cocktails have been inspired by some of our local regulars, which make each of them a special addition to our menu. Our expert mixologists have also added their own signature creations, and many of those have become Corona Del Mar favorites. Personally, I’ve been in the restaurant business for over 45 years and pride myself on customer service and experience. Uniqueness and delicious craft cocktails and spirits are an important part of dining enjoyment. All of our craft cocktails feature fresh, seasonal ingredients that work in harmony to create a special taste sensation. It’s impossible to discuss restaurants these days without mentioning Covid-19. What has Summer House done to recreate that laid back, beach house vacation feeling it’s known for in the midst of a global pandemic?

The pandemic has impacted the restaurant industry in ways that have challenged even the most experienced owner, like myself. First and foremost, we at the Summer House wanted our valued customers to feel confident in the safety standards we put in place for their dining experience. Every table is appropriately spaced apart, our entire staff wears face coverings at all times, tables and chairs are sanitized between use, and sanitizer is provided throughout the restaurant for staff as well as customers.

We have patio areas in the front as well as back of the restaurant. Our beachfront bistro style layout allows for safe conversation and dining. The back patio area is covered by a large open-air tent that is comfortably boarded with palm leaf fabric allowing for a protective area while dining. All patio areas have space heaters to keep our patrons comfortable and warm. During warmer days we have fans to cool you down—along with that sweet ocean breeze. Many people also request our two-top on the front patio. It provides a private little enclave surrounded by flower boxes, and is safely distanced from other tables, giving you a private and secluded dining experience.

If you could pack Summer House into a suitcase and pop it open anywhere in the world, where would you take it?

I’d take Summer House to Nassau in the Bahamas where the laid back and welcoming vibe fits right in with ours. If you’ve ever experienced the Bahamian people you’d know why this would be the perfect place for a Summer House restaurant. They treat everyone like family, and take pride in serving others for a memorable experience. All that, and the trade winds that blow through have Summer House written all over it.

When the day is done at Summer House and it’s time to relax, what are you most proud of?

As I mentioned previously, I have 45 years in the restaurant business. I started in my teens and have worked from the ground up, literally. The Summer House here in Corona Del Mar is the pinnacle of my career in this business. I truly could not be more proud than to have been blessed to not only own this iconic establishment, but also to be able to prove the same delicious food, spirits, and experiences to the fine people of Corona Del Mar and beyond. Summer House and the people it employs is a dream come true for me, and I am dedicated to keeping it the same great place that our customers have always enjoyed. Our staff is the best, and they truly enjoy their jobs and the people they serve—we’re family! We’re on a first-name basis with many of our customers and I love that people can connect and catch-up at our establishment. When the day has ended, it’s common to hear someone say, “That was a good day, let’s do it again!”

SOLD BY

Paul Dolkas

Residential Agent Inc. Senior Broker Associate 949.290.3053 paul@agentinc.co DRE# 00765499