Sausal Awards

Sausal Restaurant Review:

Expect early California rancho recipes reimagined by chef/partner Anne Conness (Tin Roof Bistro, Simmzy's) at Sausal. The restaurant is named after Rancho Sausal Redondo (Round Willow Ranch), the vast farmstead that once encompassed El Segundo and most of the South Bay. A mosaic-faced bar anchors one end of the space, while tables with mid-century style chairs cluster around a central fireplace. Seating is also available at blue blanquettes, as well as outside on the patio. A lot of effort has been put into the décor, as evidenced by the custom light fixtures and handpainted walls and floors. The Salsa Trinity (spicy red-brick arbol salsa, pleasingly sour green tomatillo cilantro salsa and spicy-sweet habanero yellow pepper salsa) with chips is a delight. The cuisine is "nuevo rancho," which takes influence from Spain and Mexico and incorporates products grown in Southern California back in the early 1800s. Rancho cooking involves slow-roasting, smoke and wood fire grilling. These elements are found in dishes such as beef brisket barbacoa tacos and grilled striped bass filet accompanied by green bean salad with Spanish sherry and caper vinaigrette, pomegranates and walnut sherry sauce. The duck, butternut squash and Oaxaca cheese tamale with shredded duck confit, roasted chanterelles, black mole and cotija comes to the table in dramatic presentation and is unwrapped and plated tableside. Known for her burgers at Simmzy's, chef Anne Conness' has created the Sausalito Burger with pepper jack cheese, tomato, crushed avocado, bacony 1000 island and cilantro onion relish on a soft sesame roll, served with sweet potato fries. Natasha MacAller creates pastries in line with the theme: Key lime wedge, chocolate empanaditas and pumpkin pie. The music playlist changes often but may include Frank Sinatra, jazz or Brazilian, all at a level that never disrupts a conversation. A limited wine list is complemented by a good selection of beers on tap, an array of cocktails and house-made sangrias. Managing partner Sorin Costache ensures you have a pleasant experience.