Lovells of Lake Forest

Lovells of Lake Forest Restaurant Review:

This is a nice liftoff for former astronaut Jim Lovell, whose son, James III, is in the kitchen. Just enough creativity, well-chosen ingredients and attention to detail are found in every plate. As an appetizer, try the blue crab cakes with ancho chile jam, Hill Country coleslaw and a citrusy butter sauce. When it comes to main courses, we enjoy the bacon-wrapped trout stuffed with crab and shrimp. The catfish jambalaya is comforting --- just the way it should be. For an indulgent finish, order a soufflé, or scope out the white chocolate mousse bomb with vanilla tuile, natural red wine reduction and tart cherries if it's on offer. The carefully chosen wine list consists mostly of premium Napa Valley boutique labels. Lovell's has casual dining and a bar downstairs, the Captain's Quarters, where the atmosphere is more laid back. Naturally, memorabilia from Jim Lovell's trips into outer space abounds. The patio is a great place to linger on warm summer evenings.