I met AR for an early, Wednesday evening dinner at the Sendero Marketplace, but we hadn't yet decided where to eat. We were limited to the nicer, sit-down restaurants, skipping over the casual spots like Jersey Mike's and In-N-Out. The two upscale options were Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge and Morena's Mexican Cuisine, both on the pricier side ($$$). Scarlet Kitchen, however, boasts a great Happy Hour, with a new "Reverse Happy Hour" every Friday from 8:30-9:30 PM. (AR mentioned it's usually packed here on Fridays. My guess is the evening Happy Hour.)Last time at the marketplace, AR & I dined at Morena's, where we had a fantastic evening of great food and service. So naturally, I assumed we'd be returning there. But AR surprised me with a curveball: she suggested trying Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge instead. Being the adventurous foodie I am, I was all in!We were greeted warmly by two hostesses and offered a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. The evening was cool, and outdoor dining seemed perfect, especially when the hostess brought out cozy throw blankets for us. AR quickly bundled up, and we chose a table away from another family dining outside, sitting side by side. It was a nice evening.Soon after, our waiter Nathan appeared with waters and an impressive spread of menus: Happy Hour menu, regular dinner menu, "Winesday" specials, and another drink menu - at least four or five menus in total.The menu is a creative fusion of American classics with a sophisticated twist. The variety of dishes showcase the chef's creativity and attention to detail. Decisions, decisions... With so many tempting Happy Hour choices, AR and I were both hungry, and everything looked amazing. After some deliberation, we finally placed our order but kept a few menus on hand - just in case we wanted to add more to our meal!Our order:Heart of Scarlet ($10) Happy Hour drink menuGluten free organic vodka, pomegranate juice, hibiscus, limeChefs Old Spirit ($11) Happy Hour drink menuBourbon, spiced apple syrup, cardamon bitters, dehydrated apple & cinnamon stick (Seasonal cocktail)Rueban Tacos ($17) Happy Hour menuSlow cooked pulled pork, sauerkraut, irish white cheddar, romaine, scarlet sauce, choice of corn or flour tortillaMediterranean Shrimp Risotto ($31.50) Standard menu; split orderWild jumbo shrimp, spicy white wine tomato sauce, portuguese linguica, parmesan risotto, parsleyChocolate Souflee ($12) Dessert menuRich chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berriesGrand total: $88 (+tip)*See uploaded photosThe drinks were well-made. AR enjoyed her floral, Heart of Scarlet, describing it as both tasty and strong. I opted for the Chef's Old Spirit, a seasonal cocktail. It had good flavor but was a bit sweet for my taste (though the Spiked Apple Cider looked tempting as another fall option). The Reuben Tacos were a hit with both of us - great, smoky flavor and nice portions. AR & I also split the Mediterranean Shrimp Risotto. Our server, Nathan, kindly offered to have the dish split in the kitchen and brought out on two separate plates, to which we eagerly agreed. It saved us from the hassle of dividing it at the table - always a good thing for me, as I tend to make a mess. Truth. The risotto was creamy & delicious! I'm not sure if I've ever had risotto before, though I've certainly seen Chef Ramsey yelling about it on TV. AR was in the mood for it, and I'm always up for trying something new! I was pleasantly surprised to find linguica, a flavorful Portuguese sausage, in the dish. (Linguica is a staple in Hawaii, usually served for breakfast alongside eggs.)As we sipped our drinks, AR and I browsed the dessert menu and decided to split the Chocolate Soufflé - a perfect end to the meal.Overall, it was a fantastic dinner date with exceptional service. However, be prepared for a slightly higher price point, but for the level of service, atmosphere, and food, it's well worth it. (In all fairness, it seems the average lunch/dinner for two runs around $100 nowadays.) Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a fantastic choice in Mission Viejo. The staff was friendly, attentive and accommodating, frequently stopping by the table to check on the food, refill water glasses, and clear away empty plates.Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge in Mission Viejo is a hidden gem that balances modern flair with comfort. The ambiance strikes a perfect blend of cozy and upscale, with warm lighting and chic décor that set the stage for a great time. AR and I are already planning our return visit. She's eyeing the Lobster Mac & Cheese, while I'm keeping it simple--I just want to try a little bit of everything, especially the Eggs Benedict on their Sunday Brunch menu.Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a great choice!- Big Aloha!Food: 4Ambiance: 4Service: 5Value: 3+ (Good Happy Hour menu)
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