Another great time at Christine in Torrance

[Griller141]

Once a year we have a function in Palos Verdes and I always look forward to going to Christine (24530 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505) for dinner afterward. It keeps getting better.
There are 3 menus: regular, nightly specials, and tasting. The tasting menu is 4 courses for $39 - 4 wines for $19 more. Everything on any menu can be ordered separately.
Amuse Bouche of cannelini bean soup - exquisite depth of flavor.
Lobster chili relleno - mild chili with a good deep fried crust. Filled with corn and lobster with a creamy chipotle sauce. Could have been warmer but nicely balanced mild chili flavor contrasting with the rich lobster.
Lobster macaroni and cheese was served in a martini glass. Good cheese with nicely cooked pasta and enough lobster to appreciate its texture.
Ravioli with tasty mushrooms, discernable green olive oil, minced bell pepper, and corn. The sauce was a little too creamy for my taste, but the flavors of the individual ingredients shone through it.
Brick pressed chicken was a gargantuan portion; moist, mild taste. Unobtrusive sauce - the whole thing was a little underwhelming. Nice choice for the those with an aversion to strong flavors - one member of our party expressed gratitude that such a dish was available.
Duck looked good - thick medium rare breast slices wiyth cilantro(?) mashed potatoes - but didn't get to try it.
Guy at the next table raved that the shrimp on the tasting menu was "the best shrimp I've ever had".
Desserts included a decadent bread pudding and a lot of curiously unsweetened whipped cream plus butterscotch sauce (though it was called caramel). Chocolate torte and ice cream was almost too rich.
Wines by the glass are cheap at $6-8 apiece; mostly middle of the road Californias, but had a good Mark West Pinot and a Cartlidge and Brown Syrah.
Whole thing came to $50 apiece. Service is good and the place is lively but not loud.

Searched for good places in the area for years with lots of disappointments, but we are very happy with this one.

Link: http://www.restaurantchristine.com/