Venice, CA – It is pretty safe to say thatthe Venice Whaler will never go out of style. Still riding the wave of their re-launch last summer, the beloved Venice Boardwalk mainstay and Executive Chef Nick Liberato are ready to introduce their exciting new menu offerings, where they will be debuting a new selection of delicious, seasonal, yet approachable dishes. Get ready to dive into the Venice Whaler’s new Winter Menu!
“Our menu is very fresh. I am inspired by local farmers markets and ingredients, and I want to include subtle hints on our menu, so our guests can see the seasons change,” says Liberato.
Venice Whaler favorites like the home-style Clam and Corn Chowder and the Fried-Seafood Tacos have not gone anywhere, but about a third of the dishes on the menu are brand new. Seasonal winter produce flourishes on the new menu, appearing in dishes like the Grilled Rapini & Burrata, Roasted Beets with fresh-grated horseradish and crème fraiche, and the Chicory Salad with walnuts, frisée, radicchio and Parmesan. Liberato especially enjoys the Roasted Acorn Squash with reduced balsamic vinegar, pomegranate and ricotta salata cheese. “It’s a warm, hearty salad but still tastes fresh,” he says. “There are a lot of great winter flavors and colors out there, and this dish takes advantage of that in the best way possible.”
It is not all about the bikini friendly, veggie-centric dishes at this classic beachside hangout. Char-Grilled Oysters make their debut on the appetizers list, topped with a mix of butter, ga
rlic, Parmesan, oregano and parsley, served hot. “All of the flavors marry beautifully as the oysters become brown and crispy, almost caramelizing in their own succulent juices,” Liberato says. Other new options include a Hawaiian-style Tuna Poke Bowl and Southern country favorite Fried Pickles.
Pizzas have been one of the most popular items on the Venice Whaler’s menu since last summer, and the new Winter Menu features several new additions, including the surprisingly delicious topping combo, Grape & Gorgonzola. “Chef Nick blew my mind with this one,” says General Manager TJ Williams. “It is truly an incredible pairing and after one bite, you are hooked.” Of course, for the traditional wave riding pizza lovers, Liberato offers classic selections like Pepperoni Pizza and the ever-essential Tomato Pie with roasted tom
atoes, Parmesan and extra virgin olive oil.
Famished after a day spent on the beach? For the larger appetite, diners can choose Linguine with Clams served with serrano chile and breadcrumbs. Why not indulge in the Westside Salmon, smoked on a cedar plank and topped with arugula pesto and lemon. There are even two new burgers for guests to sink their ravenous shark teeth into. The signature Whaler Burger, made from a custom blend of short rib, chuck and brisket, is now joined by the Dog Town Burger, the Venice Whaler’s take on a certain fast-food classic with two patties and special sauce. “I couldn’t help myself with this one. How could I not do my spin on everyone’s favorite cheesy double-down burger?” Liberato says. There is also the Venice Burger which comes topped with arugula, caramelized onions and blue cheese. “We now have a solid collection of great burger options, but this is my favorite,” Williams says. “You can’t beat tangy blue cheese and sweet caramelized onion in my book!”
Let us not forget the most important part: Dessert! The Venice Whaler has added two tasty winter options: the Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie and the Double Crust Old Fashioned Apple Pie, which are both individually sized mini-pies. “There is nothing better than having a whole pie to yourself,” Liberato says. “It is way better than a slice.”
Bar Director Anthony Settecase has also focused on developing a cocktail program to rival the best in the City, He will be rolling out a new cocktail menu that will compliment Liberato’s tasty takes on the season in coming weeks.
Despite the sweet swell of the new Winter Menu items, plenty about the Venice Whaler has not changed: Its gorgeous beachside location, live music five nights a week, and some of the best food and cocktails you will find within sight of the Pacific. Keep our California winter alive at the Venice Whaler, where things are always heating up!
The Venice Whaler is open from 7:00 am to 2:00 am daily. For more information, please visit www.venicewhaler.com or call 310.821.8737.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Venice Whaler
Venice Whaler
10 West Washington Boulevard
Venice, CA 90292
T: 310.821.8737
