I was out and about South Coast Plaza today and decided that I wanted to try the Signature Kitchen at the Home Store at Macy’s. The Signature Kitchen opened this past December on the 16th. 

On the first floor of the Macy’s Home Store at South Coast Plaza, is a new restaurant that is actually 3 restaurants in one – a collaboration of Nancy Silverton, Marc Samuelsson and Cat Cora. There are three menu’s to choose from, you can mix and match between the menu’s. The concept and layout is much like that of a food court in a mall. For 3,000 square feet, it takes up a lot of room on the vital selling floor for Macy’s. I decided to try one item from each “restaurant”. From Nancy Silverton’s La Brea Bakery I chose the Chicken Chili (I’m not a fan of Chicken chili, but decided to take a chance). From Marc Samuelsson’s Marc Burger I decided on the Mini Kobe Beef Burger, I was told it is normally served medium-rare – perfect. From Cat Cora’s ‘Que (CCQ) I tried the  Pulled Pork Wrap.  I was asked by Randy the attentive server if I wanted something to drink. They offered several different iced teas, lemonades and a soda fountain. I opted for the Blueberry Lemonade. Once I pad for my meal, Randy gave me a number stand for my table and they would brng out the dishes when they were ready. 

On the line in the kitchen were two chefs, the executive and his sous. There were 3 servers on staff. From where I was seated I had a good clear line of site of the line. My items were fired up pretty quickly. It was kind of sparse in the place with probably less than 10 patrons at the time. This makes for the place to look deserted. I would say that within 7 minutes all three items arrived at my table.

First up was the chili. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the chili. Bold flavors and the chicken was so tender. If I didn’t have food from all three menus, I would have opted for a bowl instead of a cup of the chili. I am coming back just to have the chili. 

Second, was Cat Cora’s CCQ Wrap. This flatbread wrap was a good serving. I opted for the Pulled Pork which was very flavorful and not dry. I can never turn away pork and today was no exception. In this wrap was some slaw with beans and garbanzo beans. Now, I’m not a big fan of garbanzo beans unless it’s puréed and called hummus. I ate every last one. The slaw/bean mixture had a tangy taste that probably would have been enhanced had I remembered t have any one of 6 different sauces with my wrap. The had Carolina Mustard BBQ sauce there and I keep hitting myself on the head that I didn’t have it. I have to say though, that even without the sauce I enjoyed this dish. The sauce would have made it even better. 

Up last was Marc Samuelsson’s Mini-Kobe burger. I should have eaten this first. By the time I got to it, it had cooled down considerably and the meat toughened. On top of the “mini” burger was a truffle aioli sauce that I could have eaten all by itself! Although the pitures make this mini burger large, it is actually quite small for the $6.95 price. With the burger came an order of garlic/cracked pepper fries. They were crisp and tender inside. These fries remind me of the fries you get at Wolfgang Express. My first bite into the burger had a nice portion of the aioli with it. Even cold, this was a tasty burger. A single, thin tomato slice and 1 leaf of lettuce came on this burger with a side of their homemade ketchup, slaw (nothing to write home about) and several pickle slices. Perhaps next time I come here, I will not opt for a burgr from Marc Samuelsson’s menu, but will try one of their custard shakes. When was the last time you had a custard shake?

Overall I enjoyed my meal. I will come here again. There are many items on the menu that I would like to try – that custard shake, for example. I question if this “kitchen” will do well against some of the other eateries already located in large foot-traffic area of the mall. Each of the chefs that make up the Signature Kitchen are scheduled to be on property in March for demo’s and a book-signing.

I’ll be here for sure.

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Signature Kitchen
Macy’s Home Store at SCP Crystal Court
3333 Bear St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-3333