While sitting on the elegant al fresco terrace near a DJ spinning lively tunes, one of my favorite actors and singers Daveed Diggs passed by my table with actress and singer Emmy Raver-Lampman. For Hamilton fans, this is seeing musical royalty. Not only did Diggs play Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette in the original Hamilton cast on Broadway, but now stars in the television show blackish as Rainbow’s (Tracee Ellis Ross) brother. Actress and singer Raver-Lampman rocked the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood as Angelica Schuyler starring in Hamilton’s touring company. One never knows who they might spot while dining at Ocean Prime in Beverly Hills.

During pleasantly warm days and evenings, diners request sitting in the half-shell shaped booths with comfortable black and white throw pillows. An array of large white umbrellas shade guests and add to the vacation ambiance.

While looking at the new brunch menu, our personable server asked if we would like a bottomless mimosa or Bloody Mary. Since mimosas can be ordered with either fresh orange or blood orange juice, my husband and I ordered one of each.

There is a section of appealing dishes that included lobster and avocado toast, where the spotlight is butter poached lobster pieces strategically placed on a creamy sweet pea and avocado spread. The perfectly cooked sunny side egg’s yolk bathes the toast when cut, adding a touch of savoriness to the earthy flavors. A side salad of arugula with pickled red onions and preserved lemon accompany the plate.

Our daughter ordered the jumbo lump crab cake and eggs presented on a thick English muffin. The crab meat and poached egg were covered with a light yellow Hollandaise sauce and sprinkle of paprika. It was served with a small bowl of cut pineapple and cantaloupe, and a small mixed green salad with a pleasing balsamic vinaigrette. 

Seeing friends sitting nearby, they urged us to order the braised short rib “Surf n Turf.” They said it was the perfect size, not too large, yet filled with wonderful flavors. 

When we ordered it, it arrived stacked with the bottom layer a crispy gouda potato cake, almost like a thick latke, before being topped with tender, melt in your mouth slow braised short ribs. On top was a large butter poached lobster claw (sometimes sea scallops), then a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. 

Other brunch dishes include an everything bagel with smoked salmon and the fixings; ahi tuna tartare; Prime steak tartare, a variety of sushi and salads, Prime cheeseburger and a quiche with spinach, provolone and parmesan.

Desiring something sweet, we ordered the French toast served with candied sweet and crunchy bacon on the side. The toast was topped with fresh and sweet red and purple berries, and a ladle of lemon curd. A small carafe on the plate was filled with warm maple syrup.

Later on Sundays, the chefs prepare a multi-course special Surf & Turf dinner for $60 per person. For the holidays, purchase a $100 eGift card and receive a $25 eBonus card now through December 30, 2018. The eBonus card is valid for use at any Cameron Mitchell Restaurant’s location nationwide, Sunday through Thursdays, starting January 2, 2019 and expires February 28, 2019. 

Ocean Prime is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday starting at 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Fridays, Ocean Prime stays open until 11 p.m. On weekends it opens at 5 p.m. Sunday Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ocean Prime is closed on Thanksgiving. $$-$$$. 9595 Wilshire Blvd. (310)859-4818.

This review was featured in the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News – Nov. 21, 2018.