Our two day visit to Redondo Beach started with check-in at the Portofino Hotel and Marina. We thought it the perfect place for such a visit not only for the location, directly across from the Marina, but also for its ocean view balcony rooms and all the amenities of a four star hotel.
Our room at the Portofino Hotel  proved to be an entertainment center thanks to our private balcony overlooking the ocean channel used by some of the marinas.  Sitting in luxury on our veranda we had a continuous show featuring the comings and goings of sailboats, motor cruisers, kayaks canoes, rubber dingby as well as our favorite, paddle boarders, many still at an early learning stage.  Then close by was a barge station selling live bait and here there was a steady  lineup of fishing boats of all sizes getting the needs for the day's ocean fishing excursions.
This was just one of the many pluses offered to us during our stay at the Portofino Hotel and Marina located at Kings Harbor.  There always seemed to be a wedding that had just taken place or was about to so we could admire the elegant attire of those attending these events while we were safely attired for the beach..  In the evening the lounge and bar adjoining the lobby offered live entertainment in a relaxing and most comfortable ambiance.
One afternoon we met General Manager Duane Rohrbaugh who gave us a tour of the property while relating some of the history of the hotel which first opened in 1968, then suffered much damage in the fierce storm that struck the Southern California coast in 1988 and how the hotel has recovered since then to earn its current four star rating.
Also impressive is the adjacent Baleen Kitchen which overlooks the Marina with its one hundred and eighty one boats of every size and description.  In decor and ambiance the restaurant, including bar and lounge, offers a contemporary  look which perfectly matches its menu that does emphasize sea fare.  A new dinner menu now includes additional  Tapas like Ahi Tuna Taco, Hamachi Crudo, BBQ Duck Confit, Seafood P:oke and Wild Mushroom Bruschetta.  New entrees include Spinach fettuccine, Pan roasted diver scallops, Miso-Glazed salmon and Pork Schnitzel.
To admire the skills of Baleen's two Chef de Cuisine, Vasili Tavernakis and Paul Dinulescu my dining partner and I decided to order two entrees and then share them.  We selected the simply grilled sea bass and the Miso-Glazed salmon.  The salmon came with baby bok choy, soba noddles and summer dashi.  the sea bass with loaded pee wee  potatoes and roasted wild mushrooms.  Both in preparation and presentation we thought that Baleen shows an added special dash and flair to their dining experience.
This was evident in our starter as well which was crispy calamari that arrived at the table in the meshed grill where it had been cooked.
Differences that add to the dining experience showed up as well when we enjoyed the morning brunch the following day.
Both of our choices were selected from the Fresh Start part of the menu, the Smoked Salmon plate and the Baguette French toast.  Both were served on attractive platters the French Toast surrounded by cinnamon apples and pears while the Salmon platter included bagel, cream cheese, tomato, red onion, hard boiled egg and capers.
The Main Brunch menu included some interesting dishes as well including a pull pork Benedict, Breakfast Burrito or Lobster Mac & Cheese.
We thought prices were very moderate for the exceptional quality and superior service experienced at Baleen Kitchen which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Portofino Hotel & Marina is located at 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, Ca. 90277,  Telephone 310 379-8481, web www.hotelportofino.com.