View 202

If you wished to introduce your guests to Redding's sophisticated dining scene, where would you choose? A savvy choice would be View 202. It is the same place you could go to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the Sacramento River. It is also a prime choice for hosting an elegant dinner, meeting up with friends or simply enjoying fresh cuisine. View 202 is located at 202 Hemsted Drive, in the iconic and scenic former Hatch Cover Restaurant location.

Welcome to View 202

View 202 is the singular restaurant in Redding to have a Sacramento River view. While View 202 is all about scenic dining, it is also designed as an active space for socializing. From the cozy elevated booths, to the oversized outdoor sofas, enjoying the social scene becomes part of the dining experience.  From the outside, View 202 looks formal, almost corporate. However, once inside, the vibe is relaxed and inviting. Swank touches, like black chandeliers and crystal sconces, lend a suggestion of vintage glamor to the contemporary decor. Think eye candy all around.

Hostess at View 202

View 202 is as much an indoor as an outdoor restaurant. Equipped with misters and sunshades, heaters and fire pits, the sheltered patio is poised for year-round alfresco dining. The planned spaces and stylish decor show an attention to detail. They set an expectation of both personalized service and exceptional cuisine. While the wait staff was friendly, they could not be accused of hovering. If you are in rush to eat, dining at View 202 could be a frustrating experience. 

I have eaten at View 202 several times.  On a previous occasion, I had the petite 12oz New York Steak with sautéed spinach and roasted fingerling potatoes. It was perfection. Now, along with my fellow diners, I was enjoying a late lunch on the patio, while watching the kayaks and birds navigate the river.

Patio with Reflected View 

I ordered the Parmesan and Sweet Potato Fries, Shrimp Tacos and the Blue Cheese Wedge Salad. The skinny fries arrived in chic paper bags. They had that ideal chew factor: a crunchy exterior with a soft center. Each came with a dipping sauce. The Parmesan Fries were sprinkled with parsley and tiny Parmesan flakes. The natural sweetness of the Sweet Potato Fries was balanced with a dusting of salt. Although the sauces were tasty, the fries were delicious without the additional flavor or fat.

A Duet of Fries

The imaginative take on Shrimp tacos was delicious. The dish was presented as a row of small, soft corn tortillas, filled a pink shrimp salad. The tortillas added contrast to the creamy texture of the shrimp, as well as balancing the spicy bite. Again, the Blue Cheese Wedge Salad had a fresh take. Instead of a triangle, it was a flat, lettuce wedge. The dressing was rich and sweet with fat chunks of balmy blue cheese. 

A Trio of Shrimp Tacos

The menu is divided into lunch and dinner selections. The menus are similar, with starters and small plates like Short Rib Tacos and Duck Spring Rolls. There are specialty salad and pasta selections on both menus. The main difference is that the sandwiches on the lunch menu are replaced by various cuts of beef on the dinner menu. There is also View 202 Salmon, All Natural Roasted Chicken and the classic Hatch Cover Mahi-Mahi Almandine in the evening. 

It has been my experience that, if the meat and produce are locally sourced, naturally raised, line caught or organic, the provenance will be printed on the menu. The menu did not provide the origin of the fare. I did inquire and the Imperial Valley Beef is naturally raised and the produce is local when possible. I was also told that the chef was working on a new menu to showcase the seasonal offerings at the farmer's market. 

Waterfall Thai Beef

For those over 21, there is the bar which is distinct from the restaurant. The lighting is minimal and lends an edgy energy to the space. The bar is undeniably attractive, but are the cocktails worth drinking? Cocktails worth drinking are about quality ingredients and imaginative mixology. A proper cocktail is so flavorful that it is imbibed deliberately. The cocktails at View 202 are Culinary Babe approved and meet these standards. While not a thrifty selection, they are smooth and not overly sweetened, watery or gimmicky. I love the classic selections like the Side Car and the Old Fashioned.

Early Afternoon Bar Scene 

My Culinary Babe tips are: for that signature event, try the private V Room and check out the restrooms.  Both are unexpected goodies. The V Room is an exclusive space within the dining room.  It comfortably accommodates parties up to 40 people, without compromising the View 202 style. The ladies room is a return to the powder room, where lingering to reapply one's lipstick is encouraged. And, with the lounge open until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, a retreat to the powder room is a likely event. 

View 202 is open Monday thru Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 1 am.  Sunday Brunch starts at 10 am and the restaurant closes at 10 pm. The parking lot is rather small and can be full, so street parking is an option. For passenger who would rather not walk up the driveway, there is a drop off in the front.

Sunday Brunch

  

http://www.view202redding.com