Gladstone's

After hearing about the SBE takeover of Gladstone's, I knew that I had to go asap - to experience the restaurant in it's current state.  That's not to say it's in such a great state now, but I know that after it's revamped, there's always going to be the questions, "did you ever go before it got the face lift?"  Well, one mediocre meal with outstanding views later, I can say, yes.

Taylor and I ate dinner on the front patio over looking the ocean.  He got the crabcakes and I got the peel and eat shrimp.  Though prices were steep for the casual spot, portions were huge and there was no question that we'd be making at least one other meal out of this one. While though food was nothing to write home about, there were a few other ingredients that made up for it. One, of course, was the view. We were eating on top of the ocean - something that is still a thrill for us, having been holed up in miniature restaurants back east for 17 years, collectively.

The other kicker was the to-go food foil animals.

After having googled Galdstone's, I now realize that this is the most talked-about topic.  But you really won't get it until you've been.  According to our waitress, some on staff have made their careers from these foil-constructed animals.  Tables will request certain waiters who they know are master foil-crafters.  We thought our waitress was quite good - making a crab (filled with crab cakes) and a seahorse with a candy-stripe tail.

Pretty impressive! Enough to earn Gladstone's the rank of #1 for highest grossing restaurant in Southern Cali? Indeed.  Whatever SBE revamps, I hope they keep the foil art.