Can anyone suggest a great seafood place on the beach in L.A. for dinner in mid May? I had thought something in Malibu, Santa Monica, or Venice. We are staying on Sunset near the House of Blues and would like to be fairly close. Price is not a real consideration but quality food in a festive atmosphere is. Any other L.A. related suggestions would also be appreciated. Thanks.

Geofferey's in Malibu is the most romantic spot...go for it

Gladstones is lively and has good food. They are right on the beach (at the end of Sunset Strip. They sometimes have a jazz band and there is a deck too.

Gladstones is fun.. but wild and not what I would classify as "romantic" there is also a Chart House in Malibu which is just lovely and has nice steak and sea food more romantic then Gladstones by a long shot. What are you interested in here in LA? I can't offer many suggestions on "beachy" activities but if you are interested in Hollywood history let me know. Feel free to email directly as I live in Hollywood.

A friend of mine, who I might add is more concerned with atmosphere than food, swears by THE LOBSTER in Santa Monica. In my experience, restaurants on the beach or with a view tend to have mediocre food;it's as if the view makes up for it all. For a drink, try the Casa del Mar; a grand old hotel in Santa Monica that has been restored to every inch of its glory. It is right on the beach. I had a perfectly awful lunch there, but it would be great spot for cocktails.

So sad to hear about The Border Grill. It's owned and run by, or at least it was, the Two Hot Tamales of radio fame. I used to love the original one on Melrose, but never went west to the Santa Monica one. Now I won't bother.

Michele

Gladstones is a classic. Chart House has great seafood but is much more expensive.

Both are in Malibu (or the Santa Monica/Malibu border)

Geofferey's in Malibu is very romatic, but you are talking about a 1/2 hour drive (thought some along PCH). The Lobster House in Santa Monica is half as close and has a great views of the pier and the beach. I have found the food to be very good. Plus you have an opportunity to catch the sites of Santa Monica's Third Street Promonade (shops restuarants and mecca for street performers).

Chad -

Forget The Lobster.

Three places we like are the following...

Prizzi's Piazza on Franklin Ave., near Gower. It's a few blocks from Sunset. They make their own pizza sauce and dough and their pasta is great. Breadsticks, super yummy if you like garlic.

The Stinking Rose - on Restaurant Row (N. La Cienega, Beverly Hills) - very good garlic meatloaf, mashed potatos and roasted chicken. Also, their starter (I forget the name!) that comes in a small iron skillet with roasted garlic in butter and served with bread is great. They also have garlic ice cream but I'm not trying it!

Versailles - (Cuban food) I think it's near the corner of Pico Blvd. and La Cienega, I never drive and have only been there a few times but the cuban-style roast pork is amazing. So tender with a light citrusy flavor. Excellent with the onions, rice and beans.

If you will be in Orange County at any time, you can try the best Mexican food in So. Cal. We sometimes go here on the weekend for lunch (very casual, hole-in-the-wall type place) and we have to drive 35 miles from our house to get there. Los Sanchez on Harbor Blvd. a miles south of Disneyland. The Best!

Have a great time in L.A.

Lynn