02/14/09

Great Mid to Upscale Steakhouse sits inches from Pacific Ocean

by ocjc

I've only been once so keep that in mind as you read; experiences may vary. The dark hardwoods used to wrap patrons in warm booths of Victorian comfort are adorned with baroque "sans-clothes" paintings: the perfect combination for a cigar and whiskey parlor at the country club and therefore a great steak. (Per my taste anyway) This dark yet warm ambiance is best enjoyed as the sun sets on the Pacific right in front of your eyes. Enjoying the paltry -yet adequate wine list begins with butter drenched escargot paired to a nice mid-range Sancere. (a personal favorite having studied in France's Loire Valley in college) Moving down the wine selection and menu in tandem led to THE best French Onion soup to pass these lips...perhaps the duck meat and velvety smooth broth bribed my palate into submission. Opinions vary for the right wine to wash down such a rich soup but our sugary Riesling matched the sweet and succulent caramelized onion-duck combination. (I suggest allowing the Riesling to come to room temperature when pairing with soup.) Stage three was cotton-soft Kobe beef filet mignon cooked to perfection; no knife necessary. As you might imagine, the wine was predictably and appropriately a giant grand cru er uh California Cabernet. (eat your heart out Bordeaux!). Finally, desert was an exquisite Bananas Foster paired with a wonderful Gewurztraminer (admittedly, I'm not a regular connoisseur of the German's sweet grape juice). I only say finally because I refuse to acknowledge our final drink. I'm from the Pacific Northwest and am frequently disappointed in the ubiquitous black water pawned as coffee in Southern California with an incredible exception in San Diego.

Snail, Duck, Cow and Banana accompanied by a French, German and two American wines requires slow appreciation, so make early reservations and take your time. I'm sure you'll find, as I did, that 21 Oceanfront is a quaint lighthouse of culinary euphoria despite their total lack of decent coffee.

• Pros: Availability of escargot, proximity to beach, kobe beef
• Cons: Paltry wine list, terrible coffee

09/06/08

Great food.. fun atmosphere. PROFESSIONAL

by HapiOC

I've been wanting to try this place for sometime now.. and waited for a special occasion.. my birthday. (Yep, I'm a ROARING LEO!) I like fine things... and 21 Oceanfront provided the finest dining experience of all. I expected stuffiness, but instead got a warm welcome & friendly/professional service throughout the night. They really made my birthday special. The musician was awesome. Sang Happy Birthday to me. The view of the ocean is unbeatable from inside. The food.. OH MY GOODNESS! I don't know where to begin.. I had heard about the crabcakes and abalone.. but once I took a bite.. I couldn't believe I waited for a special occasion. I will definitely go back for fun with some friends. It's outrageously delicious. prices are good. great portions. insanely delicious flavors. FUN PLACE. Nicholas Cage was there with his wife!! and he knows good food! I highly recommend my favorite restaurant. Thank you 21 Oceanfront!! p.s. take a sweater.. it's chilly by the beach at night.

• Pros: abalone, chilean sea bass, friendly/pro service, live music
• Cons: only open for dinner & holiday brunches. Easter Brunch was nice!!

03/23/08

Bad service poor food quality, and expensive for dog food with a view, save you money.

by bud2007

I took my family to 21 for Easter Sunday Brunch. What a disaster. The booked us at 11 but the food was not ready until 1125, it was cold, and looked like the potatoes were cooked the night before. The menu was extremely limited with 2 carved meets and Salmon. They had cold pasta which was average. A warm pasta in a cream sauce that was appalling. The served sausage and bacon, but you had to order omelets from the table; with limited ingredients and when the omelets came they were cold on a plate with nothing other than the omelet drenched in old oil. This was the extent of the warm breakfast. They served the buffet on the small bar covered in table cloths with little room to move to get food. The final insult was a 60.00 per plate charge, added charges for coffee, mimosas and tea bringing the bill to over 400.00 for 5 persons. They also added a 20% tip for the buffet service, and the waiter bringing the omelets and drinks. Don?t go there you would be better off not eating.

• Pros: View is great during the day!
• Cons: Expensive price for little value Food, Service, and Overall is in the dumps