Early dinner near Corona Del Mar

[BShoemaker]

I am planning on spending the early afternoon at the Sherman Library & Gardens over the weekend and am looking for a really nice early dinner location for a 90th b-day celebration. Any suggestions for a really nice dinner (preferably steak/seafood) near Corona Del Mar...we will be heading back to Anaheim so even something between Corona Del Mar & Anaheim would be fine.

Thanks!

[justagthing]

I like Tommy Bahamas'. I know they are in the strip mall area, but the patio is so nice and I love their scallop sliders.

[BShoemaker]

BubblyOne, I spoke to my husband about it and he thought from the sounds of it your suggestion is perfect. He reminded me that I am overthinking this as I usually do and we will be taking your suggestion & heading to Five Crowns tomorrow night. I tend to go over the deep end when planning any big celebration, vacation etc...and try to read every little review/detail I can find on whatever the subject may be. In this case...Five Crowns!

Thank you to everyone else that has pitched some other ideas to me. I will probably utilize those suggestions for when she turns 91!

We look forward to the evening and I will report back our review. Thanks to all you chowhounders with such helpful feedback!

[janetms383]

I'll chime in with a rave for 5 Crowns. Go often, great food, excellent service, never disappointed.

[BShoemaker]

Great! Glad to hear it! Thank you! What have you ordered that you enjoyed the most?

[BShoemaker]

Bubblyone, janetms383, lannej, JAB,

All I can say is THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH! We just returned from Five Crowns and it was fantastic! It was the perfect choice for our evening with grandma! I will write a formal review shortly!

Thank you again! I really appreciate your suggestions and I'm glad I trusted my chowhounders! Your the pro's!

[Lannej]

I agree that Five Crowns is a good recommendation. I would also consider: Rothschild's - http://www.rothschildsrestaurant.com/
The Ritz Restaurant - http://www.ritzrestaurant.com/
The Quiet Woman - www.thequietwoman.com
Mr. Stox - http://www.mrstox.com/

[JAB]

Considering the circumstances:

http://www.lawrysonline.com/fivecrown...

[BubblyOne]

I'll second Five Crowns- it's an institution for the locals. Our family house is right down the street and I have been going since I was a little kid - we always have a great time and the sommelier is a hoot! There are certainly trendier places with better food in the area, but I don't think you would be disappointed , nice upscale chain quality like Flemings and a great follow-up to Sherman Gardens. Been in business since 1965.

[BShoemaker]

Since your a Five Crowns regular, what do you recommend ordering? Also any idea on the pricing? The menu on their website doesn't list any.

I'm not necessarily looking for trendy...I'll be with my grandmother & hubby, but looking for something nice with good food.

What do you think of Sherman Gardens and how much time do you think we'll need to visit there? Any other sites in the area you would recommend visiting...trying to make a nice day out of it.

thanks & keep the recommendations coming!

[BubblyOne]

I usually get the bone-in rib eye or prime rib (not a fish-lover, although have heard no complaints from those that like it), entrees include sides, no starter and are in the $25-$45 range (for the largest cut of prime rib). Love the creamed spinach and the salad with Stilton bleu cheese. Sherman Gardens is a gem and depending on if you check out their library, maybe a couple hours tops. If your grandmother is up for it, a nice stroll along Ocean Blvd. for the view and fabulous houses before or after dinner (a couple blocks from the restaurant) is really nice.

[BShoemaker]

Thanks for the suggestions. What would be your #2 pick from the area if you had to choose. Just curious for one or two more options to pick from.

Thanks!

[BubblyOne]

To be honest, if you were coming from out of town as my guest with your grandmother, that would be where I would take you. The other places I regularly eat in the area, The Crow Bar, Bungalow and Sage probably aren't as appropriate. I think my #2 would be Flemings at Fashion Island.

[I got nothin]

What about Gulfstream?

[BubblyOne]

I like that place as well, but for a 90 years old's BD?

[BShoemaker]

Thanks so much for your replies. I really do appreciate it as I want this to be a special night for her.

[BubblyOne]

Please post back after your day and let us know how it went. Enjoy!

[BShoemaker]

BubblyOne, I made a reservation last night for Five Crowns, however, I started reading reviews on Yelp.com and many were not very favorable. I'm a little concerned. Since you are from that general area, do you have any other recommendations for Costa Mesa, Newport Beach or Irvine that would still be nice for the occassion? I'm not trying to be a pain in the butt, but if we are forking out the $$$ I want it to be really good food too. Just not super fancy or stuffy, but nice enough for a 90th b-day with good food for the price.

[BubblyOne]

Wouldn't go by Yelp, there is a reason that it's been around for over 40 years. Maybe some others can help you with more choices? I'm off for LA to finally try Mozza, so wish me luck!

[Servorg]

Directly on your way home: http://pascalnpb.com/tradition_dinner...

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Tradition By Pascal
1000 Bristol St N, Newport Beach, CA 92660