Cannons Seafood Grill Dana Point Ca

April 11, 2009 - PRLog -- CANNONS SEAFOOD GRILL



by Michael Webster

As my wife and I entered the Cannons Seafood Grill for dinner the other night, the first thing that struck us, besides the cheery, comfortable demeanor of the place was what must be one of the most magnificent views in all of California.  No, I'm not referring to our adorable hostesses, Andrea and Sarah, but to the jagged skyline of masts on the boats moored below in the harbor, the movement of sailboats motoring home to dock, the twinkling lights of motorboats coming and going, and the magnificent sunset view of the Pacific beyond.  While we felt immediately warm and welcome, the sheer size of the place could have engendered a completely different effect.   But, being the first freestanding high-in-the sky cliff top restaurant in Dana Point (they opened their doors in 1972),  Cannons’ has been the destination of choice for locals and visitors alike for over three decades.  You know they must be getting it right!  And did they ever prove it to us!

Not only was our waitress, Belinda, professional and attentive (and a 9-year employee), but she served us up two of the best meals we'd ever had.  We began with a summer berry salad of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries on top of fresh, organic greens, topped with crumbly bleu cheese and a caramelized walnut, absolutely delightful balsamic raspberry vinaigrette, course pepper as desired -- it was so plentiful it could have been a meal in itself.  Next we sampled a lovely, rich and creamy Lobster Bisque.  We were impressed by this auspicious beginning, and so had high hopes for the main course.  

My wife, being a shrimp aficionado, ordered the Coconut Shrimp (served with a sweet chile dipping sauce) which she proclaimed to be "heavenly."  Not being one who wants to miss out on any heavenly experience, I tasted her entree and I must admit I totally agree with her assessment.  Although I was gleefully working my way through the lobster (from the cold waters off Western Australia) with delicious lemon butter sauce and filet of the Steak and Seafood Combo, next time I will probably order the Coconut Shrimp, as it was a superb bargain at just $19.50.  My entree was, as usual, Market Price, or $45 or so, but well worth it.   Prepared by world-renowned Executive Chef, Shawn Lawrence, our incredible meal also included fresh, organic, seasonal veggies (locally grown), rice pilaf and perfectly seasoned garlic mashed potatoes.  My filet couldn't have been more succulently prepared, with a delicate demi-glaze reduction sauce, embellished with Béarnaise.  Cannons Seafood Grill's delicious new menu features only the finest, freshest seafood, aged meats, and farm-fresh produce.  Chef Lawrence is well known for his ability to create both mouth-watering seafood dishes, as well as world-class steaks, pastas and salads.  Ummm!  I'm ready to go back right now! (Now that I'm not so full ....this was a lot of food...)  

Of course, no meal is complete without a fine, accompanying wine, and we chose a 2005 Kendall Jackson Pinot Noir from Sonoma, one of a truly impressive list of local, domestic and international wines.  Are you still with me?  Or have you begun getting dressed to go to Cannon's?  As to attire, whether you are dinner-dressed or in beach attire, you will be delighted with the fare and hypnotized the by the view of the harbor and the Pacific beyond, at the Cannons on Green Lantern in Dana Point CA.  

Perhaps you will also be privileged to meet Greg Mortimer, an Operating Partner, who is a hands-on manager -- he was out there amongst us serving and table-hopping.  Greg leads his crew by example, which we can really appreciate, having once been in the restaurant business ourselves.  Mr. Mortimer told us "from this restaurant's vantage point, on a clear day not only can you see the San Clemente Pier and San Onofre  but you can also see La Jolla.  Customers often comment that Cannon's has the best southerly view in all the California Coast."  We tend to agree.  

Cannon's also sports a fine cocktail lounge with a handsome gent named Chris behind the bar, and an active happy hour weekdays.  You should join Cannon's list of patrons for dinner, weekend lunch or spectacular Sunday Brunch and bring those with you who are looking for a fabulous and lively dining experience.  As I mentioned above, the wine list is truly second to none, so if you're a wine lover, as my wife and I are, you can find what you like here at Cannon's.  

In addition, as if that weren't enough, Cannon's provides a place to host your special events and have Event Coordinators on hand to help you every step of the way.   Cannon's is the perfect setting whether your guest list numbers 20 or 300.  With this kind of assistance and friendly, professional staff, Cannons is the perfect place for a romantic wedding, whether daytime or evening.  A jewel on the Southern California coastline, setting high on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor and the sparkling blue Pacific, you and your guests will be truly blown away by the view, the food, the local ambiance so identified with California style.  

A menu has been provided so you may peruse it at your leisure.  You may contact Cannon's at www.cannonsrestaurant.com .  On weekends, reservations are recommended.

.  You'll love the experience.  We did.

Michael and Peggy Webster  

P.S.  This is a little silly, but we were quite taken with the little, personalized bags our take-home food was packaged in... not a big deal, but something that left us with a cozy, homey feeling as we departed.  I like all kinds of restaurants, from high-class ritz to friendly local mom and pop operations, and Cannon's fits right in there up towards the top, perfectly appropriate for the California Coast.  Maybe we'll see you there....


For other Laguna Journal Restaurant reviews go to: www.lagunajournal.com

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