Cuisine:

• American
• Sea food
• Californian

The Shoals Description:
At high tide, pounding waves can mist the oceanfront patio as diners watch dolphins leaping past. Palm trees sprout from a manmade island just offshore, creating tropical silhouettes at dusk. It is without question one of the most idyllic settings for a meal anywhere on the California coast. Yes, everyone loves the view. The rest of the dining experience, however, doesn't stand up to the dreamy backdrop. The surf 'n' turf menu is uninspired, the food marred by inconsistency. Local sea bass appears tempting on the menu but may arrive to your table overcooked. Even the burgers and lunch salads are unpredictable. There are those who appreciate the unpretentiousness of this quirky hotel restaurant. Serious foodies, though, are generally frustrated by what could be. Of course, on a good night---or better yet, a pleasant late afternoon---fresh steamed mussels or pan-seared scallops with lobster nage risotto join forces with the poetic locale and you sit blissfully on the patio, wondering why there's rarely a wait for a table.


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