By Grace Hiney
Happily, I was asked to review Gladstone’s just as everyone seemed to think that this famous, long-time restaurant was about to close.
Now I can assure you that this well-established restaurant is not closing for at least two years, and possibly five years. The restaurant has been refurbished with many new pieces of kitchen equipment, along with several improvements in the bar and dining areas, such as new flooring, a larger bar area and a new menu.
Fortunately, the atmosphere is as warm and welcoming as ever. Sitting in a booth overlooking the ocean is a delight that goes on throughout your meal, as there is always something fascinating to look at when the ocean waves hit the sand.
The new menu starts with four selections from the Raw Bar and Chilled Shellfish, followed by an octet of appetizers. We started with a bite of the excellent warm sourdough loaf with whipped butter.
A shared lobster thermidor followed, and was exceptional. The one-pound fresh Maine lobster was sautéed in a shallot, brandy and gruyere sauce, with toasted panko breadcrumbs. It was delicious to the last bite. This superb shared appetizer is $35.
There are many other less expensive choices such as onion rings (sweet yellow onions with panko breading, parmesan and parsley) for $10 and steamed clams ($15) or a fried fisherman’s platter of fish, calamari, clams, shrimp and onion rings ($30).
Oysters Rockefeller was featured with butter- and parmesan-roasted oysters served on a bed of rock salt with pesto breadcrumbs, plus spinach and watercress. It was beautifully presented, delightful and light ($25).
Next, on this side of the menu, are soups and a quartet of salads. These vary from a California salad ($10) to a shrimp and Crab Louie ($25). The latter consists of jumbo shrimp, crab, bacon, iceberg and romaine let-
tuce along with haricot vert and a Louie dressing—enough for a full meal.
Dinner entrees include Catch of the Day ($25) and Surf & Turf ($95), which includes a one-pound Maine lobster and a nine-ounce filet mignon, along with mashed potatoes and green beans.
There are eight “Ocean Fare” meals such as lobster with mac & cheese ($25); fried shrimp with French fries and coleslaw ($30); linguine and clams ($30); and a whole roasted branzino ($45).
From “The Land” section there is a roasted chicken ($30), a nine-oz. filet mignon ($45), a 14-oz. hand-cut ribeye ($55) and a classic burger ($20).
There is something for every appetite at Gladstone’s.
We very much enjoyed the Catch of the Day: Alaskan halibut with its garlic and onion, superb mashed potatoes and haricots vert. The chef does an excellent job.
Side dishes include hand-cut Kennebec, or sweet potato fries, sautéed greens and baked potatoes as well as grilled asparagus. All foods here are made in-house—no boxed goods. And for dessert, try the delicious Key lime pie with its tasty crispy crust, whipped cream and topping of a strawberry and blackberry. A perfect dessert!
The “new” Gladstone’s also has an upcoming treat for drivers who haven’t had breakfast and are driving along the coast. If they call in between 7 and 10 a.m. they can order their coffee and breakfast and just drive in and pick it up. The menu will include Caffe Luxxe and eggs; this service will start on May 7.
If cocktails, wine and beer are what you like along with your meal, you are in good hands here. The restaurant is open daily. Valet parking is $11. For more information, visit http://www.gladstones.com.
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