By Kristina Pritchett
Coastal Kitchen owners Christina and Mike Grant welcomed members of the public, city officials and friends to officially open the restaurant with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday afternoon.
The building originally opened in 1924 as a gas station and had a café beside it, making it one of the city’s most historic sites. Now, there are sliding doors to open up to Pacific Coast Highway, hardwood floors and a nautical theme to go with the cuisine.
“The bar here is where the original café was,” said Christina Grant. “We wanted to keep some of that feeling of the original building but also make it a bit more modern.”
The Grants wanted to open a restaurant together for a few years, and that dream was made possible earlier this year when plans to open the eatery began.
“My husband probably has wanted to open his own restaurant since he was 14,” Grant said.
She said Mike has worked in the restaurant business for multiple years and was ready to start his own business in the area.
“We looked around and said the city needs more options,” Grant said. “Plus, we’re from around here and love the area.”
Members of the city said they were excited for the restaurant to join the city.
“I think it’s exciting,” said Council member Carlos Olvera.
The eatery currently is only serving dinner, but Grant said in about a week or so they will be opening for lunch.
The menu has everything from sandwiches, to salads, to rotisserie chicken and steak, and plenty of appetizers to choose from.
“My favorites are the pork belly bites and fava bean dip,” Grant said.
Grant said the whole menu is fresh and there is something for everyone at different prices.
Coastal Kitchen, 34091 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.449.2822, www.coastalkitchendanapoint.com.
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