Great View, Indifferent Service
Fresh seafood and a beautiful of the Laguna Beach coastline characterize Claes. The wine list is extensive and well matched to the food, with a decent "by the glass" selection. The food is "fusion" cuisine, but it's not over the top: Chilean Sea Bass with an English Pea Jus; lovely seared scallops.

The service can be painfully slow and indifferent, and despite this being a non-chain restaurant, the owner's knowledge that he'll always have customers for that incredible view means that he too is indifferent to service issues. You may wait 20 minutes or more for dessert; service between courses may stretch to 25 minutes or more even at lunch; your dessert may never even arrive. Don't bother complaining ... just check the bill, take a last look at the view, and move on. Unfortunately after my last Claes experience, in which the owner didn't even acknowledge a written note about service problems, I've left Claes permanently for better spots. But I'm a local and can always get a "room with a view." If you're a tourist, Las Brisas, Splashes, and the Beach House - all offer equally beautiful views, food that is delicious, and more caring service.    [27 Jul 2004 20:45:10]

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