So many memories of Gladstone’s. I loved it after it opened in the early 80’s when it had the rundown beach spot for locals vibe. The food was cheap, plentiful and great. For a person in her 20’s just getting by, it was perfect to spend a day hanging out with a friend on the beach next to it then go in and dine.
Then it became a tourist attraction but still good. My mom and I would make sure to go for Lobsterfest every year. We wanted to be there at sunset because every sunset the entire restaurant would sing “I Love LA”. The staff even handed out cards with the lyrics. Of course we would go for birthdays so we could get a free and massive piece of really good chocolate cake.
Then it just didn’t survive. It became too expensive, too crowded, and not connecting with what it had been and could be. It’s time for that spot to evolve and move on, like we all do. We will see what Wolfgang Puck et al can do with it. But that’s for the next generation to discover, make their own and then bank those memories. Just like I have done with Gladstone’s
8/22/23