One of My Favorite Romantic Restaurants-Shanghai RedsAug 11 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Shanghai Reds has a wonderful ambiance, dim, romantic lighting, delicious, diversified, menu offerings. Almost all seating is overlooking the water. Please read the review for all the details!
Shanghai Reds is located in the beautiful Marina del Rey area of Los Angeles. In fact it was the first restaurant built in Marina del Rey around forty years ago. Over that time they have gone through at least one name change, and have made some variations in the design of the restaurant. Some I have enjoyed and some changes were a disappointment to me, but it remains one of my favorite date restaurants. Shanghai Reds offers California Cuisine and seafood. Let’s approach Shanghai Reds, and I’ll take you on a little tour. We will see it at the end of the block occupied by Fisherman’s Village. We will pass El Torito, an Italian Restaurant, some shops. We have the option of parking in the public parking lot where, with validation, it is free for two hours. Or we can opt to take advantage of their complimentary valet parking. Approaching the restaurant and the décor: As we leave our car in the parking lot, or hand it over to the friendly valets, we will cross a trellis covered bridge overlooking Koi ponds. The fish are absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Let’s enter the restaurant. It is a Victorian style, but quite attractively designed. You’ll see people dining here of all different ages. The attire is California casual, but I’ve seen people dressed up as well. It is best to have reservations on the weekend, but during the week it probably won’t be necessary. The bar is off to the right and it is pretty open, can get loud, and I frankly preferred the bar area they had in years past, which was more intimate, had couches seated near fireplaces, entertainment, but we must move forward. Almost all of the seating will provide a gorgeous view of the water and boats; it is dimly lit, and I can imagine many marriage proposals took place at this restaurant. My companion and I went to dinner last night. It was a blind date, ergo no marriage proposal from either. Ironically we had both decided to be proactive and make reservations though we had left it open as to whether we would have a drink and appetizers or have dinner. Amazingly, they had neither one listed. That worried me a little, but they did seat us immediately. Our table and four chairs was of course overlooking the water. They do tend to be a bit close together, but for the view, the ambiance, it is worth it. We were immediately asked for our drink order. I ordered iced tea, my new friend ordered a soft drink. The waiter, whose English is a little difficult to understand then asked if we wished to order wine. We reiterated we just wanted the drinks ordered, but thank you. They brought a basket of delicious, hot, and fresh, Focaccio rolls and butter. We went ahead and ordered salads to precede our meals. The salads were pretty mediocre. They were brought quite promptly. For our entrees, my companion ordered the Grilled Pacific Swordfish with roasted garlic sauce for a little over $21.00. I opted for the Grilled Atlantic Salmon which was a little less. They were quite ample in size and attractively presented. I sampled his, and thought it was delicious; he thought it was average. I loved my salmon also. Both meals were accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes, which were chunky, had a weird texture and taste. They did not taste at all the way they did when I last dined there, just a couple of months ago. There were also fresh vegetables which were quite good. We were quite sated with our dinners, so did not order desserts. Of course I’ve had them many times in the past, but as desserts change, I don’t want to provide incorrect information. The desserts have always been wonderful. Some Other Entrees: Ciopinno, Tropical Scampi Chardonnay, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, Pastas, Chicken. The prices vary from around $15.00 to $25.00 on an average, with the exception of course of lobster. They do offer what they call their Sunset dinners for $10.95. You have your choice of four or five entrees, and these dinners are from 3:00PM to 6:00PM daily. Their wines are $4.95 a glass, mostly California, but some French and Italian. Wait-staff: The service is rather erratic. You’ll have very good service one time, and so-so service another time. I wouldn’t go there for the service. Overall Thoughts: No, this restaurant isn’t perfect. Most of the time the food is very good, and they do offer a wide variety of entrees. The view is fantastic, the ambiance wonderful. I have dined here numerous times over twenty years, and have always enjoyed it, and anyone I have introduced to the restaurant has told me how impressed they were. I guess I don’t have a problem with their little imperfections, I just love the restaurant, and the feeling it gives me. I highly recommend the restaurant in general. Don’t have expectations of exemplary service, and just go and enjoy the food, the ambiance, the company. I especially love their Sunday brunches. Additional Information: They had many private rooms; have wedding celebrations held at this restaurant, are kid-friendly. They hold Happy Hour from 4:00-7:00PM Monday through Friday and a not-to-be-believed, fantastic Champagne Sunday Brunch. Location/hours: 13813 Fiji Way Marina del Rey, CA Phone: 310/823-4522 Fax: 310/821-1656 Days/Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00AM-10:00PM Friday and Saturday 11:00AM through 11:00PM Sunday 9:00AM through 10:00PM Shanghai Reds is part of the Specialty Restaurant Corporation which also includes The Odyssey Restaurant, 94th Squadron, The Castaway,Ports O Call. If you wish a virtual tour, you can go to http://www.calendarlive.com They accept all credit cards, cash, travelers checks Hint: If making reservations, be sure to get the person’s name Thanks for reading! Suzi  |
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