Day at the museum (restaurant), Claire's

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, I made the far trek from the westside to Long Beach. My bestie Kristin lives in Orange County so the LBC is a natural mid-point. We decided on Claire's, the restaurant at the Long Beach Museum of Art. This came recommended by two of my friends.

Driving along Ocean Blvd., I was looking for a sterile, modern building and was surprised to find that the museum is a quaint, historic building situated on a cliff. The museum comprises of the restaurant/cafe, galleries and gardens.

The restaurant includes a dining room, but the coveted seats are at the outdoor patio. The patio has a sculpture in the center, and tables with yellow umbrellas, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We were seated at a table which had one of the best ocean views on the patio, however we were told that they had run out of umbrellas. It was annoying that some tables were shaded with two umbrellas while we were scorching in the sun. I left the restaurant with lobster-red arms.

We started our brunch with mimosas, which were cheap ($4). In that case, I'll have two! The menu includes breakfast items such as omelets, pancakes and eggs benedict, as well as lunch items (sandwiches, pastas, burgers).

I love breakfast menus and french toasts are my favorite. The french toast on this menu sounded interesting: Creme Brulee french toast, with apples, pecans, raisins and maple syrup $13. I'm sold.

The french toast was sweet and delicious, although I am not sure why it is listed as creme brulee; I couldn't exactly taste that flavor in the french toast. It was soft and fluffy, and was great when drenched in maple syrup. I liked the pecans as well, a little caramelized, which reminded me of the caramelized hazelnuts that I had in my dessert last night at Giorgio Baldi.

Kristin opted for the Chicken pita sandwich, which included chicken breasts, lettuce, olives, feta cheese, tatziki sauce, all on a pita with a choice of french fries or pasta salad ($12). Everything on this dish makes me cringe. Avocado, olives, feta cheese? Eeek. Needless to say, I didn't try this dish, however Kristin liked it, although it was not exceptional.

Claire's is a beautiful place to make a lunch stop if you are looking to bask in the gorgeous Cali sun. Overall, the food was decent. Not astounding. However the breathtaking view is really the winner. The bill was $47, excluding tip for four mimosas and two entrees. I noticed on the receipt that as a diner, you receive $5 (per person) off admission to the gallery. Could be a good, cultural weekend activity for the family.

Claire's at the Museum

Long Beach Museum of Art

2300 E. Ocean Blvd.,

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562) 439-2119

www.lbma.org/cafe.html