It was a little chilly on the evening we dined at the Waterside Restaurant. However, we had been in California for several days and had yet to dine alfresco, so we requested patio seating. We wanted to experience the full ambiance of dining seaside before we started traveling inland, and the Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar was the place to do it. The view of the fishing boats docked in the Channel Islands Harbor, the sound of lapping waves and the aroma of salty sea air was the perfect setting. Our host seated us adjacent to the fire pit and set an overhead heater next to our table to ensure we’d stay warm enough while we dined. That thoughtful gesture was the beginning of a lovely dining experience.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option. Read more