Gemmell's French Restaurant in the Harbor: Ooh La La

This week we took a little trip to the Continent, without using our passports, by going to Gemmell’s Restaurant in the harbor in Dana Point. The white wrought iron door and the French music that drifts out through it, gives customers a hint to the French flavor that waits inside.

The night we visited there was a large party in the main dining room, so we opted to dine in the front portion of the restaurant, which is a completely enclosed patio. The main dining room is pretty and more formal, while the patio is charming with a small fireplace, mirrored walls, gauzy draperies and white linens.

We sat down at a table near the small fireplace and looked over the menus. The wine list was fairly extensive, with a full page of champagnes and sparkling wines and lots of other French reds and whites, in addition to nice options from California and other regions. I thought I would try one of the several champagne cocktails served. I selected the Kir Royale raspberry and my husband chose his favorite, a Manhattan.

This week, we were lucky to have our daughter join us for dinner, and since she had recently been in Paris for a few days, we thought it would be fun for her to come and share her French food insights. We all looked over the menu, which is fairly concise. Appetizers include some distinctly French options including, champignons (wild mushrooms), casserole of escargots, feuillette (a puff pasty filled with vegetables and served with a wine sauce), and pate de canard. In addition, there is smoked salmon served on toast points with aspic. There are also a few soup choices and a variety of salads.

Dinner entrées include chicken Elizabeth, a dish made of artichoke hearts, and Gulf shrimp in a citrus Chardonnay sauce. There are several seafood dishes, steak, rack of lamb, roasted duck and fresh Maine lobster.

We wanted to try a good sampling of the menu, so we each ordered a starter and an entrée.  My daughter chose the lobster bisque and the shrimp Provencale, large Gulf shrimp sautéed with garlic, diced Roma tomatoes, basil, parsley, capers sauce, rice and vegetables. My husband chose the shrimp cocktail and the poached salmon, served in a cream dill sauce. I selected the wilted spinach salad and Gemelli pasta, a mix of pasta, shrimp and sautéed vegetables in a Dijon mustard Sauvignon Blanc sauce.

Our starters arrived shortly after a basket of hot, fresh rolls had been delivered. The bisque came in a large bowl and my daughter enjoyed the creamy soup very much. The shrimp cocktail included four large, butterflied shrimp. My wilted spinach salad, served with flambéed bacon dressing and lots of tender, fresh spinach was excellent.

The entreés also arrived in a timely manner and were nicely presented. The salmon and shrimp Provencale were served with a side of assorted vegetables, including a bit of sweet potato, which was a nice surprise. The Gemelli pasta portion was enormous, and had lots of delicious, large shrimp mixed in, along with fresh vegetables. 

If we had brought bigger appetites, we could have enjoyed one of Gemmell’s tempting desserts, such as the chocolate soufflé, crème Brule, fruit tarts, chocolate mousse, or gluten-free cheesecake. The dessert menu also includes a variety of after-dinner drinks and coffees, and suggests pairings, in case you are not sure which drink will best complement your dessert.

We really enjoyed our dinner at Gemmell’s and plan to return. The food, ambiance and service were all enjoyable.

Gemmell’s is open for lunch Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday brunch is available 10 a.m.to 3 p.m

I give Gemmell’s 4 Patches out of 5.