Cafe Pacific   

Cafe Pacific's location in Highland Park Village makes it an easy choice for the Highland Park crowd, but the restaurant also attracts a variety of celebrities. Diners agree that this seafood institution is a natural choice for celebrations or for a romantic evening. The elegant dining room, with a black and white tiled floor and white linen covered tables, evokes a sense of being transported back to New York City in the 1940s. However, it is the modern and innovative seafood menu that is most appealing to diners. For starters, try the calamari dish, lightly breaded and seasoned with Cajun spices -- easily shared by two. One of the most highly regarded restaurant specialties is short-smoked salmon layered atop roasted vegetable couscous with a red wine tarragon sauce and mushroom ragout. Cafe Pacific offers an extensive selection of California wines, carefully selected to complement any of the house specialties. Don't leave without trying one of the desserts, including a mouth-watering bananas Foster bread pudding. -- MaryAnn Holder-Browne