Blue Point Coastal Cuisine   

The Cohn Group runs several of San Diego's signature eateries -- The Corvette Diner, The Prado and Little Italy's fab and innovative Indigo Grill. The group's Blue Point Coastal Cuisine is their seafood offering to San Diego diners, with a bar that serves martinis big enough to swim in (the big gulps are described as "Dean Martin-style"). Slightly less "themey" than that of the other Cohn Group restaurants, the atmosphere at Blue Point is sophisticated and grown up while remaining accessible for family dinners and casual get-togethers. The three magic words location, location and location are key, with Fifth Avenue pride maximized by window-on-the-world plate glass windows. The menu isn't as inventive as the one found at Indigo Grill, but can still hold its own against other Gaslamp contenders. The kitchen has fun enticing diners with oyster-bar delicacies, griddled jumbo lump crab cakes and spicy Thai calamari before settling down to serious business with entrees such as pan-seared dayboat scallops and caramelized salmon. Anyone with room left can dive into a variety of homemade desserts; consider sharing, as portions are generous. Suggested dress is urban-casual chic (if it can be considered beach wear, don't wear it), and the vibe calls for relaxed dining (don't come in a hurry). Tip: Blue Point has valet parking available on Market Street; pricey, but worth it in the Gaslamp.