A HISTORIC LOCATION
Coastal Kitchen’s location dates back to the 1920’s and was the first commercial building in Dana Point. The Blue Lantern Fountain Lunch served as a cafe and service station to Pacific Coast Highway travelers and was the stopping point between Los Angeles and San Diego in the 20’s and 30’s. The owner was Anna Walters, a Laguna Beach realtor who was a partner in the first land development in Dana Point. Anna retained her investment when Sidney H. Woodruff’s investors purchased Dana Point. The gazebo located at the end of Blue Lantern was built to complement the cafe and service station providing a beautiful view of the harbor. S.H. Woodruff was famous for developing the Hollywoodland tract in the Hollywood Hills and the iconic sign that became HOLLYWOOD when restored. Woodruff had big plans to develop Dana Point but the 1930‘s crash put a stop to his vision. This historical structure represents over 90 years of Dana Point history. Coastal Kitchen’s extensive renovation pays tribute to the building’s historic Spanish Colonial revival architecture.
ABOUT THE OWNERS
Michael and Christina Grant own and operate Coastal Kitchen. They both share a passion for the culinary arts and have extensive experience in the restaurant industry.
Mike was 14 when he began his restaurant experience at Chuck’s Steak House in Tampa, FL. He graduated college with a B.S. in Biology from Florida State University. He gained experience while working at the Phyrst, Julie’s Place, and Malone’s Bar & Grill all in Florida. At 22, Mike became the General Manager of Sundance Mine Company, a fine dining restaurant in Palo Alto, California. A few years later he started his 24 year journey with Houston’s Restaurants, now Hillstone Restaurant Group. He operated and opened over a dozen locations with Hillstone holding multiple positions of Culinary Manager, General Manager, Regional Supervisor and Executive. Locally, Mike has supervised Gulfstream Restaurant, Bandera, R&D Kitchen and Houston’s Restaurant.
Christina is a licensed CPA. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.S. in Business Economics and Finance. Christina was introduced to the restaurant industry after meeting Mike. They have always shared a passion for cooking, entertaining, and experiencing great restaurants. Christina began as an accountant at R+D Kitchen in Newport Beach. A few years later, after earning her CPA license, Christina served as a Corporate Accountant for Hillstone Restaurant Group overseeing multiple store locations.
Their mission at Coastal Kitchen is to deliver a quality dining experience in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a consistency that will bring guests back again and again.
