Sailing off to Glasspar for Our Sixth Anniversary Dinner

Discover an unforgettable sixth anniversary dinner at Glasspar in Dana Point, featuring fresh seafood, vibrant dishes, and a coastal vibe. A perfect romantic dining experience.

Celebrating a milestone like a sixth wedding anniversary calls for something special—a night out that’s more than just a meal, but a memory to cherish. After last year’s takeout from a Mexican restaurant, which was fine but lacked the charm of a proper dining experience, my partner Katie and I were eager to reclaim the ritual of dressing up, making reservations, and enjoying a leisurely evening with exceptional food. Glasspar, a seafood-centric restaurant in Dana Point, California, promised just that. Nestled in a vibrant retail center near Dana Point Harbor, Glasspar had earned a spot on my restaurant wishlist after being named one of Orange Coast Magazine’s best restaurants. With its East Coast seafood hall vibe and West Coast casual flair, it seemed like the perfect setting to mark our sixth year of marriage. Here’s how our evening unfolded, from the ambiance to the food, and even a nod to the storied history of the Glasspar name, rooted in the legacy of fiberglass boats.

The Glasspar Experience: Ambiance and Setting

Glasspar sits in a bustling retail plaza alongside Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern and the underrated What A Dish Cafe, just steps from the scenic Dana Point Harbor. The restaurant occupies the former space of Mahe, a once-popular sushi spot, but Glasspar has transformed it into something far more distinctive. Helmed by chef-owner Rob Wilson, who honed his skills at the Chart House and various prestigious Orange County resorts, Glasspar opened in late 2019 with a clear vision: to blend the hearty, communal feel of an East Coast seafood dining hall with the laid-back warmth of Southern California.

We were seated on the spacious outdoor patio, which overlooks the heart of the retail center. The setting was lively yet relaxed, with the coastal breeze adding a refreshing touch to the evening. The patio’s open design and tasteful decor created an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a celebratory dinner. Glasspar’s menu spans brunch, lunch, and dinner, with significant overlap in offerings, ensuring flexibility for diners. Dinner entrees range from $18 to market price for premium selections like swordfish and halibut, with a few non-seafood options for those less inclined toward oceanic flavors.

A Culinary Journey: Our Anniversary Menu

Our meal began with appetizers that set the tone for the evening. Katie opted for the Glasspar Caesar ($13), a classic rendition featuring long strips of romaine lettuce, generous shavings of parmesan, a single large crouton, and two white anchovies crowning the dish. The salad struck a perfect balance—crisp, tangy, and savory, with the anchovies adding a subtle umami kick. While I prefer a chopped Caesar to avoid extra knife work, Katie enjoyed it as is, appreciating the fresh ingredients and well-balanced dressing.

I chose the Glasspar Clam Chowder ($12), a darker, heartier version than most. Packed with tender clams, chunks of potato, and smoky bacon in every spoonful, it was the epitome of comfort food. The rich, velvety broth had a depth of flavor that made it a standout, and I’d argue it’s a must-order for any visitor.

For her entree, Katie surprised me by bypassing the seafood-heavy menu and choosing the 10-Ounce Prime Grilled Short Rib ($36). The dish was a visual masterpiece, with vibrant green broccolini, bright red blistered tomatoes, and a rich chasseur sauce draped over perfectly sliced steak. The short rib was tender and flavorful, with the sauce adding a luxurious depth. A bed of celery root puree, partially hidden beneath the vegetables, added a creamy contrast that I regret not sampling. Katie raved about the dish, noting its bold flavors and colorful presentation.

True to my love for seafood, especially with the ocean so close, I went for the IPA Fish and Chips ($18). The dish was a triumph—lightly breaded, crispy, and not at all greasy, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. The fish, likely halibut, was mild and flaky, allowing the IPA-infused batter, house-made tartar sauce, and atomic cocktail sauce to shine. The accompanying duck fat fries, dusted with parmesan and chives, were elevated further by a side of garlic aioli I requested, as the fries arrived without a dipping sauce. This dish was a fitting celebration of our six years together—simple yet executed with precision.

We rounded out the meal with Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($12), a side that’s become a staple at many restaurants but was uniquely elevated at Glasspar. The sprouts were paired with creamy goat cheese, pomegranate molasses, and crispy bacon, creating a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the molasses complemented the earthy sprouts and tangy cheese, making this a side dish worth ordering again.

For dessert, we shared the Desserted Island ($12), described as a butter cake but reminiscent of a cross between a molten lava cake and an Almond Joy. The warm cake oozed chocolate when pierced, surrounded by toasted coconut and topped with coconut ice cream. While delicious, the ice cream melted quickly against the hot cake, leaving us wishing for a bit more to balance the dish. Still, it was a sweet end to a memorable meal.

The Glasspar Legacy: A Nod to Fiberglass Boats

The name “Glasspar” carries a rich history that resonates beyond the restaurant. Founded in the late 1940s by Bill Tritt in Costa Mesa, California, the Glasspar Company was a pioneer in fiberglass boat manufacturing. Tritt’s passion for marine architecture led to the creation of the first fiberglass masts and spars, and by the mid-1950s, Glasspar was producing 15-20% of all fiberglass boats sold in the U.S. Models like the Superlite, a sleek 9’8” speedboat, and the Citation, a 16-foot runabout, became icons of their time, known for their innovative hull designs and durability.

The restaurant’s name pays homage to this legacy, evoking a sense of nautical adventure and craftsmanship. As a teenager, I dreamed of owning a Glasspar Superlite, sketching its sleek lines on my school notebooks. Decades later, I stumbled across one in Altata, Mexico—a beat-up relic used by local boys for fishing. The sight stirred nostalgia, but practicality won out; at this stage in life, restoring a vintage boat isn’t in the cards. Still, dining at Glasspar felt like a nod to that youthful dream, connecting the past with the present in a way that made our anniversary even more meaningful.

Reflecting on the Evening: Hits and Misses

The food at Glasspar exceeded our expectations, living up to its reputation as a top-tier dining destination. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that made the meal a highlight of our anniversary. The Caesar salad, clam chowder, short rib, fish and chips, Brussels sprouts, and dessert all delivered, showcasing Chef Rob Wilson’s skill and the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

However, the pacing of the meal was a notable downside. Our evening stretched to nearly two and a half hours, with a 50-minute wait between the appetizers and entrees. While we had no other plans, the slow service tested our patience, especially since the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy. Staffing challenges may have played a role, but it was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar experience.

Glasspar Boat Restoration: A Parallel Passion

The Glasspar name also sparked curiosity about the boats that inspired it. Online forums like Fiberglassics.com and iBoats.com reveal a dedicated community of enthusiasts restoring vintage Glasspar boats, such as the Citation and Marathon. One user, apson, shared their journey of restoring a 1960 Glasspar Marathon, tackling issues like a rotted transom and floor. The process involves careful consideration of the transom’s condition, often requiring replacement due to water damage from outboard motor mounts or drain tubes.

To illustrate the restoration process, here’s a simplified workflow for assessing and replacing a transom, based on advice from experienced restorers:

Restorers emphasize using lightweight materials like 12-ounce biaxial tape over heavier 1708 fabric to save on epoxy and ensure a stronger, lighter laminate. Tools like a Fein Multimaster or a hand saw are recommended for precision cutting, especially when separating the hull and cap, which are often glassed together in older models like the Marathon.

Why Glasspar Stands Out

Glasspar’s appeal lies in its ability to blend culinary excellence with a nod to Southern California’s maritime heritage. The restaurant’s seafood-forward menu, vibrant atmosphere, and coastal location make it a standout choice for special occasions. While the service could use refinement, the food and ambiance make it a worthy destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Dana Point.

For our sixth anniversary, Glasspar delivered a night of exceptional flavors and a touch of nostalgia, connecting our personal milestone to the legacy of a brand that once defined innovation in boating. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a romantic evening out, Glasspar offers something special.

Pricing and Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the dishes we enjoyed, along with their prices and key details:

Final Thoughts

Glasspar proved to be a fitting choice for our sixth anniversary, offering a dining experience that was both delicious and evocative of a bygone era. The food was a highlight, with each dish showcasing fresh ingredients and creative execution. While the slow service was a minor drawback, it didn’t overshadow the overall enjoyment of the evening. For anyone in Orange County looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a seafood feast, Glasspar is a destination worth visiting. And for those with a passion for history, the restaurant’s namesake adds a layer of intrigue, tying the experience to the legacy of Glasspar boats that once cruised the waters of California and beyond.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 fiberglass boats.

For more information, visit Glasspar’s official website or explore the Glasspar Owners Association for details on the boats that inspired the name.

Happy Boating!

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