When we were seated at a table in the impressive dining room with scenic views of Long Beach from harbor to downtown skyline we asked ourselves why it had taken us so long to return to Parkers" Lighthouse Restaurant in Shoreline Village.
We never did come up with a reason but vowed that we would be returning to this restaurant with its exciting, innovative seafood cuisine again in the near future.
We were there for lunch and so sat in the downstairs dining room.  On the third floor is the Queens Room, again with marvelous views and a dome ceiling that is truly spectactacular.
We were a party of three and decided to order small portions so we could taste as many of Executive Chef Jim Tate's culinary creations as possible.
A seafood platter arrived with calamari, fried shrimp, crab cake, lobster wraps of tortilla and guacamole.  We also tasted two popular favorites at Parkers', the seabass in a terriyaki sauce and the salmon also with its own special sauce.
Impressive is the two story wine room that now takes center stage in the dining room.  The restaurant has received national recognition for its wine collection.
We had the opportunity to chat with both General Manager David Maskello and Chef Tate.
Parkers' Lighthouse is located at 435 Shoreline village Drive in Long Beach.  Telephone 662 432-6500, web www.parkerslighthouse.com.  Open daily at 11 a.m.