Did you read my Valentine’s blog about taking my wife to In-N-Out for burgers? Here’s the truth: I screwed up the reservations for Valentine’s dinner at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Coast. I couldn’t get the reservation, so I opted for the next day and booked a hotel at the Hyatt in Newport Beach since we were meeting my daughter Erica and son-in-law Bo the next day for brunch at the Sherman Library and Gardens. That, my friends, is why we spent Valentine’s night at home eating In-N-Out burgers.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed it. Ruby? Not so much. No husband on the planet, regardless of how long he’s been married, will make his wife happy by handing her a Number 1, Animal Style, with fried onions and chopped chili peppers. She tolerated it. But happy? Not even close. I knew I had to make it up to her, so I secured a Saturday reservation at Mastro’s and booked us a hotel.
I wish I could tell you I hit a home run on my second at-bat, but I didn’t. I swung and missed.
Strike Two: Mastro’s Mix-Up
We got dressed up, ready for our redemption dinner, and drove to Mastro’s—only to realize I had made the reservation at the wrong location. Instead of Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Coast, I booked Mastro’s at South Coast Plaza. If you’re a Mastro’s fan, you know Ocean Club is the better restaurant. The servers, the ambiance, the entire experience—it’s just superior. Geoffrey, I know you’re trying to make them all the same, but everything depends on leadership. The culture of a restaurant is 100% based on the manager, and Ocean Club has it figured out.
But it didn’t matter. Ruby wasn’t having it. South Coast Plaza was a no-go.
The Hail Mary: Gulfstream
At this point, I was two strikes in, and the night could have ended in disaster. But then, I remembered our old faithful: Gulfstream. If you live in Newport Beach, you know Gulfstream. If you’re a true OG, you remember when it was Cowboy’s. This is hands down the best surf-and-turf spot in the area. Steaks? Phenomenal. Seafood? Unmatched. Wine selection? Top-tier.
I called, and by some miracle, we got on the waitlist. We rushed over, checked in, and found ourselves on the back patio, surrounded by fire pits and good-looking people, waiting for our table.
How was I doing at this point? Still at bat. Two strikes. No balls. Then, Gulfstream threw me a fastball right down the middle. I swung—and I hit it out of the park.
Gulfstream: The Save
Our waitress, Kerrie, was incredible. She attentively set the tone for the night, making us feel like VIPs. We started with a Walt Chardonnay for Ruby (which she swore was the strongest white wine she’d ever had) and an Old Fashioned for me, with extra cherries. One sip, and I knew—Gulfstream wasn’t skimping on the alcohol.
Then came the starters: The smoked tuna dip with saltine crackers. The world-famous Gulfstream biscuits with honey and butter. If you haven’t had them, stop what you’re doing, get in your car, and go. Right now.
I need a better word than “scrumptious” to describe them. Luxurious. Addictive. Unholy. I could have eaten them for the entire meal and been satisfied. We waited exactly one hour and 15 minutes for our table—but between the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere, we barely noticed.
Gulfstream is Casual Dining (But We Were Overdressed)
Now, Gulfstream is casual dining. But we were dressed for Mastro’s. Me? Dinner jacket and designer jeans.
Ruby? A black leather jacket, a black leather skirt, and thigh-high leather boots—like she walked straight off the runway in Milan, Italy. My Nubian Queen.
Jo, our server, looked at us and said, “You two are a gorgeous couple.” Ruby smiled and said, “We weren’t meant to go to Mastro’s tonight because Eric fcked up the reservations. We were meant to meet you.”
Enter Jo – The Disney Princess of Gulfstream
Our table was ready, and that’s when we met Jo. I swear, this woman was straight out of a Disney movie. A mix of Cinderella, Ariel, and Jasmine. Her personality was magnetic, and before we knew it, we were deeply conversing about her life, family, boyfriend, job offers, dreams, and love of artichokes. It wasn’t just a download of information. It unfolded organically over the two hours we were there.
I know what you’re thinking. “Eric, this was a Valentine’s dinner with your wife. Why were you both talking to the server?” Because Jo was amazing.
Meeting the Manager – The Power of Relationships
We asked Jo to send over the manager. That night, it was Eric (yes, spelled correctly!). I told him:
“Eric, we’ve been coming here for 25 years. We’ve celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, and even Valentine’s Day. I am the CEO of The Power Is Now Media. I produce and write TV shows, podcasts, and magazines about real estate, and I will write about our dinner tonight. I have to tell you that we weren’t supposed to be here. We were going to Mastro’s. But I’m so glad we didn’t make it because tonight’s food was incredible. The ribeye steak with the demi-glaze was cooked to absolute perfection. The lump crab cakes were to die for. And the artichoke? Took Jo and Ruby down memory lane on how to prepare them at home.
But the true highlight of the evening was Jo. Gulfstream hit a home run hiring her. Her personality, conversation, and storytelling made our dinner fun and engaging. I will write about her and this whole experience tonight. It will be on Yelp, my blog, and LinkedIn. We’ve been coming for 25 years and will keep coming because it’s a great restaurant. We feel lucky to be here tonight.”**
The Sweet Ending – Lemon Meringue Pie & Future VIP Status
Eric was thrilled to hear everything we had to say. He offered us a free dessert—lemon meringue pie—which we happily accepted. And yes, it was delicious.
But I told Eric what I really wanted. I wanted him to remember me. Because let’s be real—someday, I might need him when I forget an anniversary, birthday, or holiday. Sometimes, it’s not what you know—it’s who you know. And Eric? He’s my new best friend.
Final Verdict – A Night to Remember
What a night. I barely survived, but I came out victorious.
Happy wife, happy life.
Feeling hungry? Go to Gulfstream in Newport Beach. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.
Let’s Talk Great Food & Unforgettable Nights!
Have you ever had a dining experience that started as a disaster but turned into an unforgettable night? Or maybe you’ve found a hidden gem of a restaurant that deserves some love? I’d love to hear your stories!
Email: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com
Phone: 714-475-8629
Website: www.thepowerisnow.com