great experience. wow! i can't believe no one has written about this place before.
my partner and i were on our way back from urban fare when we ran into coast's gm and executive chef. after a brief chat we were reserved for two seats at the community table. after a year living above the place, hearing the happy sounds of the outdoor diners waft to our apartment, i now understand why these folks are so happy. great food, wonderful atmosphere, and excellent service.
our experience at the community table was fantastic. i love eating from a chef's tasting menu because i get to eat things that i ordinarily wouldn't order or get to sample a chef's specialties. bruce really gave us a meal to remember. the blueberry bread pudding, fois gras, toasted pistachios, and strawberry took me by surprise with the great combination of flavors and textures. the barley "risotto" with king crab and scallops gave me a new appreciation of great things you can do with barley!
this really was one of the best dining experiences i've had in any restaurant in any city.