Napa vibe in Corona del Mar’s popular Gulfstream

Gulfstream restaurant brags that it has California’s first community hand-washing sink -- a large stainless steel basin you can find just past the dining area. But this really is the least exciting feature about the popular dining spot in Corona del Mar Plaza.

I can think of even better attributes: Gulfstream’s romantic patio with fire pits that keep you toasty on the chilliest nights; the unusual no-corkage fee on favorite wines you bring with you; the grilled seafood that’s simple (mesquite-grilled with salt and pepper) yet still stands out; and absolutely the best hot-fudge sundae in town -- giant scoops of ice cream smothered in steaming fudge with whipped cream and candied pecans.

Recently, Gulfstream added another attraction: lunch. Now the place to be seen on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night will undoubtedly be the spot for the business crowd at noontime.

Gulfstream is a member of the stellar Houston’s restaurant chain, a comfortable and stylish eatery that prepares classic American dishes. Founder George Biel, who has a knack for creating successful restaurant concepts, opened Houston’s in 1977 in, of all unlikely places, Nashville. Since then, his lineup of restaurants has expanded to more than 40 locations across the country under various names, including the Cherry Creek Grill in Denver, Palm Beach Grill in Palm Beach and Rutherford Grill in Napa Valley.