For the dinner entree ($18-$43), the restaurant's namesake -- lobster -- is where it's at, and comes in all shapes and sizes. There are those for petite appetites, unlike mine, and then there are those lobsters that literally need their own table as witnessed by a colleague of mine on another occasion at the restaurant. As a die-hard lobster lover and a seafood aficionado, I found it quite difficult to settle on which equally enticing entrée would grace my palate on this evening. After much deliberation, I opted for the 1.5 pound steamed American lobster ($24 per pound), which I had shelled in the kitchen to save myself the effort and mess, that came with flavorful roasted potatoes, rather understated asparagus and drawn butter. The unadulterated meat was extremely sweet and delicate -- not at all salty or chewy. Other lobster options included a 2.5 pound herb grilled American lobster ($25 per pound) with lemon garlic butter and a 1.4 pound pan roasted American lobster ($42) taken out of the shell, sautéed with a Jim Beam sauce and served over whipped potatoes.

Our party also ordered the Dungeness crab stuffed filet mignon medallions with wild mushroom gnocchi, sautéed spinach and a shrimp brandy sauce. I tasted more than a few bites of this dish and would highly recommend it. The steak was tender enough to be cut with a fork, and the crab meat stuffing and shrimp-flavored sauce in combination with the deep green spinach gave the dish great depth.

Other entrees that were fishing for my order but will have to wait for another one of my expeditions to The Lobster included the mouthwatering seared day boat sea scallops with lobster home fries and shrimp bisque sauce; grilled Catalina white seabass with forbidden black rise risotto, tomato ginger relish and a hint of curry; kasu marinated Hawaiian mahi mahi with sticky brown, almond and shiitake and scallion rice, chili spiced haricot vert and house teriyaki; and the sautéed New Zealand John Dory with whipped potatoes, lobster salad and white truffle beurre blanc. Those who are not carb-conscious should strongly consider the Alaskan King crab and American lobster pasta -- a medley of fresh black angel hair pasta, Manila clams, black mussels, scallops, tiger shrimp, seabass, roasted garlic, and julienne tomato in a saffron fume blanc.

Other menu options for non-seafood lovers include a grilled 12-ounce New York strip steak with sliced vine ripened tomato and truffle parmesan fries and a fall herb marinated roasted half free range chicken with chive whipped potatoes, sautéed spinach and roasted chicken jus.

Of course, food this divine calls for a libation from the restaurant's noteworthy wine selection, which earned the 2004 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The comprehensive list has choices for every type of wine...from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to sparkling wines, Champagne, Riesling and chardonnay. There are also other varietals and blends to choose from in full or half bottles or by the glass.

Dessert at The Lobster was yet more delicious confusion. Although the Farmstand blackberry cobbler with sweet scone crumble, pecan streusel and vanilla ice cream among the other sweet selections sounded fantastic, I chose the chocolate bread pudding with hot fudge sauce, sweet ream and vanilla ice cream that was thoroughly enjoyed with a hot, fresh and decidedly robust cup of Joe.

I would be remiss to not mention the impeccable service offered at The Lobster as one of its many compelling attributes. The waitstaff clearly aims to please by making educated recommendations, and they are only too happy to accommodate any special requests.

I also strive to point out when a business is doing its part to preserve the environment and reduce its carbon footprint. The Lobster did recently receive its Green Business Certificate from Sustainable Works. The operation employs low voltage lighting and a recycling program for just about everything in the restaurant, including turning its oil and grease into biodiesel fuel. Meats and fish are purchased from sustainable growers, while solar panels have been installed and water and energy conservation tactics implemented.

In all, The Lobster restaurant set the stage for a family dining experience as perfect as any I've ever had. Eating incredibly fresh and flavorful seafood with my husband amid a gorgeous summer sunset that backlit our children's equally fresh faces is, for me, as good as it gets.

The Lobster restaurant is located at 1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401. Due to its overwhelming popularity as a premier dining locale and the possibility of the restaurant being booked for a private function, dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Visit www.TheLobster.com for more information.

- Merilee Kern
JustLuxé.com's "The Luxe List" Executive Review Editor

The Luxe List product, service and travel review editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for new and captivating "musts." Submissions accepted via e-mail at Merilee@JustLuxe.com.