The Family ate out at Clare and Don's tonight. I'd originally tripped over it online while feverishly checking for any updates on the FC City Center Project. At any rate, I quickly learned that there's more to this restaurant than just a nice ring to their name. You see, for those of you who are like me and have been living under a rock as of late, Clare and Don's beach shack is owned by the owners who brought us Mexicali Blue's and Lazy Sundae. They originally opened in "Clarendon", get it?(Don't worry, I didn't get it at first ether) At any rate, we had a really great time! We originally tried going on friday night, but the wait was too long, so we left. However we ventured back out tonight, a little earlier mind you, and were easily sat at around a quarter to 6pm. However, there was a line by the time we were getting our check at 7. I was gonna write up a nice little review, but I'm tired and found one that sums it up nicely from AOL City Guide.:) However, I do need to say that it's a great place for all including young families....oh and I highly suggest getting one of their Mai Tai's too! Also just for the record, we ordered hush puppies to start(tasty) along with a salad and crab bisque(not too shabby), chris had a chix burrito w/ brown rice and black beans(really enjoyed it), olivia ordered the fish and chips(so bizarre, but she ate them all up!) and I had shrimp basket -1/2 buffalo and 1/2 coconut shrimp(big and delicious). Also, you should know that they're vegetarian friendly with a good selection of tofu options under their "empty net" section on their menu. Also, you can sub fries for veggies and/or corn on the cobb! I give it 5 stars! It'll be packed come summertime with their outdoor seating and great drinks!

Clare and Don's (get it?) is the fourth Claredon eatery established by the team that brought you local favorites Lazy Sundae, Mexicali Blues and the erstwhile Big Belly Deli. Clare and Don's unassuming storefront in the old Red, Hot & Blue Express location could be a transplant from the Rehoboth boardwalk, with live hermit crabs wandering on the sand behind the glass. The laid-back beach vibe continues inside, where seating is in the form of bar stools and picnic tables, and walls are adorned with rubber flip-flops and fishing nets. There's also a small alfresco dining area, good for people-watching.

One of the few joints in the area that focuses on seafood, the menu offers everything from alligator tail to surf-and-turf. Those who are looking to eschew breaded or fried food will have to tread lightly around the menu, although the owners do seem to have been conscientious enough to include a decent spectrum of non-fish and vegetarian items. A kids' menu and a bright atmosphere will surely beckon local families, while a decent beer selection and three TVs mounted above the separate bar area will give Clarendon bar-hoppers one more place to hang out. -- L. Adrienne Wichard (Photo: L. Adrienne Wichard)