Thank you for stopping to read the blog named mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today, because Kirk is preoccupied.
I've mentioned before that The Mister and I do not 'regift' items, including gift cards. We have found creative ways to use them if we don't really want to purchase a compete meal (all appetizer meals, only dessert meals, a cup of coffee a week...). However, we knew nothing about California Fish Grill and were curious when we received the card this year. There are multiple locations (four) in San Diego County and 33 more scattered throughout California along with one Arizona and two Las Vegas locations. Their website does note that the seafood sold here is responsibly sourced, so that is a plus.
The drill is similar to many places nowadays: walk up order, pay, find a seat, grab your own beverages and your number is called.
You pick up your tray and take it to your table.
Louisiana Delta (!) Catfish ($11.75), fried. Two sides to choose: kaleslaw and sweet potato fries (additional $1.99). Mild and flaky fish, lightly fried, this was two filets, a large portion, and very good with the house made tartar sauce. The kaleslaw is unique, yet not: it's chopped kale and shredded red cabbage in a mild, mayonnaise based slaw dressing (I detected a bit of sweet and salty and tangy, so there is either mustard or vinegar along with sugar and salt). The sweet potato fries were very well fried and seasoned and sweet in a good way.
Calamari and battered fish ($9.99) was my chance to try more frying techniques along with seeing how they squid was prepared here. The lightly breaded thick cut squid strips were crispy from the light fry. The swai filets had a nice, crisp batter; texture contrasts were nice. The sides of kaleslaw and regular French fries were very good.
I just had to try a bowl of the clam chowder ($5.49) and was impressed. Creamy, very rich broth with a deep clam flavor and clam pieces along with diced potatoes made this soup memorable. The keto shrimp bowl ($9.99) was a great choice. Plenty of grilled shrimp severs over a spring mix of various greens and topped with a Green Goddess dressing. Very tasty plump grilled shrimp (I love the char) and a very large serving.
Had to try the battered fish and chips meal ($9.50)-three pieces of swai, great, crispy French fries and Brussels sprouts (an upgraded side- $1.99). The sprouts were outstanding- still crisp but charred and a real treat.
Here is a cross section of the fish- good sized pieces and see how light the batter is?
Great food, attention to details, ambiance, and very nice people working here.
California Fish Grill multiple location Website Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
lots of delicious looking choices!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 23 August 2021 at 08:01 PM
I like the food at California Fish Grill, but it's been awhile since I've eaten there. Time for a visit soon!
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 23 August 2021 at 09:05 PM
A good variety here and really good quality, Kat.
Yes, Sandy- I want to try some of the grilled fish choices next. Everything so far has been great.
Posted by: Cathy | Tuesday, 24 August 2021 at 05:19 PM
They had some great tasting trout: https://www.hungryones.com/2020/03/california-fish-grill/
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 24 August 2021 at 05:54 PM
Wow-trout isn't on the menu right now, Soo; it's good to know that the availability is indeed seasonal and not frozen.I grew up with fresh water trout and ocean trout is different.
Posted by: Cathy | Thursday, 26 August 2021 at 03:46 AM
I'll have to try this place again. I went once and was not impressed. For me it was a philosophical issue - they market themselves as a healthy choice and yet my fish was swimming in and covered by grease. Maybe I just got the wrong thing and I shall give them a second chance.
Posted by: Joy | Sunday, 19 September 2021 at 08:36 PM
Oh, that would make me not want to go back, Joy. You can see from my photos that everything had a good fry and was not greasy; I would mention it. Give it another try.
Posted by: Cathy | Friday, 24 September 2021 at 03:53 PM