By LPJ
I craved for fried fish, and I got it. My daughter Joy and son-in-law Matt took me and my friend Angie to San Pedro Fish Market in Los Angeles last Sunday. San Pedro Port is a large shipping hub that houses cruise lines and the battleship Iowa used during World War II. The location also memorializes an old Japanese fishing community now part of a nostalgic history resulting from WW II events. The port also shows multiple lines of shipping crates and several cargo ships. Indeed, a very active commercial transportation center, among the largest in the country.
But that Sunday, San Pedro’s allure was the fish market restaurant that offers a rich combination of seafood cooked upon ordering. When we passed by the port on our way to a Palos Verdes hotel restaurant days before, the strong aroma of fish kicked in my craving for fried fish. Joy and Matt so kindly granted my wish.
The outdoor sitting area at the fish market was full. The ambience, favored with a lovely ocean view, was further enhanced with lively Mexican music delivered by a roving guitarist. The perky chatter around scores of rectangular tables focused on the food. When the orders came, one could easily catch exclamations of delight and amazed sighs, including at our own table of four. Our large tray was heaped with a bountiful mix of grilled calamari, mussels, shrimps, corn, topped with lobster pieces and freshly fried tilapia. I gorged on the tilapia, not having eaten crispy fried fish for quite a while. Angie (a high school classmate of decades ago) and I shared most of the fish, kamayan style (ate with our fingers). It was fun — and very satisfying. I would love to be back at that fish market again, next time I’m in LA.
For my pre-Thanksgiving celebration with my son John, daughter-in-law Natasha and grandson Eliott (prior to my trip to LA), we dined at Hurrica in Redwood City, California. The restaurant by Redwood shores is fronted with an impressive line up of yachts anchored by the bay. It was evening, though, so what we saw were silhouettes of large and small luxury boats rested on the still waters. Walking from the parking lot to Hurrica, we were doused with mild showers that lasted the duration of our dinner.
The food at Hurrica was fantastic. Of course, the fresh oysters, as briny as they could get, were the center piece of our appetizers hat included salad and ceviche. Very artistically presented entrees didn’t disappoint our palates. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection. But the whole roasted dorado fish topped with fine seasoning and laid on delicately flavored rice was my favorite. I was the only one that went for soup, and I’m glad I did, for the seafood chowder was exquisite and delightfully textured. When served hot, it wafted a surprisingly scintillating aroma. The desserts were outrageously beautiful. My mouse underneath a thin lemony icing was heavenly.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. But we start our celebration tonight with a delectable turkey meal with almost a dozen sides. We can hardly wait, but that’s okay, too.
Happy and blessed Thanksgiving everyone!