It’s been a while since we last wrote about the California Fish Grill, but we always look forward to a return visit.
At this point, California Fish Grill has 50 locations, mostly in California but with a few in Nevada and Arizona. “We only serve seafood that is rated Best Choice or Good Alternative by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program or Eco-Certified by a third party,” they say online. “Our wild-caught fish are harvested through the least invasive means possible, to ensure the ecosystem is preserved and to avoid catching unwanted species. We insist on methods that limit untargeted bycatch.”
“Sourcing 100% sustainable seafood isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are,” they continue. “The choices we make help ensure future generations can enjoy the same delicious seafood we do today. Because we source responsibly and seasonally, seafood offerings may vary by location. Join us in making an impact.”
That’s good to know; ethics are important and, ultimately, will result in a better quality product anyway. Despite the six year gap, we did want to make sure that we had a different dish this time. In 2018, we had wild-caught salmon with white rice and beans. That was superb.
This time, we went a little less healthy and had the Lobster Nachos: “Corn chips, wild-caught lobster, avocado, roasted corn, green onion, lomi tomato, diced chilis, cream sauce, green goddess and dynamite sauce.”
It would be tough to overstate the dreaminess of this dish. It’s decadent in a way that almost feels over the top, perhaps due to the reputation lobster already has for being a high-end, super-treat of a crustacean. It almost feels naughty to put lobster on nachos. But my lord, it works.
The chips are crispy, crunchy, warm, and flavorful. What’s more, they retain their snap when smothered in the toppings. The avocado and onion balance each other out perfectly, with the buttery texture and sharp crunch. The roasted corn has a lovely, grilled flavor while the tomato tastes fresh and tart.
The diced chilis and green onion add some much needed bite, while the sauce combination is glorious. The cream sauce sits beautifully with the lobster, while the green goddess and dynamite sauce bring it all to life.
The lobster is of course the star. Meaty, flaky and juicy, it’s a taste sensation. Mind you, California Fish Grill never lets us down.
California Fish Grill is located at 6150 Slauson Ave., Culver City 90230. Call 310-586-3242 or visit cafishgrill.com.