March 2015 – Page 2

Slappy Hour and More at Slapfish

March 19, 2015March 20, 20152 Comments

I don’t know how I haven’t blogged about Slapfish yet! I love Slapfish! It is such a great option for fresh seafood in a fun setting! Not only that, but the staff (specifically at the Huntington Beach location) is just the best!

On my first visit, a couple of years ago, they had some different menu items, most of which contained shrimp. I wasn’t aware of this when my family and I ordered several menu items, including their lobster dip. When the food was brought to the table, my options were limited, and the waitress could see I was only picking at some of the food and came over to ask if everything was okay. I informed her of the situation, but took full responsibility in that I should’ve asked before I ordered, and I laughed it off making sure she knew I was going to be just fine and this wasn’t the first time I’ve had a seafood mix-up! Minutes later, she came out with a lobster-only taco stuffed to the brim with meat, and apologized for the situation. I told her that this was not at all necessary, but a wonderful gesture and I was very thankful. I was even more thankful when I took a bite! It was awesome! Ever since, I have always noted the friendly service, willingness to answer questions, and attentiveness to the tables.

Now, onto the food! My favorites include:

Chowder Fries with Bacon

Whether you’re getting the Ultimate Fish Taco or the $2 minis at ‘Slappy Hour,’ you will be a happy camper!

The Lobster Roll is a classic!

This Fried Fish Sandwich is one of the newer menu items and definitely my favorite! The ratio of fish to bun to fresh veggies to sauce is perfect. I’m drooling.

Last, but not least, the Fish and Chips burrito is also one of the newer additions to the menu. They needed a burrito on their menu, and I’m SO glad they made it this one! It is stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, rice, french fries, and TONS of fish! And it’s massive!

INSIDER TIP: Every day from 3-5PM and 8PM-9PM they have ‘Slappy Hour’ which is their version of happy hour. There are some serious deals on a bunch of dishes!

The chef’s commitment to sustainability is truly admirable. Click here to read more about their commitment to sustainable seafood: http://www.slapfishrestaurant.com/index.php/sustainability.

For more information and to view their other locations, visit http://www.slapfishrestaurant.com/index.php/home

Taco Tuesday: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

March 10, 2015March 10, 2015Leave a comment

I knew that my visit to San Diego would entail lots of delicious noms. I knew that I was definitely going to hit up the Carnitas Snack Shack, but didn’t have any other specifics on my list. All I knew was that I wanted fish tacos in and around my mouth the moment I drove into town. I did some research on Yelp and narrowed it down to a few places, and eventually decided on Oscar’s Mexican Seafood in La Jolla. Great decision. No, make that BEST DECISION.

The battered fish taco and the grilled octopus taco are the way to go! The breading on the fish is perfect! It’s not too heavy, but still crispy and piping hot when it’s served to you. The accoutrement on top isn’t overwhelming either. Not too much cabbage or pico and very fresh tasting. In addition, the sauces that are hiding in the mini-fridge on the counter are DE-LISH! The grilled octopus taco was awesome too! I’m picky when it comes to octopus because if it’s not cooked correctly it becomes chewy and inedible. Not here! They know what they’re doing behind the counter. Speaking of counters, you get to enjoy your tacos just up the street from the ocean on a casual counter on the sidewalk; basically, that’s my version of a perfect lunch.

I didn’t have a chance to try everything I wanted to, but I will be back for the torta. I saw a couple that other people ordered, and I almost yanked it out of their hands as I walked by.

For more information, visit http://oscarsmexicanseafood.com/.

San Diego’s Carnitas Snack Shack

March 10, 20151 Comment

Let me preface this post by saying that I have been wanting to try the Carnitas Snack Shack for years. YEARS. I built up a lot of hype in my head after seeing it featured on FOODBEAST. It completely met my expectations. Keep reading to find out how…

First, we started out by sharing the Pork Belly App. It was braised duroc pork with a sweet-spicy glaze served with a frisee salad, apples, radishes, and topped with a lemon vinaigrette. I normally don’t enjoy frisee salads, especially with an acidic dressing, but paired with the fattiness and the glaze of the pork, it balanced out the flavors very well. The pork was the perfect fatty to rich ratio and plenty for both of us to share.

We enjoyed the Chicharrons as a nice side to our meal. They were perfectly crunchy and a great substitute for traditional chips or fries. However, they were too salty for me to enjoy more than a few, but that’s the nature of fried pork skin, so I can’t complain.

The Triple Threat Pork Sandwich was my favorite dish of the entire meal, and the one I was least looking forward to. I assumed it was going to be their novelty dish that everyone gets and is famous because of its gluttonous ingredients. I was so wrong. It tasted bomb.com. Not too big, not too small, this sandwich combined pork loin schnitzel, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoncini relish, and aioli into a beautiful masterpiece of a sandwich. For everyone and anyone who loves pork, GET THIS. You won’t regret it!

Last, but certainly not least, the Carnitas Tacos. Compared to the carnitas tacos I get from an unknown stand in Downtown Los Angeles from time to time, these guys are on the pricey side. However, this picture does not do their size justice! They are packed from side to side with carnitas, guac, and pico de gallo. Simple, yet perfect.

All in all, loved it! It was comforting being surrounded by so many pork and carnitas enthusiasts. It made me feel like all was right in the world, if just for a moment. If you’re in the area, you got to visit. They have a location in Del Mar and the original in North Park.

INSIDER TIP: Get there before they open for lunch and start the line. You won’t be sorry you planned ahead.

Click here to view their full menu: http://carnitassnackshack.com/menu/