Go fishing in Costa Mesa

Lolita Harper

Fried fish and Costa Mesa still have a delicious relationship

thanks to the delicious eats at the Santa Monica Seafood Co.

The large gray building, which boldly stands out in its 17th

Street location, is not only a retailer offering 30 varieties of

fresh seafood. It also provides an extensive dining menu. Prepared

meals range from steaming hot chowder and salads to sandwiches and

seafood stir fries.

The Baja fish tacos, served with rice and salsa, wraps three

golden-fried pieces of fish in hearty corn tortillas with just enough

fresh cabbage and grated cheese to accentuate the south-of-the-border

taste. For those who have a high threshold for zing, the modest

dining area offers three varieties of scorching salsas. I, of course,

doused mine with all three and mixed it with the prepared salsa,

which created a tangy, creamy topping that absolutely made my meal.

All three tacos, plus the rice, was plenty of meal, and if I

hadn’t been so hungry, I would have taken home leftovers for only

$5.95.

City Editor James Meier dined on The Fishermen’s Platter (complete

with two breaded fish fillets, several good-sized fried shrimp and

more than a couple handfuls of fries), which he called “the perfect

lunch.”

“It may not have been the healthiest, but it was definitely

tastier than fast food. It can also come with cole slaw if you’re up

for that,” Meier said. “Otherwise, complete the unhealthy theme by

pounding down the meal with a Coke. It’s definitely worth the price

[$7.95].”

The entire menu is available for take out, but a meal in the

charming seafood store is also pleasurable. Santa Monica Seafood

provides inside and outside dining, quick service and a spotless

atmosphere.

Although there was quite a lunchtime crowd, our growling stomachs

were not forced to wait long before being filled with tantalizing

meals. Orders are placed at the counter, as this is not a restaurant

atmosphere, but the service is just as friendly and the food is just

as good -- or better. A smiling cashier pens your order on an

old-fashioned tab and hands it off to the cooks, who perfect your

choice of seafood.

For a prompt and appetizing meal that will keep your stomach happy

and your wallet full, Santa Monica Seafood is the perfect spot.