James' Beach

When contemplating the venue of my first post in my new city I thought, what food do people think of when you mention Southern California? I think fish tacos, a dish that has a special place in my heart. I have come across this dish multiple times during food explorations and continue to sample the different renditions for the purpose of experiencing the culinary bliss that it brings me. 

My undying passion for this simple meal made me search near and far for restaurants that serve the best fish tacos around.  This odyssey let me to James' Beach which is said to serve the best fish tacos in Southern California. Nestled in the middle of Venice James' Beach is most known for its prominence in the film I love You Man. In the movie one of the characters claims that this specific restaurant serves the best fish tacos in California, a line which was put in by the director who truly believes this.

(Image via Yelp) 

Having seen this movie back when I was living in DC I never really though of keeping a note to try this place when. Even after I moved it didn't occur to me to try this place until my friend commented on a 4square check-in asking if this was the place from I Love You Man.

After this I made it a priority to visit this restaurant. Unfortunately a combination of not having a job or very many friends delayed the visit. Once I was finally able to go I made the short drive from Santa Monica to Venice. Despite the fact that traffic was backed up on a Tuesday night I full of joy and anticipation.

In the back of my mind I envisioned a line filled with hoards of tourists going for the same precise reason as I was. Being the victim of a number of tourist traps I could only think how long the wait would be and the possible conversations being struck up or people blurting out quotes like THIS IS MY NIGHTMARE or where's Pistol Pete? To my surprise I did not see any of that. In fact the restaurant was mostly empty which had me guessing that something may be up.

 (Carrot and Jicama plate)

Once seated we ordered a round of drinks and were given a complimentary dish of fresh carrots and jicama to nibble on as we scanned the menu. In this case there was no need for that since I came for one reason. Once our server came I informed her that I wanted the famous fish tacos which were the special that day.

Before I could even start to crave the dish it appeared before my eyes. The presentation is a bit unorthodox but I really liked it. Instead of being wrapped with all the ingredients you are given all the components to prepare the tacos as you please. With a tortilla in my hand I began to ration my fish out. I then added the pico de gallo and guacamole which was all drizzled with a bit of salsa verde. I then topped it all off with a light coating of salt, pepper and a drip of tabasco sauce.

(Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos)

Once my concoction was built I began to nibble while I waited for my senses to fully register the flavors and relay it to my brain. My initial thoughts were how well seasoned the fish was. What followed was the same feeling of joy that comes every time I eat fish tacos. Having enough to make three tacos I played with the flavor combinations. I found that excluding the guacamole really brought out the most in contrasting flavors, especially between the salsa verde and Mahi Mahi. 

After our meal was finished I came across the seemingly impossible question. Where these the best fish tacos I have ever had? If you diligently read my posts this question appears over and over again and my answer is yet change. While these tacos were great it is almost impossible for me to stand here and declare these as the best. Even though I have sampled this dish a great number of times I still have a ways to go before I can proclaim this dish as the best I have ever had. That does not however mean that these tacos weren't extraordinary because they really were.

In conclusion James' Beach good restaurant. The interior takes the touristy look and somehow makes it look really cute. The service was fantastic and the drinks were good. The prices were a bit on the steep side so I would stick to the daily specials. I only hope to come in next time and spot Pistol Pete and Joben drunkenly cracking jokes next to me while we both enjoy some fantastic tacos.   

Hank's Oyster Bar

One of the joys of living near a major body of water is the pleasure of having some of the freshest seafood available to you on a daily basis. While the waters of the Chesapeake Bay may not compare to the eastern shorelines of Massachusetts, Maine or Florida we still produce some decent seafood.

The tri-state area bolsters a bevy of options when it comes to serving fresh local seafood. One of my favorites is Hank's Oyster Bar which uses local catch to produce classic New England dishes. Hank's opened its doors in 2005 right along the cozy block of Q St. between 17th and 16th Street. A short walk from Dupont Circle Hank's has been serving patrons what they call "Urban Beach Food" under the guidance of executive chef and owner Jamie Leeds.

Chef Leeds came to DC and opened up Hank's which she named after her father who inspired her career in food. Since 2005 Hank's has become a one of the best locations to get fresh seafood in the city. Hank's does a fantastic job blending classic New England dishes with local ingredients and techniques.

Having an endless passion for all seafood I find it necessary to eat as much as my wallet can support. I enjoy visiting during the summer months when I can sit outside and grab a drink or have a cozy meal. Hank's is most famous for their raw oysters and oyster shooters as their name may suggest. Being a huge fan of these mollusks I love splitting an order with some friends or having a Po Boy.

(Popcorn Shrimp & Calamari)

Check on their chalkboard for daily specials and try their oyster shooters which combine oysters with alcohol that provide a unique culinary experience. Their popcorn shrimp and calamari is an excellent way to start off a meal or a good dish to share over a couple of drinks. The portions are fair and the food is fresh and delectable.

My favorite dish on their menu that I have sampled has to be the lobster roll which is a staple of New England. The roll is accompanied with fries that are seasoned with Old Bay which is exclusive to this region. This marriage between cultures is well worth the hefty price tag of $23. The lobster meat is amazing and the buttered roll makes you want to stand up and praise the food Gods.

(Lobster Roll)

From their fantastic food to ambience that their restaurant provides (specifically their outdoor seating) Hank's is a must try. They have another location in Old Town Alexandria that I have yet to visit which may be more convenient to any readers from Virginia. To residents of the District they have prime real-estate and their outdoor seating provide a tranquil experience when the weather is nice outside.

Prices are a bit expensive which I why I can not go more often but the freshness and flavor more than justify it. It can get busy especially when the warm weather makes sitting outside alluring. So if you are ever in the mood for fresh seafood give Hank's a shot you will not be disappointed.

Red Hook Lobster Truck

Our travels continue to the highly sought after Red Hook Lobster Truck. I personally follow it on Facebook to check on their daily location, hoping to one day sample what has quickly become one of the most sought after meals in this city.

After two previous attempts which were met with utter despair (in both instances the I was informed that they had run out of lobster rolls) I was finally able to sample the beauty of the sea.

The picture below is no way indicative of the average line which tends to average anywhere from 50 to 200 people (the latter of which I personally witnessed during the Curbside Cook-off). On this past saturday the food truck was located at my Alma mater George Washington University to serve parents visiting their children over weekend.

My short wait seemed like an eternity as a stood in anticipation to try this piece of culinary excellence. My Odyssey finally ended when my number was called and my eyes laid what I believed would be one of the best sandwiches I have had in my life.

To say that the long lines were indicative of the quality and taste of the food would be an understatement. From the first bite to the last I was in culinary heaven. The sandwich was around 6 inches long and came with a generous portion of high quality lobster mixed with a blend of spices and scallions on a buttered bun. The sandwich was comparable in quality and taste to one I had at Tackle Box in Georgetown.

(Lobster Roll Meal)

I finished off the meal with chips and soda imported from Maine. The whole meal set me back $18 but was well worth it. Ideally this would be a meal that I would like to enjoy once or twice a month mainly because of the price.

Both my sister and friend found the lobster roll to be both delicious and filling. Drowned in the euphoria of this meal I found the motivation to go back and order the shrimp roll which only cost $8. While they conversed over other matters all my attention was focused on the meal before my eyes.

While I did not eat it with the same enthusiasm as the lobster roll I still found it to be quite appetizing. The quality and mixture of spices meshed harmoniously rendering a delectable sandwich that I will have again.

(Shrimp Roll)

In the end I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and had the luxury of not having to wait in line as long as most people do. The food was great and the experience will never be forgotten. I look forward to eating at the lobster truck again in the near future and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys seafood.

Be aware that the lines are long and a bit pricy (more than $15 on a quick lunch is pricy to me), especially if you get the lobster meal which will set you back $18, so plan ahead. You can get their daily location on Twitter or Facebook. Don't be dissuaded by the long lines, I assure you the wait is well worth the experience.

Tackle Box

Imagining a quick getaway to enjoy seafood right on the water, then look no further than Tackle Box in Georgetown. Located in the heart of Georgetown this swank eatery servers delectable seafood and gives you a beach/boardwalk eating environment.

A local favorite of neighborhood residents the food and presentation erect the illusion that you areon vacation eating fresh food and enjoying everything the sea has to offer.

(Photo via Prince of Petworth)

I usually go to for that very reason, but also enjoy the fact that this is one of the only places where you can get good seafood at a fast food pace. There are several options that you can choose, from appetizers to meals Tackle Box offers you satisfying food at reasonable prices.

I make it a habit of attending every Wednesday for their half price fish tacos. I usually order two which only cost $4 as opposed to $8 on regular days. I usually pair these with an appetizer such as fried calamari, mac and cheese, or french fries. The tacos are always spot on, the fish is fresh and the simple slaw that accompanies it makes for one of the best lunches or even meals of the week.

You can also choose a number of other appetizers including crispy shrimp, oysters. They also have a basic meal which comprises of choosing one fish with your choice of two sides for around $13. If you have deeper pockets you could go for the lobster pot which goes for $40 per person.

Another favorite of mine is their lobster roll which is has a sticker price of $20. The lobster is fresh and the bread is soft and buttery. While it is not the best lobster roll I have had in this city it holds it's own weight.

(Lobster Roll)

Recently they have made a number of additions including an upstairs bar with some appealing beer specials. They have also opened up another store in Cleveland Park which is a God send for residents in that culinary challenged neighborhood.

I am actually a bit jealous because I wish that I had the opportunity to devour a trio of fish tacos similar to those below on a daily basis. While I am assuming they are nowhere close to the quality you can get on the west coast they are some of the best I have had in this city.

(3 Fish Tacos)

Overall the prices are reasonable, the food is pleasant and the atmosphere transports you to a day out on the boardwalk without actually having to go there. Lines aren't too long and but finding seating can be a problem at times.

I would recommend going late on Wednesdays, recently I have noticed that their fish tacos are gaining popularity which in this case translates to longer lines.