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After passing by this little neighborhood seafood store several times over the past year, the special lady friend and I finally ventured in to look at the offerings. The space is small with a few rows of fish and shellfish, of which the number that are farm raised (as opposed to wild caught) can be counted with one hand. After having a recent bad experience with a piece of flounder at a supermarket which turned into a mashed potato consistency with a light pan-fry, I found out it had less to do with my cooking skills but more to do with the fact that it was improperly frozen thereby ruining the protein structure upon reapplying heat. Fortunately, the fish here is the antithesis to the former, since the selection is limited due to the fact that they only pick what is fresh and seasonal for their customers, and they are not afraid to offer a few fish that are not as commonplace such as monkfish and hake, which any epicurean knows to be quite tasty. As other reveiwers have noted, customer service is on point since they are like your old-fashioned fish monger prior to the days of the mega supermarkets where if you’re short on cash, they let you know your word is good to make it up on the next visit (or supremely confident you will be satisfied with their product and return for more). Prices are not cheap but you definitely pay for what you get in terms of quality. As for the verdict on the piece of hake that I purchased, a little dusting of flour followed by a few minutes in olive oil and garlic accompanied by grilled asparagus, I felt like Eric Ripert preparing a dish at Le Bernadin upon seeing the reaction from my lady friend. A must-stop for any home cook or chef in the Brookline area.

Harbor Meat & Seafood – Menu with Prices – 215 Helena Ave, Santa Barbara

We’re very fortunate to live in an awesome town that has several fish markets to choose from. Most of them are actually pretty good, but this one is definitely the best! The staff is extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, but most importantly of all their seafood is super fresh and amazingly delicious! It looks very industrial from the outside, and it is. They mainly supply restaurants in town, and for a while I wasn’t sure they were open to the general public. I kick myself for not checking it out sooner because they really do have great seafood. So don’t be afraid to go peak your head through the plastic curtain into the chilled fish room where you’ll find one of the friendly staff to help you. You will literally be walking in to a refrigerated room that they do prep in, so depending on the day you may find someone prepping a bunch of fish for a local restaurant, etc. Don’t expect to see a fancy display case of fish. In fact, there isn’t a display case at all. However, they are happy to bring anything out you want to see and are very knowledgeable about their product. I recommend asking them what’s fresh, although really it’s all fresh, but some of it may have previously been frozen. Sometimes they just got something extra spectacular in that day, so I always jump on that. I recently had a piece of halibut from there that was to die for. Best piece of halibut I’ve ever had. I enjoyed seeing how thoroughly everything was cleaned and that they kept it at a nice cool temperature to keep the fish fresh. I highly recommend checking it out if you like good, fresh fish at really reasonable prices. Also, if you buy a whole fish it’s less expensive and they’re usually willing to break it down for you free of charge (fillets, steaks, etc.) So, if you have a friend or two you can split a whole fish with, or just a hungry family, this is a really great way to buy. I haven’t checked out the meat market side, although having been to the fish side several times now I’m sure the quality is just as good on the meat side. Just not as big of a meat eater as I am fish.

Lexington Seafood Co. – Menu with Prices – 867 E High St, Lexington

I got dropped off to Lex Seafood so I couldn’t really escape. And I wanted to give it a fair shot, but the moment you open the door the stench of rotting fish hits you. I was going to try their lunch, but I couldn’t stomach it with the smell affecting my taste buds. So I opted to just buy some fish to take home and prepare. Their selection is very limited. I did choose two different fish fillets to try. I asked questions about them and found the man behind the counter (the owner?) to be very short on replies. He was almost rude. Then, after weighting the fish, bagging them and ringing them up, he took my money and disappeared. He hadn’t given me a receipt. So I tore the long receipt from the cash register to see what I had paid. One piece of fish was $7.99 and one was $8 even though they were two different types of fish, two different sizes and two different prices per pound. When I checked the bags they were in to see the labels–no labels! Evidentally he just charges whatever he wants. The receipt just said ‘Fresh Fish’ by each price. It seemed very shady, but I was willing to overlook it if they had a great product.When I got home, I opened each bag to smell the fish and again, the stench almost knocked me down. I just closed the bags and threw the fish out. I was willing to give them a chance, but I learned in the end that you might not be able to judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a fish shop by its smell.

Tacos 4 Life – Menu with Prices – 2630 S Shackleford Rd, Little Rock

I recommend Tacos for life but I will do so with this caveat. when I go to a restaurant or consider having their food catered in for the office I would like to have some consistency. There is literally no consistency with the product you get from this restaurant. One day you get a product with a good portion size and the next day you get 1\4 the product and you wonder what you are paying for. It is frustrating when my wife wants to eat Tacos 4 Life and then she even says “it’s one of my favorites but because I dont even know if I’ll get a portion that will make me satisfied during lunch I’ll pass”. Tonite I went through and got the Mahi tacos and my wife asked, can you even see or taste the fish. sadly I had to say no. I was able to fold my taco almost all the way over itself because there wasnt any product in it. I’m not sure what the fix is other than to stop frequenting the restaurant because the food is absolutely delicious. I just don’t want to keep paying $30 each visit for kids meal portions.

Wheelhouse Seafoods – Menu with Prices – 2605 E Hastings St, Vancouver

I’ve been a regular customer of Wheelhouse for the past several years and have always found the quality of their product to be excellent. That changed today when I purchased a $30 piece of Sockeye Salmon, and asked the woman behind the counter ( not the owner ) if I could leave it in the fridge for a few hours while I continue shopping so it doesn’t get too hot in the car. She said no problem. When I returned it was clear that the piece of fish I purchased had been exchanged for a different and far less appealing piece, which also appeared to be slightly smaller. When I said it was a different piece from the one I selected I was told that was not possible and that no one had touched it. Sadly, this was an obvious falsehood, so I’m very disappointed that today was my last visit to this establishment.

Super Mario?s Taco Truck Menu with Prices 1422 N Forest St, Bellingham

Wander burrito- Good: -Very good and unique flavors with the cabbage and marination. It’s not Mexican so don’t treat it like it is, it’s El Salvadorian… Not sure if its authentic but its good. -Hot sauces are on point! Both of them -Never had a problem with either locations service -Cheap enough to feel satisfied. Bad: – One thing I absolutely hate is when restaurants take EPIC pictures to represent their menu only to be COMPLETELY disappointed by the actuall product. The picture of this thing looks to good to be true…and alas it is. -Pretty lame amount of meat its mostly a cabage burrito but the cabage is good so it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. But it could be better. Skimpy amount of guac and s-cream as well. -Cash only. I get it but I hate it, and has been the reason I go elsewhere if I don’t have cash. -Often surrounded by the homeless. few times ago I saw one of the nice cooks hand a super hammered “outdoorsman” a free taco…that’s very kind but also the reason you have bums. In the big picture the bads don’t take away from the end product and I’m there solely to insert white log a) into open and willing mouth b) not to experience the world around me and reflect on my feelings while devouring said log.

Smoke House – Menu with Prices – 6980 75th St, Flushing

I’ve been eating smoked Salmon for my entire life, as long back as I can remember smoked fish was in my veins. So occasionally a new inspiration comes along that sends me over the top. I mean I lived at Barney Greengrass for years, literally breakfast, brunch, lunch and even dinner. I have seen the inner workings of that machine like no one. I’ve been undaunted by Russ & Daughters, I can drop in on them anytime and get a welcome second to none. Zabar’s was the gold standard in the late ’70’s and early 80’s and had it’s place in time. Living on Long Island I’ve become a local at Andel’s on Roslyn Road and they’re quality is superb. However, Smoked Fish (as it is know) and the slicer extraordinaire Carmen are the newest addition to the hit parade of appetizing. I love the fact that it’s a secret location on an industrial street in the borough of Queens. You’re just gonna have to take my word for it, it’s awsome since most people will never get their butts over there for themselves. It’s a really tough place to find. But if you do you will not be disappointed with the Salmon, White Fish, Sturgeon and Herring in cream sauce with onions. there’s no place to stand in the tiny boutique let alone sit down. Carmen has no bread, bagels or extras. Just fish. No cream cheese or spreads. In fact when you eat this quality of fish you don’t need any of that nonsense. just try rolling a piece of sturgeon in a piece of salmon on a fork or in your hand au naturale. Exquisite!

Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest – Menu with Prices – 1288 University Ave, San Diego

Is it the best sushi in the world? Hell, it’s not even the best sushi in Hillcrest, but we love it as a simple, cheap, and walkable option for a cheap sushi dinner date! We keep things really simple here… I always order three of the spicy tuna rolls and call it a day. No need for any bell and whistles here, nothing fancy, no extras, just some rice and fish. It’s cheap, it’s flavorful, and it scratches an itch. I think each roll is $4.00 or $4.50. Who is counting at such a cheap price point. Stef loves the salmon bento box at dinner, which is a really good deal at around $13.00 or $14.00. This box comes loaded with two nicely cooked pieces of salmon, a hearty helping of veggie tempura, a dressed side salad, some rice, and a miso soup. When the lady craves salmon there is no point in cooking when this place serves up a quality product so cheaply. We’ve been here when it’s been empty and also when it’s busy, but never do we ever have to wait for a table or to sit at a bar. Once again, a great cheap option for those in the neighborhood!

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Menu with Prices 1848 Fourth St, Berkeley

I had what I’ll call an interesting experience at the Kiehl’s store on 4th today. I should start by saying that I don’t live in Berkeley, but this location (which is about 25 minutes from my home) is the closest Kiehl’s store to me. That said, when I called the Kiehl’s customer service number to see if I could exchange a product I bought online at one of their storefronts, and was given the green light, I decided to make the drive over to 4th Street to do just that. Before doing so, though, I called the shop to be extra sure that an exchange would be possible. At first the lady on the phone said it wouldn’t be possible since I no longer had the box and printed receipt that came with my original order. I let her know that the Kiehl’s rep that I spoke with on the phone said that wouldn’t be an issue, since I have electronic proof of my purchase. After telling the employee this, she said it would be fine and then hung up without another word. Flash forward to when I got there. I took the product out to hand to the lady (the same one I spoke with on the phone) and she immediately said “no, that’s part of a kit. We don’t sell that individually.” To which I responded, “I bought it as an individual product online.” She muttered something and then said she’d get the manager. A few minutes later the manager came out. As soon as he saw the product I was exchanging he said, “that is part of a kit.” I just want to stop for a second here to say that, to a customer, these words sound like: we’re on to you and know that that’s actually part of a kit, so don’t think you can return it and swindle us. Not a great first impression. I tried to calmly explain that the product is sold individually online, and that I called ahead to make sure this exchange would be possible. Anyway, long story (somewhat) short: I did get the exchange and the manager was kind and helpful after the first interaction. My first interactions (first on the phone and then with both employees in the store) left something to be desired, however. 3 stars because I did get what I had gone in for, and the manager was nice.

Mac’s Drive Thru – Menu with Prices – 129 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville

My new fav find in Gainesville! I don’t usually crave burgers because they make me feel groggy afterwards, but I decided to try this place out because it was recommended by a friend. Luckily, I went during the afternoon and it was a short line because I’ve heard the lines can stretch all the way down the street. I was able to order right away but I didn’t know it was cash only, but they let me come back to get more cash and I ended up ordering more. I got a cheeseburger all the way, ham and cheese sandwich, fish sandwich, and fries. All were very delicious, but the burger was my favorite. It was better than I had expected and it was fairly cheap as well. I wish I had gotten more burgers, and I didn’t feel groggy afterwards because it wasn’t too greasy. Will go again soon!

Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi – Menu with Prices – 2601 Jamie Ln #100, Lincoln

I almost gave Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi five stars, but I just can’t after one visit. I’ll be back to Lincoln next week and plan to return. Maybe my next visit will elevate my review to five stars. I ordered the Sashimi Combo, 18 pieces of sashimi. The fish was very fresh and ooooh so tasty! I won’t go into a piece by piece review. Instead I will mention this is the first time I’ve been offered fresh wasabi! It was nothing like I expected. It was not hot, rather mild and quite flavorful. Fresh wasabi has ruined the green horseradish mound of ‘wasabi’ for me forever! If you stop by Koen for sashimi or sushi… get it! A friend got a selection of beef to cook on the little grill thingy in the middle of the table. He said it was very good and, while it didn’t seem like a lot of food when it arrived, the portion was completely satisfying. The waitress was super nice and attentive. The plum wine was perfect. I seriously can’t wait to get back here next week!

Aquarius Fish Co – Menu with Prices – 314 W 300 S, Salt Lake City

I was on a mission to find fish suitable for sushi, a daunting task in a landlocked state. I’ve tried (and failed) to find fresh, flavorful fish in the past and finally came across Aquarius Fish Co in my searches. I made it in after work, about half an hour before they closed. Although they have several different and sometimes exotic options, I was looking to purchase 3/4 of a pound each of tuna and salmon. The gentleman behind the counter was incredibly helpful, assessing my needs and made a recommendation for a New Zealand King salmon. This guy clearly knows his fish. That was hands down the most delicious salmon I’ve ever eaten, and was wonderfully fresh, as I understand seafood shipments are flown in daily. He was also kind enough to pack it on ice for me, as I had a 40 minute drive home. It’s not cheap fish, but it’s also not cheap fish, if you know what I mean. This is not your grocery store seafood department, nor is it the asian market variety. You truly get what you pay for, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the product. It’s not easy to find, but it shares a wall with Caputo’s, and is up on the second level of the building on the left side. I’m afraid I’ll wear my own path to their door now that I’ve found a legitimate fish market in Utah.

Sanctuary Cigars – Menu with Prices – 7813 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery

I don’t know much about cigars other than it’s a really excellent way to relax once-in-awhile. So, I spent a couple hours here enjoying a cigar and sip of Scotch with a friend one afternoon, and had a supremely relaxing experience. The humidor is overwhelming. If you’re like me and don’t know what’s what, seek help. I have no recollection of what I selected, only that the humidor is probably bigger than my bedroom, maybe my living room, which is to say, there’s a lot to choose from. The staff is more than willing to help out. I learned there’s more than one way to cut a cigar. Crazy! My friend is a regular here, so I don’t know if I got a special kind of treatment, but I did have the privilege of being left alone with their scotch/whiskey collection for some time to contemplate my choices. The selection is fantastic, offering a little something for everyone and better than most Scotch selections at any given bar, though I concede I have not yet been to Hiram in downtown Montgomery. Once my cigar and whisky (Ardbeg Uigeadail, for those interested), I settled into a leather chair in the back parlor. The smoking room at the back is supremely well ventilated. There’s constant airflow to avoid it being smoky or excessively scented, which is a really fantastic touch. All-in-all, this was easily one of the best experiences I’ve had in Montgomery so far, and it lives up to its name as a sanctuary to the bon vivant.