Cities/ States
Wilson, NC The Beef Mastor Inn
Salinas, CA Hullaballo
Salinas, CA Salinas Valley Fish House
San Diego
Vermont
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Salinas Valley Fish House

Salinas, CA

http://www.salinasvalleyfishhouse.com/ This was my last night in Salinas, CA and I wanted sea food.
Being so close to Monterey, I figured it would be delicious. I asked some of the locals
and many of them did recommend places in Monterey. I was tired however and did not listen to
the advice of the locals and instead went somewhere close to where I was staying, The Salinas Valley Fish House.

The Fish House was located on a corner block; the building was old and beautiful. When I walked in, two minutes after
the restaurant had opened, I was pleased with the open airy atmosphere. The dining room was large and there was a
Victorian style rod iron banisters up to the loft. Here was a second dining area that overlooked the restaurant.
The waiter asked me where I would like to sit and I picked a small table in the corner so I could observe while enjoying my meal.

I had arrived for an early dinner after a tip that this areas can become dangerous at night, and being alone I decided
to take this seriously. I think it was also the reason I got such great service, everyone was quite attentive.
The restaurant held real flowers at each table which was a nice touch and added to the Victorian charm, however, the
vases were a bit dusty and could have been cleaned. I also enjoyed the cute fish upholstery they used to make the bench seating.


The menu wasmoderatly priced, which impressed me. My waiter told me the specials of the evening, I was a little overwhelmed
because there were so many choices and he rattled it off so quickly. I had to ask him to repeat it when he came back
to take my order. I felt badly because it was quite a mouthful. They should have had them written down somewhere or on a
supplementary menu for the tables. I heard the poor waiter said it about four more times for the two other tables
that came in after me.I selected one of the specials, Clam Chowder and an appetizer of Oysters. I had recently tried
oysters for the first time in North Carolina the previous week. I enjoyed them so much I was excited to have more. The
Oysters had a nice presentation and plenty of condiments for them, Tabasco sauce, Seafood sauce, Horse radish and butter.
I tried them many different ways but, couldn't touch the flavor of the oysters from NC. The Oyster's also were shucked
by an armature who, ever so slightly, rolled his eyes when I asked for them. They had gritty shell piece in a few oysters.
They also had a different shape and being a different type could affect the flavors I will have to continue my
research on these strange raw delights.


The Chowder had a light feel with chunks of bacon and seafood; a hint of celantro at the end of each bite. It was a Lighter
take than I am used to with Chowder; yet, a full flavor. Sour dough bread was a full loaf it had a nice, soft and sour taste.
It might have been the best part of the meal.


While enjoying my clam chowder I was quickly disappointed that out of the whole empty place they sat a family of four right
next to my table. Not something I would have minded in a full house but a little close for comfort in a big empty room.
Before I could be too disappointed my meal was presented, Scallops with a cream reduction sauce mushrooms and capers over linguini.
Here is the breakdown:

-Bland rubbery scallops
-Sea food needed salt
-Sauce had an interesting kick in the after bite. Not sure I liked it.

The conclusion: disappointing for such a quote "famous fish house". Not long after I made it back to my hotel I was
violently sick. I was stuck in the bathroom most of the night and the next morning. Although I cannot say for sure what
made me sick I can say this, I will never go back to the Salinas Valley Fish House.
This restaurant gets a rating of 4 out of 10. Most of which they are getting for service and atmosphere.