Shellfish Company

Shellfish Company

Restaurant Trilogy Serving Up The Best In Seafood Since 1980

In 1980 the White family opened The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company at 230 Stearns Wharf on Stern’s Wharf in Santa Barbara. The fresh seafood wholesale operation soon became the most popular place for signature lunches of steamed crab, local lobster and ridgeback shrimp.

FisHouse Patio

FisHouse Patio

In 1999 they opened the FisHouse on Cabrillo Boulevard, which was their first full service dining venue, and they completed this dynamic trilogy of restaurants with The Boathouse Hendry’s Beach at 2981 Cliff Drive in 2007, where they successfully continue their commitment to serving fresh local produce, and sourcing the finest seafood anywhere in the world.

BoatHouse Hendry's Beach

BoatHouse Hendry’s Beach

The Boathouse Hendry’s Beach became an instant success by serving a complete menu of outstanding seafood recipes to enjoy while viewing one of the best ocean scenes in California. On a recent visit to this trendy venue I was delighted to enjoy several items they have become renowned for, along with side salads, desserts and a few signature cocktails.

Cannonball Cocktail

Cannonball Cocktail

Due to the amazing view, the bar attracts visitors looking to savor original cocktails while de-stressing with each approaching wave. The “Cannonball” is one of their favorite cocktails, as is the chocolate martini, an exceptional after dinner surprise. Their wine list is also quite extensive and includes an abundance of local wines that can be perfectly paired with your lunch or dinner choices.

Whole Lobster

Whole Lobster

Whole main lobster is a specialty, and is served with drawn butter. This dish is perfect with a signature wedge or green salad, and can be preempted with a beautiful fresh prawn cocktail. The oysters Rockefeller are one of the best to be experienced anywhere in America, and made #1 on the “Best of 2013” list in Life Bites News this year. The recipe is a spin on the classic recipe with bacon, parmesan, Pernod and covered with an outstanding citrus Hollandaise sauce. For meat lovers The Boathouse executive chef Pasquale Gonzales will prepare three huge scampi served with a top sirloin grilled steak resting on garlic mashed potatoes that is a pleasure to look at as well as devour.

BoatHouse Oysters Rockefeller

BoatHouse Oysters Rockefeller

Desserts are excellent and include an authentic Bananas Foster, crème brulet, a collection of chocolate favorites and more. The Bananas Foster with vanilla ice cream is flamed by the chef in the kitchen and equals any I’ve had in fine hotel dining rooms over the years.

The Santa Barbara FisHouse, located at 101 E. Cabrillo Boulevard, overlooks the Santa Barbara Wharf, and is a favorite of locals and visitors to the City of Santa Barbara during the day and after dark. At night the dining room and oyster bar overflows with people enjoying family dinners, or cocktails, local wines and brews with oysters on the half shell and small plates by the bar. By day the entire place is filled with sunlight and the patio offers blissful views of Stearns Wharf. This patio is the place for guests who want to enjoy an ocean view, catch a few rays and be kissed by the ocean breeze, while savoring some of the best seafood to be had in the city.

Coconut Mojito

Coconut Mojito

A delicious signature cocktail is the coconut mojito. It’s light and refreshing and gently muddled with fresh mint. A few starters to savor with their unique beverages include shrimp covered with fresh coconut and deep fried, or the grilled artichoke appetizer served with original dipping sauces.

Artichoke Appetizer

Artichoke Appetizer

The shrimp Louis salad is filled with shrimp and fresh crab, avocado, hard cooked eggs and is served with authentic Louis dressing. It is my observation that the White family restaurants stand out in a town full of seafood places due not only to their understanding of finding perfect seafood and proper preparation, but also the delicious home-made dressings and sauces they serve in their venues.

Skuna Bay Salmon

Skuna Bay Salmon

The chefs in the FisHouse kitchen, including Jon Kennedy, Mario Perez and Chuy Charco, are stars and work in unison to put out fantastic and delicious plates every time. Their fish dishes, including seared Ahi tuna and Skuna Bay salmon served with rice and steamed vegetables are an outstanding choice for lunch or dinner, and the dessert selections include sinful sweets like cheese cake with strawberries or light sorbets.

Lauren Dinger, Conway Family Wine Room

Lauren Dinger, Conway Family Wine Room

A short walk across Cabrillo to Stearns Wharf will lead you to the Shellfish Company, where there is always a sign-up list on the door to reserve a table and enjoy their award winning chowder, seasonal bisque or countless items on their seafood menu. Some waiting guests take a short walk to the Conway Family Winery tasting patio near the candy store, where manager Lauren Dinger will pour them tastings of their wonderful Deep Sea wines until their name at the Shellfish Company reaches the numero uno spot.

Deep Sea Wine

Deep Sea Wine

Santa Barbara is clearly a destination that specializes in fine seafood and great local wines, and the White family has done their best to bring you a variety of Santa Barbara restaurant locations to enjoy it all.

For information and menu details on all three White restaurants go to www.FisHouse.com.

Bonnie Carroll
http://www.lifebitesnews.com