Is it possible that there is a more beautiful place to live? Well, probably, yes, however, it's hard to beat the California coast on a sunny spring Sunday. We arrived at the coastal access to Big Basin Redwoods State Park around 10:00 after a leisurely drive down Highway 1. It was perfect out, clear and cool and windy, perfect. After some confusing moments trying to find the trail, we trekked up from the coastal marshes, through the redwood forest, forded a stream and meandered back along a developed equestrian pathway. Rancho del Oso is a hidden gem, do yourself a favor and check it out. And if that's not enough, across the highway sits Waddell Beach where kite surfing and windsurfing is the sport of choice. Nothing quite like watching wet-suit clad folks battling the wind and sea just to get in the water.
So what's the most obvious snack after a great day like that? Why, fried calamari and a beer of course. On my way down to the coast, we passed a fish market advertising fresh, cheap salmon. I often hear that fish on the coast is fresher and cheaper than what you get in the Big City, so I figured this was a great chance to see if that was true. The minute I walked into the fish market, I turned right around because I had forgotten my camera in the car. I needed it 'cause there were fish everywhere!
Everything fishy a girl could want, catfish, salmon in every shape possible, whole octopii, whole halibut, bay and sea scallops, squid, clams, oysters, fillet-o-this, fillet-o-that, it was awesome!! I finally decided on a beautiful fillet of salmon and a pound of scallops. Stay tuned for what I do with those tasty sea creatures...
Of course, right next door is a little place called the Flying Fish Grill, with local and national write-ups featured on their door, and a sign claiming "Best Fish Tacos" ever or in the world or something. I figured it was worth a shot. Alas, I decided to skip the tacos after asking if the "secret sauce" had mayonnaise in it and getting the answer "it's ranch dressing" (I guess the secret's out), and I went straight for the fried calamari. I am sucker for good calamari (har har), even if it is hard to find, it's always worth a taste test.
Boy, did I order right. So lightly battered that you could see through the rings and see almost no breading (a rarity, actually) and so lightly cooked that the calamari broke at the first chew. It still had that nice bite that tells you, yep, it's squid, but it was tender without a touch of rubberiness. Happiness! My only complaint: not enough squigglies (tentacles) which is my favorite part. Maybe next time, I order the tacos, hold the ranch dressing, maybe their claim is correct. Although I will have to get a side of calamari, with extra squigglies.
Flying Fish Grill
99 San Mateo Rd. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 712-1125
Half Moon Bay Fish Market
99 San Mateo Rd Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 726-2561
I love oceanside fish markets... there is something about them that really beats any city fishmonger...
Can't wait to see what you do with the scallops...
Posted by: Fatemeh | May 10, 2005 at 10:33 AM
NO TENTACLES? Yeah, I have to admit, there's something really cool about eating the tentacles.
That's a wonderful place to spend time. Some friends used to live there, we hung out in the area for more than a few years. I kept ordering chicken fried steak and was disapointed each time. Not sure why.
Biggles
Posted by: Dr. Biggles | May 10, 2005 at 05:08 PM
Hi!
I looooveee calamari too!
I think the best way to have it is as
Salt and Pepper Squid!
do you have that in America?
if not let me know and i'll make it and put it on my blog for you
http://eatstuff.blogspot.com
Posted by: clare eats | May 10, 2005 at 06:00 PM
Hi Molly - it looks and sounds irresistible! And yes, there's something about tentacles...
Posted by: keiko | May 22, 2005 at 11:42 AM