White
Family Dynasty of Santa Barbara
Shellfish Company
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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