Have you ever seen a sitcom or a cartoon that shows a one-person band? The person (usually a guy) has a big drum tied to his back, like the world's bulkiest backpack. A harmonica is suspended by an iron stick in front of his mouth, so he can play it because his hands are occupied with a violin and a flute, while the inside of his knees are strapped with symbols. And his toe-steel shoes have jingle bells on their heels. The point is that this man brings the melody of symphony by his sole actions. I bring this character to light because when I went to Crazy Fish Grill Express, it was Isaac who was the one-man band, who brought, not melody, but a wonderful dining experience to me when I visited the joint. Thus, his employers should know that he is beyond a one man band, he is a one man show, and this is my standing ovation to him cause he truly deserves the praise.
I went with my friend Alexa to Crazy Fish. Truth be told, I would not have gone to the joint if it were not because Isaac invited me, we sometimes see each other at the same bar. I would not have gone to this joint because I did not think it held wonder. Yes, I judged a store by its front, I know I was wrong. But I just did not think that this place would deliver great fish fare (and meat dishes too) at an extremely reasonable price. It was quality food, the same that one would expect at the Water Grill (in OC or DTLA) or Neptune's Beard (a restaurant I just named that I imagine dwells in Atlantean avenues and its city corridors). But I am so glad I gave this place a chance. I felt like I had bought a scratcher out of love for chance, and hit a minor jackpot that made me feel lucky for my decision to try.
[[HIGHLIGHT]]As soon as you entered, you were impacted by the material of the Ocean. My favorite fish of the school, was the mounted swordfish.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wondered if I were fighting a vampire could I use the fish's sword to stake him and win? I am writing this during spooky season, so there is a chance I discover the answer to this question, the hard way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I did not feel like this place took under the high seas. Its maritime decor was not immersive. But the decor was present enough for me to feel like I had felt the quick heartbeat of a whale rising out of the water and plunging itself back in--- splashes of water are quick and then forgotten, but their droplets around remain.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
Isaac came to the front after we rang the bell. Alexa and I had questions, as we ordered in the moment. I wanted to try several items, to honor my first experience within the joint. She imagined certain choices, I did the same, and our taste buds were meeting at places but not agreeing fully. When she and i were deciding on which sauce would top our salmon plate, Isaac offered us all the sauces available from Chimichuri to Garlic Butter to Seasoned Olive Oil. He transitioned from a staff member to a diplomate in that moment. The salmon plate came with two sides, we agreed on the brusselsprouts, and she selected the fries. What can you do? Sometime the basic wins. We also ordered their grilled fish taco plate, which comes with rice and beans. The fish in the taco is Mahi Mahi. It was not named in the menu. We also ordered a braise beef taco, which was refreshing to see in a fish joint.
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Alexa and I sat outside, the moment felt right for al fresco dining.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Isaac brought the food to us, after he cooked it. The braised beef taco came first. We had to wait for plastic ware. She cut the taco, and kept all the pikcled onions on her half. I noted this to her and she shared, I wanted my half to be composed too. I took a bit of my braised beef taco half, and, it was juicy, savory, and tasted like meat that was simmered for my enjoyment. When I took a bite I turned my head to the sidewalk, the meat juices dripped without hesitation. I did not my shirt or pants to receive joy spilled, the sidewalk could handle that. The brusselsprouts were roasted to the point of glory. They rivaled the brussels that had silverware and beans served on plates, not on cardboard vessels. In fact, much of the food was delicious, I felt lucky to be its eater. But if you are looking for the grace and charm associated with higher price tags then keep on moving, because the black means that were one of the sides of the Mahi Mahi taco plate came in one of those vessels that held tater tots in high school cafeterias. But the taste of the black beans and the brown rice and the Mahi Mahi tacos all were scrumptious and true to their simple origin, but elevated. The tacos came with Crazy Sauce. It was thick and rich, but perhaps a bit less would do.
I forgot to order a diet coke. Isaac simply said, " I got you" and brought me one. His service was professional, attentive and never came close to being overly sweet. It was respectful and engaging, he added depth to the moment. I hope he works to fulfill his future so he knows the ocean beyond his tank. read more