By the Secret Diner –
Last time, Mrs. Secret Diner and I reviewed Caribbean Haven, 1780 S. Victoria. Please check them out. Tell them The Secret Diner sent you! Read below and guess where we’re off to next.
We parked on a dead-end with a view of the ocean and walked a block, noticing palm trees silhouetted against a pink sunset. Our secret dining destination offers three distinct experiences. We could choose counter-service and eat under umbrellas or at a bench outside. Visitors tend to select this option. Local regulars sit on stools at a bar just inside. I’ve had a beer and a cup of chowder at the bar. Locals and families seeking table service gather in the dining room. Mrs. Secret Diner and I were offered a booth along the back wall.
In addition to the booths, patrons can eat at the two or four-top table configurations. There is a napkin dispenser and three bottles of the restaurant’s signature salsas. Combine two of these salsas to create a special style named for a NY borough.
For an appetizer, my dining companion and I asked for the wontons, fried crisp – three with cream cheese and shrimp, and three with cream cheese and jalapeño. They came in a stainless tray on a bed of cabbage, a sweet sauce drizzled over them. The jalapeños were too hot for Mrs. Diner, so I got a couple extra!
Mrs. Diner then ordered the grilled haddock and veggies with a side of rice. I went for crispy, parmesan beef taco and a bowl of clam chowder.
As we waited for our food, we asked for a second round of drinks. The proper drink order here, perfect with fish tacos, is a cold beer filled to the brim of a cold pint glass. However, Mrs. Diner chose a white wine, and I had a white soda.
“I love this place because it is quintessentially ‘Ventura.’ It’s crunchy and green, a little hippy, a little touristy, a little weird. I love it.”
“We’ve been on the lookout for celebs. Maybe Bodhi or Johnny Utah will stop in.”
Our food came, and it did not disappoint. Mrs. Diner folded her rice into the sauteed veggies. She offered me a perfect bite: rice, veggies, and firm, flaky haddock. If/when Mrs. Diner and I ever compile a “Ventura’s Best” list, these crispy Parmesan tacos will top it. The chowder will, too, and someday I’ll try it in the bread bowl.
Think you know where Mrs. Secret Diner and I were? Check out our next review to see if you’re right, and to join us on our next adventure.
