Looking to celebrate an important career milestone with a pal, she enthusiastically suggested lunch at Enterprise Fish Company in Santa Monica. I would be dining here for the first time, though it was a longtime favorite for my pal’s family, friends and business colleagues. It turns out Enterprise has been open under the same ownership since 1979 – quite a feat for a restaurant in these times. Though the interiors are soon to be “refreshed,” we found the hardwood floors, wood trussed ceiling and copper accents around the open kitchen welcoming and appealing. We started our repast by toasting with a wonderfully spicy Bloody Mary while nibbling on a tasty appetizer of Chef’s Fresh Ceviche with warm, housemade chips.
We couldn’t resist their famous Lobster Bisque, creamy and spiked with just the right amount of sherry, topped with puff pastry. I needed very little encouragement to polish off the bowl – and the pastry – in complete rapture. Lunch continued with mesquite grilled Pacific Swordfish – divinely fresh – accompanied by gorgeous spring asparagus and the Tri Quinoa Avocado Bowl with its bounty of flavorful edamame, kale, feta, dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds, dressed in a bright dill lemon vinaigrette. What about dessert? We were tempted by key lime pie and cheesecake, but happily settled on the rich and chocolate-y mud pie. I might be late coming to this table, but Enterprise Fish Company is a keeper!
Enterprise Fish Co. is located at 174 Kinney Street in Santa Monica.
