By Raymond Bill
There are few restaurants in this valley that I seem to be drawn back to time and again. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants and my most recent visit did not disappoint. I was invited to dinner with a dear friend and I knew what I would be enjoying before I even set foot in the restaurant. Boasting 140 vodka selections from their famous Vodka Bar, the only choice I had to make would be the vodka in which to float my bleu cheese stuffed olives. After settling on a beverage, we would be entertained by our charming and knowledgeable server, Natalie.
As someone who has spent over 17 years working in restaurants all over southern California, I can appreciate quality service when it is presented. I was impressed from the moment we were greeted by our server; with her genuine smile and attentiveness, we were at ease. I would begin with Baked Scallops on the Half Shell. These tender bites were served on the shell with spinach and roasted shallots, topped with crispy bacon bits and finished with sweet amaretto. Each savory bite was better than the previous! My dear friend enjoyed her classic chopped Caesar salad with fresh anchovies. The ambiance was relaxing and the view from the dining room over the back patio is priceless!
As I stated before, I knew exactly what I was to order from the time I received the invitation. The number one seller on their entrée menu is the incredibly delicious and flaky Chilean Sea Bass with a perfect sear, topped with a sweet and savory honey-soy glaze. Served with sticky rice, baby bok choy and a green curry coconut sauce, I cannot tell you how amazing this dish truly is; you must try it for yourself. As I enjoyed my Sauvignon Blanc suggested by our server, my friend was diving into her Butter Poached Twin Maine Lobster Tails with potatoes and asparagus. Fortunately for both of us, we would share each dish, allowing me to try a perfectly prepared, sweet lobster tail with my Sea Bass. I was in heaven.
Our server shared with us the dessert selections, verbally, rather than dropping off a menu and disappearing. The perfect compromise was offered and we shared a trio of desserts that included warm chocolate cake, cheesecake and crème brulee with fresh berries and whipped cream. It was almost too much to handle but we somehow managed to enjoy all three.
The service was remarkable and the food is consistently perfect and always fresh. With $6 vodka selections and a great pre-fixe summer menu available nightly from 3pm to 5:30pm, Pacifica is great for any budget and ideal for any occasion. Pacifica opens nightly at 3pm for dinner and happy hour is available until 6:30pm. Wednesdays and Sundays, however, happy hour is available all night long! I recommend you come see why this restaurant is one of my favorites, and maybe I’ll see you there!
