Rock n' Fish - Manhattan Beach

Rock n' Fish is the Keanu Reeves of restaurants. Exudes charm from the wavy tips of his raven hair to the tips of his likely-pedicured toes. If the opinion of everyone is to be believed, he is the most unproblematic person there is.

Find fault and you are the problem. Any resentment is envy, any anger is misplaced. Can you truly take issue with a cocktail of Jumbo Prawns on Ice? The red-white chevron is stunning, the taste is as tender and sweet as shrimp can be. Don't be put off by the portion of 4 - their size is quite substantial. 

The Rock’N Crab Cakes just rock. I don’t have a better word to capture the beauty of crab filigree topped with a spicy cream to make it pop.

Forget your bar burger, (though they do make some good ones), Coconut Crusted Mahi Sliders are all the sandwich you need. Sweet marries savory in a tropical slaw, and a slightly spicy aioli adds acid to balance a creamy avocado.

Don’t be fooled by the straightforward-sounding menu - the food isn’t boring here. Unproblematic doesn't mean unenjoyable, and there is value in being a light that isn't blinding. When in Rock n' Fish, just kick back and relax. The seafood won't make you squint, but it sure will make you smile.

Rock'N Fish UPDATE - Manhattan Beach

Rock n' Fish with a capital R. R for reliable - it's probably the most reliable restaurant in Manhattan Beach. They have two well-staffed stories in an almost-beach side building where most bars are hurting for space, Rock n' Fish has a small outdoor patio and a pretty spacious bar area, allowing them to make room for reservations as well as a few weekday walk-ins.

You're guaranteed a good time based on their cocktail menu alone. I usually stay away from the sweetened spirits, but the Berry Mule is pure fruity fun. Vodka is a strong foundation, but it blends well with blackberries and strawberries, which lend a more natural sweetness with their buried (berried) sugar. Ginger beer softens the alcoholic aftertaste, but beware, these drinks are stronger than you think. 

Another sweet treat: the Coconut Crusted Mahi Sliders. I was told we were getting these, and my only choice was to eat one or to get another set for myself. These are great. Flaky, tender mahi filets, fresh and white as snow. Mango slaw to soften the blow, avocado to go with the flow. They get some sugar from the sweet chili aioli, but there's just enough to taste and not so much it drips. 

Their theme is coconut-y, and it works. The Coconut Prawns are jumbo with a tropical spin. Shredded coconut thread through hard panko, dipped in a pineapple buerre blanc. It literally tastes like hint of pina colada wrapped around a shrimp.

They name a lot of things about the restaurant, but they do add their own signature so I can deal. The Rock'n Crab Cakes are packed with lump crab. If there is any celery it's minimal, and the breading/battering doesn't drown the crab. I won't order crab cakes in most places, but I'd have these again. 

The Rock'n Scampi is my entree, but I could have easily gotten full on another shared app or two. More jumbo prawns, garlic-fresh in butter and spice. They also add mushrooms, capers and everything nice to a bed of fresh linguini.

It's no secret that I don't love the food in MB. FwD aside, Rock n' Fish may be the only place I would consistently go. Their seafood selections are solid, and you're guaranteed to have a good time. Think what you want and say what you will, but there's a reason they've lasted 18 years in an area this competitive, and there's a reason they're here to stay.

RockN' Fish - Manhattan Beach

I can't get enough of the exotics. Tasting the forbidden fruit, following the new frontiers of food is a roller-coaster rush as the taste buds toil between love and hate, challenge and confusion. But some days I ache to go back to basics. I long for a swig of something staple, a bite of nothing bold.

Restaurants like Rock'N Fish rock the classics, starting with an approachable wine list served in triple-size glasses and culminating in a couple of cute Crab Cakes and a solid Surf'N Turf. The crab is simply perfect; sweet, barely-breaded shreds that are surprisingly filling next to Shoestring Fries and a side of Spinach.

The Surf'N Turf combines the cravings of starving surfer and ravenous landlubber alike, with a dense sirloin and juicy Maine lobster tail side by side. The Grilled Asparagus is a sure thing, and the Creamed Corn is a guilty pleasure.

But not nearly as guilty as the fluffy pillow they call Sticky Toffee Pudding. Not even the slightest bit sticky, but sweet as sugar and lighter than air.

I love the classics, but a really good classic will cost you. You pay a Manhattan Beach premium at Rock'N Fish, but the seaside prices are far from outlandish. The ambiance has the buzz of casual-yet-fun sophistication, the service is irreproachable, and bank account aside, there's really no good reason not to go.