THE HARBOR’S HIDDEN GEMS:

Restaurants Off The Beaten Path
By Gina Ruccione, Food Writer & Blogger

If you like culinary adventures, consider looking for restaurants that are off the beaten path. The Harbor Area is home to a few, and you’ll be rewarded well if you make the effort.

The Chowder Barge, tucked away in the somewhat obscure Leeward Marina, happens to be the only floating restaurant in Los Angeles. At first glance, it begs judgment, but the second you step through the door, that quickly subsides.

Originally built in 1934 to accommodate the movie crew filming Mutiny on the Bounty, the Chowder Barge has exchanged hands many times and has earned its reputation as an eclectic piece of the Harbor’s history. It has been a floating brothel, a machine repair shop and an art studio. It’s now a restaurant and dive bar known among locals for some of the best hearty, home-style breakfasts and clam chowder.

The ambience and décor are totally funky– think swashbuckler meets old biker. This place should not be missed, especially by those who shy away from weekend breakfast crowds, or who just want to grab a beer and watch the sunset. It’s the kind of hole-in-the-wall where I’ll actually go back to buy a T-shirt and wear it proudly. I’ll also go back for the friendly staff, the excellent service, and of course, the New England clam chowder.

The Chowder Barge | Location: 611 N. Henry Ford Ave., Wilmington

If you haven’t heard of Isaac Cafe in Wilmington, I don’t blame you. There’s no website, not even a fax number. The only way you would know about this miraculous find is if you know someone who appreciates great Mexican food and is willing to bequeath their knowledge upon you.

To the untrained eye, the cafe seems somewhat underwhelming. It’s in a gritty, industrial area in Wilmington. It’s not fancy. There are no flashy frills–just a clean, plain dining area. But they don’t mess around when it comes to food.

Known for their burritos, Isaac Cafe has been around since the 1980s. It has been family owned and operated since its inception. All they care about is their food, and it shows. Don’t expect to find industrial-sized, pre-made cans of salsa or anything else for that matter, just quality ingredients and authentic, homemade recipes.

I watched as they pumped out burritos to a hungry lunch crowd. Longshoremen flock to Isaac, as the ILWU Hall is right around the corner.

The most popular burritos include the Jones and the carne asada, but as one patron commented while waiting in line, “I would eat the chili Colorado every day for the rest of my life.” That’s a pretty bold statement for any foodie, but then I’ve said some pretty bold things in my day.

Isaac Cafe | Location: 632 N. Fries Ave., Wilmington

If you’re looking for a great seafood experience with a very laid-back attitude, look no further than Berth 55 Fish Market and Seafood Deli.

In the Port of Long Beach on Pico Avenue, Berth 55 has been serving some of the best seafood in the Harbor for decades. Completely unassuming and unpretentious from the outside, the restaurant looks like a warehouse, but it’s the fresh food at fair prices that make this place such a great find.

Dockworkers and businessmen alike can be found waiting in line during lunch hour and consider it a great place to grub on fish tacos and quickly escape from the work week grind.

Family owned and operated since 1988, Berth 55 provides an alternative for those looking for that fresh fish market feel, but with a more personal touch. It’s a unique experience to pick fresh crab out of the tank and, only minutes later, have it served on a plate in front of you.

This place has a tendency to get really crowded, especially around lunch and on the weekends. The picnic-style seating outside has a casual feel and a nice view of the berth. Expect to pick out amazing, quality seafood right from the case and have it prepared to order.

The halibut plate is phenomenal; it’s seasoned and grilled, so it’s light and flaky. The New England clam chowder is excellent – creamy and comforting. The barbecue salmon and barbecue shrimp are also popular menu items.

Berth 55 Fish Market and Seafood Deli | Location: 555 Pico Ave., Long Beach.

So, the next time you’re up for a unique dining experience, consider trying one of these hidden gems. I promise they won’t disappoint.

*

Gina Ruccione is a fearless blogger and self-proclaimed food critic. She has traveled all over Europe and Asia, lived in almost every nook of Los Angeles County and worked in finance and fashion. When she’s not rummaging through recipes, she spends her days working for a nonprofit in Orange County. You can visit her blog at http://foodfashionfoolishfornication.blogspot.com.