Tender Macadamia Halibut at the Coronado Boathouse

I had the most juicy and tender Macadamia Halibut at the Coronado Boathouse last weekend. Located on the island of Coronado in San Diego, the Boathouse is actually a historical landmark built in 1887. From the many black and white pictures hung in the restaurant, you can see that the restaurant was initially built out on the water, with a narrow wooden walkway connecting it from the shore. It is now just right at the edge of the water because, as I believe, that part of Coronado had been filled and extended.

I was going to order the Ahi Tuna - it's one of my favorites, but the waiter, Wayne, suggested that the Macadamia Halibut is THE best. You hear these recommendations all the time but I was afraid that when cooked with bad timing, it could be pretty disappointing. I hesitated, but I did order it, with my fingers crossed. Besides the fish, I have got to try the fried calamari and steamed New Zealand green-lip mussels. I'm always looking for a repeat heavenly experience after tasting the most tender and juicy mussels on a trip in Miami, Florida a few years ago. (sorry, didn't jot down its name)

The taste:
"Wow". That was my first thought. It was unexpectedly tender - but still thoroughly cooked ;) The dish is a right-sized piece of halibut with bits of Macadamia nuts as the crust, teriyaki sauce as glaze, saying "eat-me, eat-me" over a bed of mango puree. The teriyaki glaze actually tasted a bit like caramel which I don't particularly like (so I had to scrape off a bit of that towards the end), but they actually do all go well together and I had to give it the Hungrry Monkey two thumbs up!

Now back to the appetizers... the fried calamari was just right and mussels were quite juicy and meaty (if you can say that about mussels). I also had a bite of the filet mignon and it was grilled perfectly with just the right kind of texture.

All and all, the dinner definitely put a smile on my face! The restaurant may be considered a bit pricey, but the atmosphere is definitely not stuck up. People are dressed in resort-wear, given that it is located right next to Hotel Del Coronado (another historical landmark). It's got the outdoor patio and indoor seating that is perfect for San Diego.

Next time, I gotta try the Ahi Tuna!

Bottom line:
Tasty tasty tasty dishes in a cozy, unpretentious, historical landmark.

Type of food:
Steak and Seafood

Price range: $50 per person (not incl. wine)
Also accepts the Entertainment card. ;)

http://www.coronado-boathouse.com/