What: Seafood stew
Where: Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, 73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert
How much: $48
Contact: 760-674-8666; www.pacificaseafoodrestaurant.com
Why: All the subtle flavors.
El Paseo is lined with multiple high-end seafood joints. How does a discerning seafood-lover choose among them?
I don’t know the answer to that question. I do know we (somewhat randomly) selected Pacifica Seafood Restaurant when we last faced this decision, on a cold, rainy day after a matinee at the McCallum Theatre—and we were quite glad we did.
Located on the upper floor of The Gardens on El Paseo, Pacifica offers both indoor and (mostly) covered patio seating. The décor was nice, and the service was efficient and friendly. The Manhattan I ordered hit the spot. And the food? It was impressive.
The hubby ordered the shrimp pasta in a garlic/cream/white wine sauce ($39), and our friend Bryan got the grilled swordfish ($42 for full size). I went with the seafood stew—the weather made me want something soupy and warm—and, to repeat myself, I’m very glad I did.
The broth was fantastic—flavorful, but not so much so that it overpowered the variety of fresh-tasting seafood. The stew included salmon, prawns, scallops, mussels, white fish and half of a lobster tail, as well as jasmine rice, and every bite was wonderful. Dealing with all of the shells was messy, of course, but I finished all of it and wanted more.
Bryan would also like me to tell you that his grilled swordfish (accompanied by jasmine rice, an avocado puree and tomatoes) was top-notch. The menu notes that the item is “new!”—a great addition.
The next time I’m faced with the El Paseo seafood restaurant choice, it’ll be hard to say no to Pacifica—despite the abundance of other options nearby.
Agree’d ! Pacifica is one great restaurant. We always have a meal there when we are in the Valley. We live 530 miles away in wine country and have never been disappointed at the food or service. Highly recommended A+