Fishwives — Restaurant in Pasadena

My fiancé directs a choir. After their last performance she said she would like to celebrate with oysters and champagne. After a quick search from the passenger seat as we drove back toward our home in Pasadena, I came across Fishwives. The name immediately started a conversation as we looked up the definition. The pictures showed champagne and indeed freshly-shucked oysters. So we updated the GPS and headed toward Old Town.

When we arrived we were seated by the window. It was slightly cold inside but I attributed that to keeping the seafood fresh and the fact that it had been one of the first warm and sunny days since our wet winter has passed. I was happy but my fiancé was cold. I retrieved her coat from the car and we continued on our memorable experience.

We were greeted and given ample time to explore the menu, succinct yet precise. It left you feeling that Fishwives knows itself and what it desires to give its customer. We opted for a dozen raw oysters of the Chef's Choice. Though the rich smell of our neighboring table's lobster rolls almost made us change our plan.

We also splurged on a bottle of champagne. The price equivalent to our intent. Our server, Jacob, brought out both the oysters and the champagne and allowed us to taste and approve the sparkling wine. It fest fancy and unexpected and fun. He expertly explained the arrangement and origin (half east coast and half west coast) of the chef's choice and poured us another glass of champagne.

While we sucked down the oysters, some sweet, some salty, all fresh and expertly shucked (no broken shell bits, freely separated from the base), we were trying to decide what else to try. Our neighbors to the left had ordered the clam chowder and fried oysters on deviled eggs and the smells almost ordered for us.

As we both love sushi and had already had the raw oysters, we decided on a hand roll flight: three hand-rolled maki, one salmon, one blue crab, and the last I can't recall but another kind of fish. Jacob, again showing his care for our experience, offered to cut the hand rolls in half since we were sharing. I was particularly taken aback by the salmon hand roll. It had a mayonnaisey smokiness that surprised and delighted us, as I thought the salmon was going to be my least favorite of the three. But it was my favorite!

As we ate we observed a small family's order arrive and noted the large portion of macaroni and cheese for $6 and thought that next time we came we could bring the kids.

We decided on an order of fried pickles as we finished up our bottle, kind of a treat without wanting to order any thing too large as we were quite full. The dill pickles were expertly fried and crispy and fun! Our neighbors to the right even asked us what they were. We ended up sharing and, because I had remarked to them earlier about the incredible aroma of the fish soup offered me to taste a spoonful of broth in return for sharing the pickles. It was a fun communal experience that I might normally avoid but we were all so full and happy and well-cared for that it felt very natural.

I will definitely return to Fishwives. It was a delightful experience. The food was impeccably fresh, smart and delicious. We felt so well-cared for. Jacob, if he isn't a manager or assistant manager, should definitely be a candidate, because he was more a helpful friend than a server. He was special and had a warmth and people skills that money simply cannot buy.

Fishwives, the word, is an old term meaning a lady who sells fish, but is also an insult for a coarse-mannered woman prone to shouting. It says so on the back of the menu, even though we discussed that very definition the entire drive. Fishwives, the restaurant, couldn't be farther from that colorful definition, yet it somehow...

It was a perfect day for the family to dine out, so we made the drive to Pasadena. We were running late for our 2 pm reservation so we just opted for the public parking a block away. Called to let them know regarding the parking situation and they were kind enough to hold our reservation. Passed by their restaurant the first time as we overlooked the gray on gray signage. Then we were finally shown to our table outside at the courtyard shared by another business that was blasting house music mix. Mom wanted the clam chowder ($10) - a little salty for her as she has low salt tolerance, it's a personal preference so we're not holding it against the restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed the mixed greens ($10), was about not to share but conceded after a moment. I ordered the mac n' cheese ($9) supposedly for my son, but when it came out piping hot with toasted bits on top, I forgot all about my low-carb diet and dug into it. Heaven is when the creamy, cheesy, delicious macaroni do the slow-dance on your tongue. Truly a food-gasmic experience. The crab cakes ($17) were to die for. Chunky crab meat seasoned well and paired with the same mixed greens I almost wolfed down by myself. So I commandeered that plate but gave half of the crab cake to my sister while my mom and son split the other crab cake plate. We also got the lobster roll ($33) and split it 3 ways. Juicy and flavorful pieces of lobster on a toasted and buttered bun. Finger-lickin' good. It came with a mound of fries. The true cod fish and chips ($22) was really good too. Beer-battered crispy fresh cod, flaky and juicy on the inside. A dozen of their freshest Shigoku oysters ($33). They were so fresh it felt like I was eating them as they are being harvested from the Willapa Bay. Service was fast and friendly, props to our Server Hak who didn't write down our order but got all of them except the scallops, which we were thankful for because we were already stuffed. This is really a must-try and I would...

4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed every single thing in this visit, everything was so delish and so fresh. We opted for a whole Maine lobster($29), a dozen oysters ($41) and a crown city cioppino ($35) to share.

Crown city cioppino: Really good! We honestly loved the cioppino there, the broth was flavorful but not overly salty. And, the fish in the soup was so delish, they were tender and buttery. This dish reminds me of bouillabaisse that we had in Southern France, probably one of the best we have had.

Maine lobster: It was delicate, tender, and sweet. It was served w/ cocktail sauce and grated horseradish, but I didn't think that it paired well w the lobster meat. A bit too overpowering in my opinion. I think it paired better w/ mignonette or melted butter (added paprika and some salt and pepper by choice), would recommend asking some from the restaurant.

Oysters: Each oyster is around $3.50-$4, we opted for the chef's dozen oysters sampler, which came with 4 different kinds. They are Misty point (VA), Coromandel (NZ), Haven golds (VA), and Beausoleil (CAN). My fav was the Beausoleil from Canada, it was exquisite, mild brine and had a good hint of a cucumber note. Both Misty point (Briny and earthy) and Haven golds (fat as butter) were really good too. We enjoyed the dozen sampler. Nicely picked. Not the cheapest but VERY satisfying!

All in all, love the freshness! The only suggestion would be the serving order, I just wish we could get the raw dish first instead of the cooked ones. Will be returning soon.

Tips: Ask for a booth seating if available, they are more comfortable than sitting at the bar or the...