Restaurant Review
Calamari
Ketch (Revisited)
2614 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
619-814-8080
I reviewed the Ketch just after it opened for another publication and said at the time that if it was not good, or just mediocre – and I would not do a review of it, because I felt they needed some time to get everything together. However, it turned out it was very good, and I wrote the review.
The other day I had the opportunity to go back to the Ketch with a new friend, and, again I was not disappointed in the food. What I was disappointed about was that the menu had changed, and the item that I wanted was gone. There were several changes, and I will discuss those in a moment.
Hugh said that he really liked Calamari, and on the menu was a “Calamari & Peppers” item. It was dusted with seasoned togarashi rice flour, lemon aioli, and had a spicy soy glaze that was served on the side. The cost was very reasonable – $10.
I had decided at home that I wanted to try the “Baja Shrimp Ceviche” which, at that time, was described as “poached shrimp, fresh lime, Fresno Chile, avocado, cilantro, tajin corn nuts and chips” for $12. But alas, that item was no longer on the menu. In its place was a “California Tuna Bowl” that was made with Ahi, citrus aioli, tobiko, avocado, nori, wonton chips and faro for $15. But I can have a tuna salad at home at any time, and I passed on that. (The tuna salad was on the original menu, but listed under “Land & Sea” then.) Instead I ordered the “Seafood Cakes” which were lightly smoked fresh fish cakes served with their own sauce. The cost was $13.
Hugh was served a very large helping of the calamari, and even though there were peppers on the plate, he elected not to try them because they looked very spicy. The calamari was spicy in itself, and he did not want to add to that spice. The calamari was very good, and he would order it again.
The Seafood Cakes were good – not as good as the ones I am used to from Maine – but they were flavorful and the sauce was good. There were only about 6-7 pieces of sliced cabbage on the plate, and it looked a little naked.
Crab Cakes. All photos by Judi Curry
We both ordered lemonade and the glass was filled as it became empty.
Like the first time I was there the service was delightful. Our server, Giselle, was attentive, had a nice sense of humor, and took care of us well. Our total bill, without the tip, was $31.25.
As I looked over the menu I found that several other items had been substituted from the original offerings – Pretzels were added to the hot bar and the “Soon to be Famous Beer-Battered Onion Rings” was moved to the “Ketchy Sides.”
Added to the new menu were two items – Hiramasa-Hamachi Tostadas ($14), and Mushroom & Hatch Green Chile Tacos – $12. The Portuguese Seafood Stew that was on the original menu was also gone and a “Soup & Toasty” was added in its place. It was a roasted pumpkin soup with grilled cheese and tomato jam sourdough toasty for $13. I hope that after the “pumpkin season” is over that the Portuguese Seafood Stew is put back, because it sounded delicious and would have been one of the items I would have liked to try.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Ketch will be successful. For me it is the new “go to” place when I have visitors. The menu is eclectic; the prices are reasonable, and the ambiance is delightful. And…just as an added aside – try the gelato bar next door. Yum!
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