Wild Fish in Pacific Grove — a delicious fish and and seafood restaurant to take you on a journey of taste.

We had a chance to sit curbside during the COVID-19 pandemic and warmed with a heater throughout lunch.

To start, we had the arugula salad, which included Prevedelli Farm heirloom apples tossed in lemon, cracked Telicherry pepper, Sichuan pepper, authentic artisan Monterey Jack (Schoch Organic Farm), wild arugula (Dirty Girl Farm), toasted hazelnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette. I loved the big chunks and slices of Monterey Jack cheese and the tart zest and crunch from the apple slices.

A divine bowl of smoked fish chowder.

Next, we each had a bowl of smoked fish chowder. Absolutely mesmerizing! Aromatics, fish stock, russets. A slight drizzle of oil. Chives dance on the liquid pools. Nice, big, hearty chunks of white, flaking smoked fish. A slight, welcoming fishiness. An honest chowder. Delicious beginning to what would be a continued, delightful lunch visit.

For mains, Barrett had the ahi tostada — chorizo spice seared ahi, avocado mousse, lime, and cilantro atop a corn tortilla. I didn’t try a bite, but it looked fantastic. I had the Sablefish. Crispy skin, almond tahini, lemon yogurt sauce, broccolini (Borba Farm), roasted radishes (Blue Heron Farm). I went with the Sablefish instead of the Whole Roasted Fish only because the crispy skin menu description grabbed me on the Sablefish.

Savoring the moment.

Lunch at Wild Fish was delightful along the quaint, fairytale streets of Pacific Grove. From the uppity, fun waitress to locally sourced ingredients plated with distinction, I enjoyed every moment.

It seems that despite the many negatives of COVID-19, I’ve also grown to appreciate the simpler things in life—to appreciate time, to appreciate the moment. I no longer take even a simple lunch out for granted. I savor the moment, and for that, I am grateful.