WHERE: Fishing With Dynamite (FWD) is one of the newest hotspots in Manhattan Beach, it opened about three months ago…
FWD is a tiny upscale cafe on Manhattan Avenue. It definitely has an east coast vibe, it is a breath of fresh air. We only wish it had outdoor seating.
FWD features an incredible selection of oysters, clams, lobster, mussels, scallops and shrimp. We did not order any of their famous platters, but the couple next to us did and it looked insane – I almost asked for a bite or at least a picture, but my manners got the best of me. We will be back to try it all.
This is not really a kid-friendly spot unless you have a very well-behaved foodie as a child. The restaurant is very small, there is no kids menu and the items on the menu are very sophisticated apart from the mahi mahi fish tacos which are very spicy.
We went with my aunt and uncle from Arizona, and Rivers (my 5 year old) of course. We were all impressed and had the best time.
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MOTHER SAYS:
Charlotte and I split the mahi mahi fish tacos. They are ‘muy delicioso’, just as it says on the menu. The house made corn tortillas are the best part aside from the perfectly crisp mahi mahi, fresh guacamole and spicy sauce… need I say more?
The farro and beet salad is so hearty, flavorful and crunchy, with roasted beets, orange, arugula, feta, beet chips and pistachios, you should try this along with a fish dish, when you go.
The maple pudding with rosemary sandies is a must for dessert. It has hints of bourbon in it and delicious candied pecans. The little cookies with rosemary are tastefully original and are the perfect pairing for this pudding. YUM!
DAUGHTER SAYS:
The fish tacos get a thumbs up. I love the soft, warm, fresh corn tortillas. The fish is crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. They come with a yummy guacamole and a green spicy sauce to pour over the tacos. I love the spiciness.
The fries are so good, sprinkled with fresh rosemary, they are served hot. I finished the entire cup.
The pudding is delicious, but I do not like the candied pecans.
I will definitely go back with my mom to try more fish.
OVERALL RATING:
LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 7 out of 10 – In the heart of Manhattan Beach, it is a great addition. The restaurant is small and feels a little cramped along with being a little noisy. The small bar area looks like a fun place to sit. There is a small ocean view, we wish we could sit outside. The decor is perfect, it sort of has a Nantucket/lighthouse feel. We like it.
SERVICE: 8 out of 10 – Incredibly friendly staff. It is a little slow at times, but the perfect place for a leisurely lunch.
FOOD: 8 out of 10 – We really need to go back and try more. We loved what we ordered and appreciated the originality of the food. They serve from the “traditional school” as well as the “new school.” Items like thai shellfish coconut soup and black miso cod appear on the new school menu, while new england chowder appears on the old.
OVERALL: 8 out 10 – It is a fun, sophisticated, quaint spot to explore your taste buds. You should definitely try it. Make sure to try one of their famous platters.
Have you been to this restaurant? Did you like it? Did you love it? Did you loathe it? Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box at the top of this post.
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