If there is one thing people should know about me, is that I LOVE good, delicious, wonderful, satisfying, tasty food. There is no greater experience for me than eating a delicious meal with my family and friends and just having a good time. Nothing gets my mouth watering more than tasty, delicious seafood. I am a shrimp lover! I just moved to Arizona from Los Angeles, and there is nothing I miss more than the famous Boiling Crab in Garden Grove, Ca. (15 minute drive from Anaheim, Ca) Boiling Crab is a Cajun/Creole style, seafood restaurant. I’ve been to Boiling Crab a number of times, and every time I go there it gets better and better. It's truly an experience you and the family must experience if you ever end up in Orange or Los Angeles County. Disneyland by the way is located in Anaheim, Ca. Take the kids to Disneyland and enjoy a dinner at Boiling Crab. (They also have locations in Northern California, Dallas, and Houston.)
The Boiling Crab all began in a little town Southeastern Texas town called Seadrift. It all started with a family of crabbers and fishermen. Every weekend, the men would be sure to enjoy their catch of the week. Good food and spending quality time with family was all they needed. They decided to share the moment with everyone else and the first Boiling Crab was opened in 2004. (Boiling Crab) The Boiling Crab I have been to is located in Garden Grove, Ca. In a little section of the town called Little Saigon, an area rich in Asian and Oriental businesses. Even though it is located in a heavily Asian populated area, a diversity of people come to try the famous Boiling Crab. When I critique a restaurant and decide whether I’ll be coming back again, I look at a few things that matter the most to me. Those things are environment, dining area, food, price, and service.
As soon as you get there, you can already see how popular the place is with crowds of people outside waiting for their name to called, ready to devour the delicious food in front of them. Don’t be discouraged by the large crowds and the wait time, average time of wait is usually 35 minutes to an hour on any given night. Best time to go is around the time they open. Hours vary, Monday to Friday 3pm-10pm and weekends, 12pm-10pm. Although the wait time seems pretty long, the food and experience will definitely make up for it.
Once you get in, you will notice the huge dining area, tables aren’t so close together. You are then immediately greeted with a smile by the hostess. She puts your name down and gives you an estimated time. Just taking a step in the restaurant, you can already feel the environment. It is a very lively place, you see large and small groups of people congregating, laughing and smiling while enjoying each other’s company and good food. Television sets everywhere, showing all the major sporting events you can think of. Looking at the walls, you see the display of all the different types of beer from all over the world. You then notice the creativity and uniqueness of the room, everywhere you see past customers leave their mark as they sign their name or draw a picture on the walls. So feel free to grab a permanent marker and sign your name, leave your own mark. As you can already tell, this isn’t a fancy, high-class restaurant. I like to think of it as a relaxing environment where you can be stress-free and just enjoy your time.
Once you’re called and seated, all the fun starts. They cover your table with a huge white paper sheet (for your shells), put a bib around you, and give you a roll of tissue paper. Expect to get down and dirty and use your hands while you eat. Of course if you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, there are other choices that don’t require your hands to get that dirty.
Looking at the menu, there is a wide variety of seafood you can order. Pick your poison, choices from: crab, oysters, lobster, crawfish but you can’t pass up trying the very popular, shrimp. With these main courses, you can choose you seasonings: rajun Cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic butter. However, nothing beats all three seasonings in one, as they call it the Whole Sha-Bang, very popular. You can choose your level of spiciness to your preference. Ranging from non-spicy to XXX, beware of XXX! Once your food is ready, it comes in a huge, clear plastic bag with all the juices and flavors smothering it. Yes I know the presentation isn’t the best in the world but don’t knock it just yet. The second you open the bag, the aroma will hit you and activate your senses. You can smell the Cajun, lemon, garlic butter flavors. Your mouth will start to water before you even take your first bite.
Now if you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, they have a great variety of fried foods. Your choice of: fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, calamari, chicken tenders, or hot wings. They also have wonderful side orders that compliment the main dishes: gumbo, rice, Cajun fries, sweet potato fries, and corn. My personal favorites are the Cajun fries and sweet corn. The corn is also in the bag so all the seasonings and juices smother it. It has the sweet taste as you bite into it, with a spicy kick at the end. An experience at Boiling Crab isn’t complete without a side of Cajun fries and corn.
Nothing is over-priced at Boiling Crab. Shrimp goes for $8.99 per lb and clams go for $9.99 per lb. The other choices of seafood are seasonal and go by the market price debating on the season. After experiencing the food, you would think you were robbing the place. The fair prices don't do justice for the food, it’s a straight steal.
When it comes to service, all the servers are usually young, college students. Everyone is friendly and are quick to satisfy any specific request you have. They are really good accommodating your needs to make it a great experience for you. Not once have I ever complained or have been unsatisfied with the service. They usually bring everything you need once your food gets there; limes, lemons, ketchup, napkins, and butter at your request. Once you start eating, you will be too busy devouring and enjoying your food that you rather just eat than to worry about anything else. The only thing you might need would be drink refills, but the servers are usually on top of that and refill it before you even get to ask.
The Boiling Crab is full of energy and is very lively. No need to dress fancy and feel uptight, come feeling relaxed and dressed casual. Great place to experience whether you’re with family or with your friends looking for a place to eat and watch the game. Having a good time with family and friends is always better with good food. If by any chance you are by a Boiling Crab, be sure to jump on the opportunity and experience it. An experience you and your family will never forget, especially your taste buds.
Works Cited
No comments:
Post a Comment