A New Wave of Sustainable Seafood in Huntington Beach
Since selling their stake in Slapfish, the fast-casual seafood restaurant chain in Huntington Beach, California, Andrew Gruel and his wife Lauren have been on a mission to create a smaller concept that focuses on locally sourced, sustainable, and Fair Trade-certified seafood. Their vision materialized with the opening of Calico Fish House in January 2023, also located in Huntington Beach.
A Fresh Take on Seafood
This seafood joint offers a variety of at least seven different types of seafood daily, with a strong emphasis on locally available, fresh, and in-season ingredients. The menu boasts mouthwatering delights such as Baja Fish Tacos, Lobster Deviled Eggs, All-American Crab Cake, as well as oysters, tuna poke, fish and chips, and jumbo roasted sea scallops.
The Philosophy Behind the Plate
Gruel, an advocate of responsible seafood sourcing, follows a philosophy centered around local, farmed, like-minded, and sustainable seafood. This approach was shaped during his partnership in 2019 with MH Slapfish Capital LLC, the restaurant division of Mac Haik, where he realized his desire for greater influence over sourcing decisions.
Educating Through Cuisine
Recognizing that Californians are more inclined to try seafood when dining out rather than cooking it at home, Gruel seizes the opportunity to educate and inspire customers. He engages with guests, educating them on seafood and telling the story behind each dish.
Local Partnerships
One of Calico Fish House’s primary suppliers is OC Wild, located in Long Beach, California. Regional specialties like spiny lobster, halibut, calico bass, and California box crab are supplied to the restaurant by Craig Jacobs, who has been a commercial fisherman for over 25 years.
A Commitment to Local Sourcing
Gruel prides himself on sourcing a significant portion of his seafood from local fisheries, highlighting the importance of supporting regional producers. Around 60 to 70 percent of his sales come from local seafood, setting Calico Fish House apart from restaurants that import a lot of seafood from China.
Fair Trade and Ethical Practices
In line with their business philosophy, Calico Fish House also prioritizes Fair Trade certification. The restaurant utilizes Fair Trade-certified wild blue Mexican shrimp from Del Pacifico Seafoods, based in Los Angeles, California, for their grilled shrimp and shrimp sliders.
The Future of Calico Fish House
Gruel holds a strong affinity for aquaculture and offers both Atlantic farmed salmon and wild salmon on the menu. He sources sustainably-certified salmon from Verlasso Salmon and Marine Harvest Canada, and is currently working on procuring Aquaculture Stewardship Council-certified trout from Riverence Holdings in Boise, Idaho.
A Seafood Haven in Huntington Beach
Andrew Gruel’s Calico Fish House has quickly become a go-to spot for seafood enthusiasts in Huntington Beach, drawing crowds with its commitment to quality, sustainability, and the unique stories behind each dish.
