on February 2, 2019

By Thomas J. Sullivan–
Drivers travelling along Sunrise Boulevard near Madison Avenue have likely seen prominent new signage and a fish mural on the building where California Fish Grill will be opening on Monday, Feb. 11. A soft opening will also take place on Feb. 10 for vendors, family and guests.

The Southern California chain’s 26^th location, and the fourth in Northern California, at 5406 Sunrise Blvd., is in the Capital Nursery shopping center across from Smart & Final. The new restaurant was formerly home to Moe’s Southwest Grill, which closed in late 2017 after being open for just over a year.

Thirty staff are being hired for the new location, including 15 waitstaff and 15 in the kitchen, said restaurant spokesman Mario Martinez, who will serve as assistant general manager of the Citrus Heights restaurant.

The restaurant chain is known for partnering with fisheries as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program to offer a wide variety of fresh “responsibly sourced” seafood. A sample menu provided to The Sentinel lists meals ranging from $8.50 for a popular combo meal of seafood tacos with a drink and rice and beans on the side, to $13.99 for a grilled dish of giant shrimp and two sides.

Customers will be able to choose from between 15 grilled specialties, prepared in either a garlic butter sauce or seasoned olive oil. A Chimichurri sauce or Cajun style are two additional flavorful options. Specialties include several varieties of salmon, Steelhead, Ahi tuna, Tilapia, catfish, scallops, rainbow trout, rockfish and Hawaiian swordfish.

California bowls start at just under $10, with options for Chimichurri chicken, cilantro lime salmon and coconut curry shrimp — served over white or brown rice. Children can enjoy a variety of fish and chip combos starting at $4.75, which include fries or kale slaw and bottled water.