A quick Lunch at Anthony’s Grotto in La Mesa

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this blog.  It is written by a group of friends, but mostly Kirk, ed (from Yuma) and Cathy.  I am Cathy. I am writing.  Because I ate.

Hello again.  I got a gift card for Anthony's from some clients earlier this year and The Mister and I figured it would be air conditioned this past Saturday (when it was 104° in Santee). That seems to be our criteria these days.  We have no humidity (<20%) but the dry heat is like opening an oven door and it just knocks the energy out of us.  Oh. We love seafood. That was also a good reason to choose Anthony's .

027 When you are walking in, a small Grotto greets you.

If you are sit by the wall of window, you have a complete view of the lake out back.

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We ordered and got some fresh baked Italian (soft, not crusty) bread rolls with sides of sun dried tomato butter.007

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We decided to share an appetizer of  artichoke and shrimp dip ($6.95).  There were 12 small but juicy and flavorful shrimp baked in the shell shaped dish, along with artichoke heart pieces and a lemony mayonnaise, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and accompanied by some toasted bread.  A nice starter.

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I chose the chowder and salad combination ($8.95).  Of course, New England clam chowder.

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This was served in a fresh made sourdough bread bowl, which just helped me with my carb overload of the day. The sourdough was not very sour, but the bread was wonderfully fresh and the chowder, was, as always, creamy, rich and filled with fat clams and diced potato.019

The Garden Harvest Salad that came with mine was served on a fish shaped plate.025 (click on the photo so it enlarges and you'll see the tail of the fish plate)

It was filled with shredded lettuces, cucumber, parboiled squash and carrots, flavorful tomatoes and topped with a light vinaigrette.

The Mister wanted to try the "Northern Combo" A choice of grilled sole, salmon or cod- any two or two of the same ($11.95) He chose cod and salmon and cole slaw as his side. Both fish were grilled and lightly seasoned, remaining moist.  The cole slaw here is made with pineapple and is delightfully refreshing.

024 026 The total for this lunch was exactly $30 and there is still money left on the gift card…and our birthdays are coming up!

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