Thank you for stopping to read the blog named mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today, because Kirk is preoccupied.
I've mentioned before that The Mister and I do not 'regift' items, including gift cards. We have found creative ways to use them if we don't really want to purchase a compete meal (all appetizer meals, only dessert meals, a cup of coffee a week…). However, we knew nothing about California Fish Grill and were curious when we received the card this year.
There are multiple locations (four) in San Diego County and 33 more scattered throughout California along with one Arizona and two Las Vegas locations. Their website does note that the seafood sold here is responsibly sourced, so that is a plus. 
The drill is similar to many places nowadays: walk up order, pay, find a seat, grab your own beverages and your number is called.
You pick up your tray and take it to your table.
Louisiana Delta (!) Catfish ($11.75), fried. Two sides to choose: kaleslaw and sweet potato fries (additional $1.99). Mild and flaky fish, lightly fried, this was two filets, a large portion, and very good with the house made tartar sauce. The kaleslaw is unique, yet not: it's chopped kale and shredded red cabbage in a mild, mayonnaise based slaw dressing (I detected a bit of sweet and salty and tangy, so there is either mustard or vinegar along with sugar and salt). The sweet potato fries were very well fried and seasoned and sweet in a good way. 
Calamari and battered fish ($9.99) was my chance to try more frying techniques along with seeing how they squid was prepared here. The lightly breaded thick cut squid strips were crispy from the light fry. The swai filets had a nice, crisp batter; texture contrasts were nice. The sides of kaleslaw and regular French fries were very good.
I just had to try a bowl of the clam chowder ($5.49) and was impressed. Creamy, very rich broth with a deep clam flavor and clam pieces along with diced potatoes made this soup memorable. 
The keto shrimp bowl ($9.99) was a great choice. Plenty of grilled shrimp severs over a spring mix of various greens and topped with a Green Goddess dressing. Very tasty plump grilled shrimp (I love the char) and a very large serving. 
Had to try the battered fish and chips meal ($9.50)-three pieces of swai, great, crispy French fries and Brussels sprouts (an upgraded side- $1.99). The sprouts were outstanding- still crisp but charred and a real treat. 
Here is a cross section of the fish- good sized pieces and see how light the batter is?
Great food, attention to details, ambiance, and very nice people working here.
California Fish Grill multiple location Website Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
(the sadly unused condiment bar)