THE best little restaurant in the whole world!

What?  Me exaggerate?  Okay, I admit that I can sometimes get a little passionate about certain things, and end up being a little too dramatic.  But in this case, all the drama and hype are warranted.

First off, I would consider myself a "foodie", but not in the sense that I have a snobbish palate that settles only for the finest pate and caviar.  In fact, I've never even tried either one!  I know what I like and I appreciate high quality, fresh ingredients at a reasonable price.

Now, there are lots of great restaurants in the South Bay of Los Angeles county, but one stands out as I think I have tried - and enjoyed - just about everything on the menu.  That place is Wahoo's Fish Taco in Manhattan Beach.

Wahoos is a chain of "fast food" restaurants which started in California years ago and has spread throughout the southland and into other states.  Actually, saying that Wahoos is "fast food" is actually doing a disservice to this great place, as many of their food is prepared fresh daily using their own recipes. 

Wahoo's cuisine is described as Baja Mexican food - fresh vegetables, seafood, chicken, beef, rice, black beans.  But they also have some fusion menu items like their Baja rolls (cream cheese, spinach, chicken, and salsa rolled in a flour tortilla) and my favorite, the Wahoo's Salad (green salad with fresh pico de gallo, fresh guacamole, tortilla strips, and choice of meat or grilled veggies).  And of course, the fish tacos - which come with rice and bean - are amazing! 

But in my opinion, food alone does not make an establishment exceptional.  There has to be atmosphere which promotes socializing and good value.  Check and check!  The decor is surfer/skater influenced - appropriate for a restaurant chain that grew up catering to the hungry surfers and skaters.  Wahoos energy draws people of every age, every economic level, every type of job...  They all find something there that Wahoos can offer them.  For the stay at home mom, Wahoos is a great place to meet and chat with their fellow moms while they let the kids munch on their quesadilla and rice.  Office workers find a great place to get a well-valued meal where they can get away for an hour and unwind in the middle with their co-workers.

And of course, being real estate professionals, we can't forget location!  My favorite Wahoo's restaurant is located down in Manhattan Beach, just a single block from the Manhattan Beach pier.  Who can beat a tasty, healthy, inexpensive, lunch or dinner at the beach?

Whenever I have friends or family in town to visit, I make sure that I take them for at least one meal to Wahoos.  I have gotten many of them hooked on Wahoos, and when they return, they insist on making a trip to Wahoos!

So if you are new to the South Bay, visiting, or just haven't tried Wahoos yet, plan a visit there ASAP!  You won't regret it.