Not long ago, I visited Smogasburg LA and there was one food vendor in particular that caught my eye. The booth had a nautical theme complete with a fishnet. Their name, Anarchy Seafood, amused me and the word anarchy conjured up all sorts of images in my mind. I watched some of the orders being filled and I made a mental note that I would try them.
Set up in front of Smog City Brewing, Sara Kenas in the foreground
Through my social media feed, I discovered that Anarchy Seafood would be set up near my house at Smog City Brewing in Torrance. I placed it on my calendar to make sure I visited them. Upon arrival, I observed that they set up a large canopy, portable stove, and chopping stations in Smog City’s patio area.
Crab Croquettes made with lump crab meat and sushi rice
Crab Croquettes were the featured item that day. I appreciated that they used wild caught lump crab meat. Wild caught lump crab meat is not usually found on a restaurant menu. The use of sushi rice was quite creative and gave it some sweetness. Caramelized leek and butter was added to the mixture and it was topped with bacon chili aioli, sesame chives, and furikake. The bite-sized croquettes had a nice sweet and salty nature. The flavor of the bacon chili aioli was a nice way to elevate this seafood dish and the furikake gave it a slightly crunchy finish.
Co-owner Sara Kenas clarified, “The name Anarchy Seafood came about because I really wanted to do something with seafood but didn’t want to get tied down to one type of cuisine like tacos, poke, mariscos, etc. We are cooking without rules. We are cooking what we want, how we want to do it, and changing the menu when we want to.”
Kenas met co-owner Eric Seoane while they were both in culinary school. Seoane’s dad is Cuban and his mom is Colombian. Growing up, he ate a variety of different cuisines including Middle Eastern, Asian and Mexican. He added, “My vision is to create a positive cooking environment where everyone working with us can learn and have a sense of pride in what they accomplish.”
Scallop po boy with pickled cucumbers on a toasted split roll with a side of tangy cole slaw
The scallops in the po boy were fried crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. They were topped with pickled cucumbers and drizzled with a bacon chili aioli. Unlike a traditional po boy, Anarchy Seafood uses a toasted split top bun. It came with a vinegar based house slaw that was both sweet and tangy.
Anarchy Seafood deviates from the ubiquitous fish taco made with cod and shredded cabbage. Instead, a beer batter with yuzu crema is applied to fresh yellowtail. A colorful mango pico de gallo tops the fish. The combination of flavors nicely complements the beer battered yellowtail.
Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, Image credit: Anarchy Seafood
I felt rewarded during my most recent visit to Smorgasburg LA when I saw Soft Shell Crab Sandwich on their menu. Seafood beer batter was used to prep the crab and it was combined with mixed field greens and a delightful yuzu aioli dressing surrounded by an artesian brioche bun. Eating that sandwich was worth the trip to downtown LA.
Whenever possible, they purchase sustainable, seasonal, local and wild caught product and I think it shows in the quality of their offerings. The scallops were plump and seemed like quality diver scallops and the yellowtail tacos were extremely tender and moist. Presentation is a large part of what they deliver and Kenas frequently tops her dishes with colorful miniature edible flowers.
While their menu primarily features seafood, they also have an avocado toast. Using pickled vegetables nicely elevates the avocado toast with added crunch and a tangy flavor. It is definitely different than any other avocado toast I’ve tried.
If you enjoy seafood, I strongly recommend that you give them a try. Kenas and Seoane exercise their culinary talents by elevating typical dishes with ingredients that round out the flavor and texture combinations. The result is a surprising delight as you bite into it and enjoy how your taste buds respond.
Anarchy Seafood set up at Smorgasburg LA
You can find Anarchy Seafood at Smorgasburg LA on Sundays and they post their whereabouts regularly on Instagram.
Anarchy Seafood
https://anarchyseafood.com
Twitter: @AnarchySeafood
Instagram: @anarchyseafood