This ain’t my first time at Killer Shrimp, this ain’t my last time at Killer Shrimp. This Marina Del Rey gem sits right on the water, has a strong ‘real people’ vibe, and the food tastes like my damn auntie’s on Thanksgiving.
So when I heard there were new menu items, I basically materialized out of thin air in the dining area. And you know what? That was the right decision on my part.
I started with the lobster mac n’ cheese, because I know this place does classics how I like them: bold as hell, yet as familiar as the day you met your first wife.
They also don’t skimp on the lobster, which is buttery and oozing and has the perfect texture. A nice little chewy bite.
The salmon was another smash hit. I went straight for it, cause it’s one of the few superfoods I eat regularly. I needed to try their take on what is usually a pretty cut and dry menu item. Well, they got this right, too. Can you believe it? I love a salmon that flakes and falls off the fork, but one that’s cooked long enough to where it’s not all gooey. This was exactly what I wanted. Burly and filling but light enough where I still felt like a healthy gym guy. 5 stars.
In line with that thinking, I had the veggie wings next. Scrum diddly umptious, y’all. I’m a big ass wing head, my daddy was half chicken. Never have I tried the veggie version. I’m going vegetarian. I’ll finally fit in Silverlake, thank god. The texture was exactly … like … Meat wings. I couldn’t tell the difference. And beyond that they were flavorful and thick as a brick. Is this love?
The Killer Shrimp, crab and lobster is a staple of this place, but like, you could’ve guessed that. It comes in a spicy broth that truly opened up my pores. I’m alive! The lobster tail was my favorite part of the dynamic dish, tender and light and really soaked up the broth to make something very special. There’s a reason this plate is so popular; it’s adventurous and like, super fun to eat. It’s colorful and you eat it with your hands, and you’re looking out onto the water thinking about the crab and all his little crab friends and just, I dunno. It was emotional.
Listen, there’s never been one, not one instance in life where, béarnaise sauce didn’t elevate everything it touched. That’s just science. So when I tried the grilled hanger steak with scalloped potato au gratin, which was slathered in that sweet, sweet sauce, I felt myself re-animate. This was fine dining if it was done with soul. A supremely-confident chef turned this out, because trying to pair flavors with something as dominant and beloved as hanger steak can’t be easy, and yet I lived for every bite. It was juicy. It was medium rare perfection. They tasted like steak and potatoes at the Ritz Carlton, at T-Pain’s birthday party. Just the right amount of salt and and spice, and thick cut; this is living.
OK, drinks. So Green Honey Love was the best drink I’ve had in possibly forever. And I (whispered) have had a lot of drinks in my day. Gin is my favorite spirit, and this drink blended it perfectly. Everything I tasted sort of lifted me up, made me feel grand. This is the drink you order when you want to impress a date. Like, they are probably gonna make out with you if you order this. Lemon juice, clover honey, and Green Chartreuse combine to make this a very special concoction.
The Killer 5th was saucy as hell! With grapefruit vodka, aperol, lime juice and bitters, I felt a rush from the first sip. It’s sugary and perfect for a flirty moment. Very Sarah Jessica Parker, y’know?
Killer Shrimp is the best, you already know that, I’m not sure why I’m not there right now, but I guess life’s not fair. Y’all should go tho.
