Fish Merchant - San Diego

I had lunch at The Fish Merchant on May 6, 2009. I ordered a luncheon special consisting of shrimp and scallops in a mushroom garlic sauce for $12.95. Before the meal came I asked for a glass of water. The waitress said the water was “filtered.” I just happened to have a TDS water tester in my shirt pocket, so when the water came I tested it: 635 ppm TDS, which is the same as pure San Diego tap water. When the meal came it tasted more like yesterday’s leftovers. . .a certain reheated flavor that any experienced cook or diner can spot in a second. The side dish of tomatoes were mushy and stale from air exposure. The french fries were fine but the bread in the basket was stale and the “butter” was a cheap, greasy margarine. The waitress never asked how we liked the food or if we needed anything else. She just slapped down the check and cashed out the credit card without comment. The next day I called the restaurant manager and reported all of the above. He listened very politely; claimed that the meal was freshly cooked, but never denied or excused any of the other criticisms. I first ate in this restaurant 21 years ago and have probably eaten there 40 times over 20 years. It’s been fine over the years but since it changed ownership the prices have gone up thirty percent and the food/service quality have gone in the tank. Speaking of “tanks”, the aquarium next to our table had a dead fish in it. Perhaps this place should be renamed the “Dead” Fish Merchant.