This Summer, Sharky’s took a new approach to their “feel good about eating” motto. Not only can you feel good about eating, you can also feel good about eating where you’re at. By debuting their first freestanding restaurant in Northridge, CA, people can experience exceptional dining with features like sandblasted Douglas Fir beams and natural stone like Carrera marble. The new dining space is created with comfort and intimacy in mind while you enjoy food that is hand-made, from scratch, each and every day.
The mission since day one, back in 1992, was to make you feel good about what you’re eating. The wood-fired Mexican cuisine uses local, natural and organic ingredients with no hormones or added preservatives, it is GMO free, and all steak and seafood is antibiotic free and MSC-certified.
Recently, I was given the chance to check the Aliso Viejo location and experience the food for myself. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, going low fat, low carb or whatever you diet is, Sharky’s has something on the menu for you. I, however, am neither of these even though I should be. However, I still loved everything I had an opportunity to try and order.
Out of everything on Sharky’s menu, the Stacked Chicken Enchiladas caught my eye. Don’t get me wrong – there are lots of delicious and wonderful choices, but a good enchilada reminds me of home, comfort and these were no different. Instead of the traditional hand rolled method smothered with red or green sauce, this version is stacked with a tomatillo cheese sauce, four cheeses, cilantro, onion, cabbage, and sour cream. I got a side of poblano brown rice to check out and doused those babies with Sharky’s famous avocado sauce (found at the sauce bar of any Sharky’s location).
This dish might look complicated and compelling but one bite is enough to know it hits the spot. With 1003 calories, it’s not bad either but then again, I’m not even counting, remember? I’m on the “no diet, eat what you want, regret it later” plan. Yep.
After making it through the delicious enchiladas, I had to go check out a taco option because what’s Mexican food without a few tacos? Am I right? The California Tacos were calling my name because I like my tacos with a lot of meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa and that’s just how these are prepared. Bonus: they don’t skimp on toppings. For your tacos, you get your choice of steak, chicken, or tofu. I got one steak, one chicken and the steak was definitely my favorite. Served on non-GMO free corn tortillas, they were a hit. The meat is juicy and flavorful paired with the fresh condiments plus that amazing avocado sauce all gave it all an extra edge.
If your lifestyle is vegan, I recommend trying the Sharky’s Quinoa Superfood Salad. As a non-vegan, even I was impressed and if you’re bothered by the vegan aspect, they’ll happily thrown in a protein of your choice – all you have to do is ask. Sharky’s will customize the food to your taste.
Over the next several years, all Sharky’s locations will feature the new look feel while keeping the core concept, mission values, and food the same. Feel good about eating at Sharky’s while enjoying an aesthetically new pleasing dining area with your comfort and convenience in mind.
