Editor’s Note: Since this article was written, Sergio now operates out of the backyard of his true home in Lennox. Read this post for the latest on Sergio.
The LA Times Food Critic, Jonathan Gold, is someone I follow. Despite the fact that he’s won a Pulitzer prize for his writing, he regularly makes himself available on social media. When I asked him for advice on mariscos, he quickly replied, “Coni Seafood”. His follow-up message simply said “pescado zarandeado”.
Pescado is Spanish for fish, but I wasn’t familiar with zarandeado. After visiting Coni Seafood, I ordered Pescado Zarandeado, loved it, and realized that I had experienced this amazing dish many years ago.
It turns out that Chef Sergio Peñuelas is the chef that popularized this dish in LA. Others have attempted to copy his version, but I’ve found that Peñuelas makes the tastiest rendition of Pescado Zarandeado. He left Coni Seafood a little over a year ago and after finding him at Cheko El Rey del Sarandeado in Long Beach, I’ve returned a number of times.
Peñuelas is very hands on and every time I’ve dined there, he’s been in the kitchen. I’ve taken a number of friends there and was delighted that they agreed that his food was special.
Ceviche with sea snails, scallops, shrimp and avocado
Smoked Marlin Tacos with avocado and salsa
If you enjoy ceviche, you definitely need to try it. The Ceviche El Rey contains white fish, octopus and shrimp. I also had an opportunity to try their ceviche with sea snails, scallops and shrimp. Paired with chips, this makes an excellent starter. Other starters I’ve enjoyed are the Marlin Tacos (3) and the fresh oysters topped with ceviche.
The Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Peñuelas seems to enjoy cooking shrimp and has a variety of dishes that feature this crustacean. The Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is a simple dish consisting of shrimp that is sauteed in oil, butter, garlic, chiles and lime juice. I’m sure that he has some other secret ingredients because this sauce is truly delicious. Another shrimp dish that I’ve enjoyed was the Camarones Borrachos which is made using tequila.
Like many mariscos restaurants, they also serve seafood cocktail and soups. I’ve seen a number of people order the mixed campechana. They also serve shrimp cocktail with or without octopus.
Pescado Zarandeado – Grilled Snook
Pescado Zarandeado is Peñuelas’ signature dish. A whole snook is butterflied and grilled over charcoal. It’s served “open face” with a delicious sauce consisting of caramelized onions, butter and soy sauce. Yes, soy sauce. Combined with the warm corn tortillas, this makes an incredible taste experience.
To complete the experience, they also have Jarritos, Micheladas and Mexican Beer.
If you like mariscos, head down to Cheko El Rey del Sarandeado in North Long Beach. You won’t regret the trip.
Cheko El Rey del Sarandeado, 343 E Market St. Long Beach, CA 90805
Instagram @chekoelreydelzarandeado