101 4th Street (at C Street), Petaluma CA 94952
(707) 762-6424
Parking: in parking lot and ample street parking
Last Visited: June 11, 2005
Food: 4 to 5 stars
Service: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $ to $$
Fourth and Sea, formerly a Foster’s Freeze, has kept the soft serve and added fish and chips making it a fine combination to be enjoyed by all. My aunt and uncle recommended this place and gave it high accolades.
The blue checkered curtains can be seen from outside. Enter Fourth and Sea and you’ll find the orange booths are still reminiscent of its former life as a Foster’s Freeze. There are six booths seating four and four booths that seat two. Nautical decorations fill the dining area - from oars to buoys to numerous lighthouse figurines. The locals have contributed to the atmosphere by bringing in their own ocean finds. The place has a family style feel with all of its knick knacks on display. A bell is attached to the door and sounds as people enter and exit. Jazz from a local radio station plays in the background. One can order from the window outside or the one within. Large bright yellow menus are posted along the wall near the window.
The menu includes cod, chicken tenders, prawns, and oysters available a la carte or as a meal served with fries and cole slaw. Sandwich choices include chili dogs, burgers, Philly cheese steak, and chicken sandwiches. A children’s menu is also available. For the adventurous, there is a SeaBiscuit – a deep fried twinkie served with whipped cream and berry sauce.
Tonight’s fare was something from the classic menu. A lemon wedge, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce are available with all fried seafood items.
- Two Piece Cod Meal – The fish is caught in Iceland and frozen within two hours of the catch. This makes for flaky cod and excellent clean flavor. The oil is fresh and hot giving a crisp outer coating that is fried until golden brown and not greasy. The fish is large with generous sides. The coleslaw was crisp, not soggy. The chips are lightly seasoned potato wedges. Again, you can tell that the oil is fresh because the chips are hot in temperature and also not soggy. Very good. $8.75
- Fish Sandwich – A deep fried piece of cod is placed in a soft roll with lettuce and tartar sauce. If you like soft rolls, you’ll be pleased. Again, the cod is done perfectly. Very good. $4.95
On my second visit, which was for lunch, I tried a few different items.
- Deep Fried Calamari – Calamari rings and tentacles are lightly battered and deep fried. The calamari pieces are then tossed in a mixture containing garlic and parsley. It’s like garlic fries, but it’s calamari. I was a little surprised at the extra flavoring, but found it refreshing and good. Be forewarned that the flavor of garlic will stay with you. $6.95
- One Cod, Two Oyster combo Meal - The fish was deep fried just as nicely as the first time. See above. The oysters are large and also available as a side for $1.75 each. These oysters were lightly battered and deep fried. The batter could be thinner, but I still found the oysters above average in size and quality. They’re so hot that you should use care in eating them. Very good. The fries and cole slaw were just as good as my initial visit. $8.50
- Clam Chowder – The New England style clam chowder is homemade and served with oyster crackers. It’s creamy and rich with lots of clams, diced celery, and diced potatoes. It has excellent consistency and I didn’t find a single lump of flour. Very good. Cup $3.75, Pint $5.95, Quart $8.95
- Shakes – The strawberry shakes are rich and creamy. The ice cream is so thick that it helps to let it sit and melt a little so you can use a straw to drink it. It had a very strawberry flavor, not too sweet, but just right. Excellent prices too. Small 12oz $1.75, Medium 16oz 2.25, Large 20oz $2.75
- Onion rings – The onion rings are thick and served with ranch dressing. The ring itself is fresh and the batter for this visit was on the thick side. See more about the batter below. Available in half order for $3 or regular size for $5.
When I visited in 2005, I noticed the prices had gone up. Also, this last visit wasn’t quite as impressive as previous. Although the batter was still crisp, it was a bit too thick. This doesn’t mean I won’t return, but I will be more cautious about what I order and how much of it. In some cases, the batter was so thick that it just was soft. The ingredients are still very fresh, but not quite to the level that I had expected. If this happens again, I’ll have to remove them from the Best of trAde list, but for now, they’ll remain a little while longer. Also, if it happens again, I’ll have to downgrade their rating.
The staff at Fourth and Sea are friendly and not only does this place have fresh fish, but hearty portions. The quality of food is excellent, and the prices reasonable. From my two visits, I would also say they are quite consistent (this is not true after the third visit – but still open for discussion). I would highly recommend a visit to Fourth and Sea.
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