"On July 4, 2008, a Newport Beach Seafood Institution was born... It was that day that the Bear Flag Fish Co. opened it doors and began a new standard for what a Pacific Coast Seafood Market should be. In the minute you set foot in Bear Flag, there is a fresh, lively bush that is immediately visible. This is a buzzz created by a seafood program, a guy who has almost grown up on a swordfish boat here in Southern California. Thomas “Thos” Carson is the young owner and owner and the son of legendary fisherman Tom Carson. Thos called his seafood market and barbecue, after his fathers Harpun boat, The Bear Flag, docked on the waterfront, just a few blocks down the Lido. It is literally a product of the Pacific itself and treats the seafood worn by this water with respect and attention to freshness and quality that we have never seen here in Newport. Thos has spent most of his young life by working in some of the top seafood counters from here to San Diego and back, including the Fish Market-Del Mar, El Pescador Fish Market-La Jolla, Bristol Farms and Whole Foods. He also served as a sushi cook at the Crab Catcher in La Jolla, who proved to be one of the best trainings of his life. In the seafood case to win that Thos is able to reproduce the everyday life of the week at Bear Flag, is like an etheric underwater fantasy. It begins to pack it early in the morning with hand-selected seafood, which has a freshness and quality that is unmatched on the southern California coast. It is a result of its integrity and relationships with local fishermen and seafood that allows this level of quality. Directly from the commercial fishing boats, Dory Fischer and seafood wholesalers, Thos invites its case with local swordfish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Deep Water Prawns, Halibut, Mahi, Sea Bass and Lobster. What is not caught on site is delivered every day except Sunday, including Hawaiian Sushi Grade Ahi, Opah, Wahoo and Albacore. From local Mexico, it is the Shrimp and Ensenada Farm Raised Abalone. And from the Pacific Northwest, Line Caught Salmon, which has a color and freshness, we simply do not see here in this part of the state. When Thos approached his dad with the concept of creating a local fish market with the naming flag identity, Tom Carson was less than optimistic but still supporting. Apart from a little help from his dad to buy the beautiful fish case that served as an altarpiece in this holy fish house, Thos did all this alone. No loans or guardian angels to support him, only his own life savings and a desire and commitment, the best seafood for the beach community he grew up. Although the original concept of Bear Flag Fish Co. was as a fish market, this concept has become what is probably the best casual fish grill in all Orange County. The menu is not really a menu at all, but a list of wonderful ideas Thos offers to its dedicated customers. He wants them to know they want the fresh seafood as good as they want. Fresh fish rice dishes with Asian grilled vegetables, grilled Basa Fish Burritos and Panko grilled fish Tacos are just some of these “ suggestions”. From its case, the Newport locals can order its selection of Hawaiian Poke, House Cured Salmon Lox, Ahi Sashimi and fresh Oysters on the half shell. And from the glittering clean open kitchen you can cook the homemade chowders and bowls of Cioppino to order. It is not only the seafood that is fresh, but also its house made Salsas, Remoulad, cocktail sauce and its masterly creations the Bear Flag Home Grown Hot Sauce that they have filled up on site. The future is very bright for Thos Carson and the Bear fFag Fish Co. He has just allowed his permission to sit, but need additional permission for sushi bar service and cooking classes. Make yourself a favor and make the Bear Flag Fish Co. Your catch of the day, every day... Bear Flag Fish Co. 407 31st. St. Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-673-FISH (3474) [hidden link] Bear flag fish C. on Mister Munchies Flickr page..."
