| Update (9/18/07)
Jesse from Arcata writes: "…I just wanted to
update your update, because the Vista is open once again.
I just moved up to Arcata for college and so I don't know
much about its history, but I've seen two concerts there
in two weeks and was looking for information on an upcoming
concert. Also, the front is painted up with lots of cool
and colorful artwork these days. Just thought you might
want to know…" |
| Update (5/15/05)
Local Trinidad, California singer/songwriter Kahish reports
that the Vista is no longer open. Kahish has opened a
café in Trinidad called KAHISH'S
CATCH CAFÉ on Main Street that we hope
to visit someday soon. |
DECEMBER,
1998
We
asked the Zerlang brothers where we might find some good clam
chowder. Fifth generation crabbing men, they run the
Crab Shack on Eureka's waterfront. When it comes to knowing
about seafood, they are the horse's mouth.
"The
Vista," they said in unison. "It's just a few blocks
from here."
If
the Vista were any closer to the water, it would have to be
on a boat. It's been a feature of Eureka's waterfront for
many a year, the favored watering hole of the fishermen and
crabbers who unload their boats less than a hundred yards
away. It was a cold, rainy, windy day, and by the time we
took refuge inside, we'd even been battered by a flurry of
hail. Clam chowder was sounding better by the minute.
It doesn't get any fresher: Bob Graves with caught-today
Dungeness crab |
We
were greeted by Bob Graves, one of the Vista's new owners.
Before we sat down at a cozy booth in the front, he showed
us the Vista's private dining room, which was brightly decorated
for a Christmas party. The long room had a view of the water
and the boats.
"We
use this room for all sorts of things," said Bob. "We'll
have punk and new wave music in here and pack the place with
young people. The next day we'll be serving crab louie and
white wine to a ladies' club. We serve the entire community."
Moving
back into the main room, we sat down to peruse the menu. It's
a delightfully eclectic combination featuring not only fresh
seafood and local Chantrelle mushrooms, but also Jamaican
jerk chicken and other dishes that showcase the talents of
chef Tommy Ray Chase, the Vista's other owner who hails from
Louisiana.
We
settled on the obvious, clam chowder and cracked crab, a feast
of freshness and flavor accompanied by warm bread, french
fries, fried zucchini, and the best hot tea I've ever been
served in a restaurant. Is there a better repast for a winter
afternoon on a rugged coast? And we had the feeling that summer's
just as good. If you want to eat well and soak up a little
of Eureka's unique ambience, the Vista is the place. Most
nights there's live music by local artists, and, just like
the menu and the clientele, there's something for everyone.
The
Vista
91 Commercial Street
Eureka, California 95501
(707) 443-1491
