Beach Bites with Katie Lee Season 1 Episode 6 Unexpected Hits

In season 1 episode 6 of Beach Bites with Katie Lee, titled "Unexpected Hits," Katie explores the diverse culinary scene of Southern California beaches. From traditional Mexican street tacos to creative twists on classic burgers, Katie discovers unique and unexpected dishes that have become local favorites.

The episode begins at Manhattan Beach, where Katie visits a bustling seafood market to select the freshest ingredients for her first dish of the day - grilled swordfish tacos. She heads to The Strand House, a local restaurant known for its modern American cuisine, to prepare her tacos alongside chef Greg Hozinsky. The result is a mouth-watering fusion of smoky swordfish, tangy salsa, and creamy avocado.

Next, Katie travels to Huntington Beach to explore the vibrant surf culture and taste some of the area's best burgers. She meets up with chef and burger aficionado Hop Phan, who takes her to his favorite spot - Slater's 50/50. The restaurant is famous for its half-beef, half-bacon patties, so Katie and Hop decide to take it up a notch by swapping out the traditional hamburger bun for a glazed donut. The resulting "50/50 Donut Burger" is a deliciously sweet and savory surprise.

For her third stop, Katie goes to San Diego's famous Gaslamp Quarter to indulge in some traditional Mexican cuisine. She visits Lolita's, a local staple known for its authentic and affordable street tacos. Katie and chef James Seyba prepare carne asada and al pastor tacos, along with fresh guacamole and tangy tomatillo salsa. As she bites into the flavorful and tender meat, Katie comments that these tacos "might be the best thing I've ever tasted."

Finally, Katie travels to Newport Beach to explore the local seafood scene. She stops at Bear Flag Fish Co., a seafood market and restaurant that sources its fish directly from local fishermen. Chef and co-owner Thomas Carson prepares a delicious ahi tuna poke bowl, featuring fresh, raw tuna mixed with avocado, cucumber, and a flavorful sesame soy sauce. Katie describes the dish as "a burst of fresh, bright flavors."

Throughout the episode, Katie emphasizes the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and highlights the unique cultural influences that have shaped the Southern California beach food scene. She concludes the episode by saying, "I hope you've enjoyed our tour of unexpected culinary hits in SoCal. Come explore the beaches and discover the amazing flavors for yourself."