| Many men go fishing all of their lives
without knowing it is not fish they are after. Henry David Thoreau |
Grunion Huntin'
The Grunion
The Grunion are little silver fish that flip up on Southern California beaches in droves every year between March and August to procreate in the light of the full moon. Being the voyeuristic types, Californians flock to late night beaches to catch the Grunion in the act. You need a fishing license to actually catch them, but all are welcome to come and take a gander. Those who have experienced the spectacle say it is an amazing sight.
That said, we at Datebook must start with a disclaimer: we haven't seen them yet. It's not that we haven't tried, it's just that it seems the Grunion aren't as reliable about showing up as one might hope. Thus, we submit to you the proposal of a Grunion hunt, which may or may not be successful but will most definitely yield a late night beach walk (which we think is worth taking whether or not you observe procreating fish in the process). Either way, you'll still experience the thrill of the hunt – even more arousing perhaps than the catch itself.
If you do want to try, download the Grunion schedule at the website, and pick your night and your beach. We tried Point Dume, and though nary a Grunion did we see, several locals we met on the way said Malibu was as good a spot to find them as any. The schedule says the second and third days of predicted runs are usually the best (maybe that was our trouble, we tried on the first day). Also, some beaches seem more reliable than others. Carrillo Beach offers Grunion night educational programs, so next time we're trying there. We'll keep you posted.
| Cost | Free |
| Location | So-Cal beaches: Pick your favorite. view map |
| Hours | See the downloadable schedule under Website |
| Website | http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp |
| Telephone | You really can't call a fish. |
| Reservations | You are welcome to try, but fish just don't follow written schedules well. Maybe it's because their datebooks are too wet to read. |
| Dress code | Chilly night and fish friendly |
Froggy's
Tucked into a Topanga hillside, Froggy's is the kind of place you always hope you'll discover when you are in unfamiliar territory: A local favorite, oozing with ecclectic charm where you can sit amongst the trees and time seems to pass at its own pace. Its also a good place to let the evening advance while you are waiting to drive down to Malibu for your Grunion hunt.
Built in an old schoolhouse, Froggy's is a hodge-podge of rooms all with their own special rustic character. The main room, with floor to ceiling windows and a stone fireplace, feels like a mountain lodge. The patio has more of a Mexican cantina feeling with neon signs, found art and corragated tin walls that create nooks and crannies. The cozy bar, with stucco walls, is a little bit English pub – as is the menu, which features seafood, much of which has a traditional British flair (and much, like the Sushi, which doesn't). Order food at the counter in the middle of the restaurant, drinks from the bar and pick your favorite room in which to enjoy it all and each other.
Tip: Just look for the neon jumping frog sign on the road and you'll know you're there.
| Price range | $$ |
| Location | 1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga, CA 90290 view map |
| Hours | Sun-Thurs 5pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-10:00pm |
| Telephone | (310) 455-1728 |
| Takes Reservations | Yes |
| Parking | Street and Lot |
| Type of Cuisine | Seafood |
| Outdoor seating | Yes |
| Payment | Major credit cards accepted |
$ Thrifty, under $10
$$ Middle of the Road, $11 - $30
$$$ Gettin' up there, $31 - $60
$$$$ Go baby go, $61-100
$$$$$ Big spender, over $100.