VENTURA, CALIF.–While beers are extremely popular in the upstairs Tapas Bar at Eric Ericsson’s (ericericssons.com) restaurant on Ventura Pier, once in a while I like to splurge and sip an old-fashioned Mai-Tai, a delicious rum cocktail that comes with a cherry & umbrella. The garnish is a little foo-foo, but the beverage is 100% refreshing, slightly tangy, sweet and a happy splash to match the ocean setting you can watch.

The Ventura Pier’s wonderful fish restaurant offers 1st floor dining, while the 2nd floor has a menu that includes Cerviche, Oyster Shooters, Mussels Marinara, Clams, Jalepeno Onion Rings and other spiced up seafood delights in the $5 – 13 range. Well drinks are a deal at around $4, Monday through Friday except holidays (draft beer $2.50, house wine $3.50). Note: prices are ALWAYS subject to change, call first! Like the Fishermans restaurant on San Clemente Pier, the style is relaxed and though tourists are some of the best customers, the place provides casual California beach charm that you miss in the chain restaurants such as Ruby’s found on many piers.

Eric Ericssons on Ventura Pier, opened in 1981
668 Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001
Tel: (805) 643-4783

Simple Mai Tai:

• 1 ounce (oz) light rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz orange curacao
• 1/2 oz orgeat syrup