A quiet revolution in seafood began on Friday in a former gas station in The Elysian Valley. Johnny Nalbandian, the former owner of J&J; Seafood, which Food GPS tells us was “the Tiffany’s of seafood,” has joined forces with food distributor Franky Atallah to create Franky and Johnny’s Fisherman’s Seafood Outlet. This wholesale market resembles a landlocked fishing dock and is open to the public. The owners reveal respect for Costco’s model, but plan to outshine the super-grocer with over 250 kinds of seafood, all sold at wholesale cost. This will include rare finds, from frog’s legs to Mozambique shrimp, with Nalbandian promising “Three quarters of this stuff, you can’t find anywhere else,” as well as the biggest smoked fish selection in town. GPS’ Joshua Laurie points out that a five pound bag of oysters from the separate shellfish fridge costs only $20, and that all fish comes free of preservatives, having been sealed with a cyrovac machine. Also promising a commitment to host charity events, Franky and Johnny’s is truly fish-mongering for the people. 1633 Riverside Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90031; (323) 223-4740.
Franky and Johnny’s: Value Seafood in Elysian Valley [Food GPS]
