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Community Corner

6 Questions for a San Marino Local: San Marino Seafood's Basil Banks

The co-owner of a popular eatery takes on the San Marino Six.

For 25-year-old Basil Banks, the restaurant business is truly a family affair.

“My uncle owned a couple of restaurants by the beach in San Diego,” said Banks. “They were a little more casual than this restaurant.”

Banks and his father, George, are the co-owners of the popular local eatery, . The father and son team have operated the restaurant and market together since 2003.

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Now in their eighth year of business, the younger Banks claims his father doesn’t boss him around the kitchen.

“The responsibilities are pretty split down the middle,” said Basil. “We work very well together.”

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While Basil used to spend a lot of his time in the kitchen, the San Gabriel resident now stays busy performing new tasks.

“I used to be in the kitchen all the time but now I’m busy delegating servers and making sure we don’t run out of anything,” said Basil. “I also am a fishmonger.”

Basil’s father, George, is also a fishmonger and wanted to open the local restaurant and market with his partner (and fellow fishmonger) Jeff Norris because he was fed up with the quality of fresh fish available at supermarkets.

San Marino Seafood purchases their seafood from Superior Seafood, a wholesaler located in Los Angeles.

“A lot of the fish come already in fillet portions, but there’s still a lot we have to get done here,” said Basil.

Located in the popular San Marino Courtyard, San Marino Seafood is located next to several popular local eateries including , and .

“There isn’t a feeling of competition,” said Basil. “We all feed off of each other since we all offer different types of cuisine.”

The fishmonger took time out of his busy schedule to take on the San Marino six.

What do you like most about San Marino?

The people – everyone is really nice here. The community is great and you develop really strong relationships.

What is your favorite restaurant in San Marino?

San Marino Seafood.

What is your favorite place in San Marino to take a stroll or go for a run?

.

What is a little known fact about you?

I’m shy.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint chip.

What is your favorite item on the San Marino Seafood menu?

The seared ahi tuna salad.

 

 

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