Page 30 - SLO Visitors Guide Summer/Fall 2020

Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Oceano
It’s simple and laid back at Ada’s Fish House
Doug MacMillan was destined to be a chef and restaurant owner. Parents, Rosa and Bill Mac Millan, started the original Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano in 1961, later opening the Pismo Beach Rosa’s
in 1988. Doug learned the craft by working for his parent’s and family restaurants in Italy, where he ap- prenticed in 1992.
Ada’s Fish House came about in 2019. “We saw an available space across the street from my parent’s restaurant and decided to open our own,” said Doug. “Mom was born in Bonito, Italy and delivered by a midwife named Ada. She became known as Ada Rosa.” Ada is the name Doug and his wife, Shannon, chose for Ada’s Fish House.
The Italian apprenticeship paid off and when planning the menu for Ada’s he also benefited from his father, Bill’s influence. Bill hailed from Boston where Maine lobster is king. Ada’s lobster roll is most favored among the restaurant’s
Doug MacMillan, chef, and owner of Ada’s Fish House
loyal following.
The apprenticeship paid off and
when planning the menu for Ada’s he also benefited from his
father, Bill’s influence. Bill hailed from
Boston, Massachu- setts where Maine
lobster is king. The Lobster roll at Ada’s
is most favored among the restau-
rant’s loyal following.
After deciding to open Ada’s, Shannon took over renovat-
ing and decorating “It’s her brain- child,” said Doug, “everything from the decor to the menu. We work together on this.”
Macmillan was instrumental in launching the culinary program at Arroyo Grande High School. Ongo- ing support for the program in- cludes a scholarship program from the family restaurants and often hiring culinary program students to work at Ada’s.
www.BeachBumHolidayRentals.com
354 Main, St. Suite A, PismoBeach CA 93449 (805)773-7194
30 SUMMER / FALL 2020
slovisitorsguide.com