A Cuisine for Every Taste
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dining a cuisine for every taste s unlikely as it may seem, lil’ ol’ Monterey County can make a strong claim for a spot at the table with the world’s greatest dining regions. With A1,200 eateries, it enjoys one of the highest per capita concentrations of restaurants anywhere. Countless top-notch restaurateurs have migrated here to stake their claim, and the reason is simple: close proximity to the freshest ingredients. It all begins with the Monterey Bay home to a virtually endless variety of seafood. From spot prawns and sand dabs to abalone and halibut—not to men- tion the ubiquitous squid and countless other species of edibles—Monterey Bay is the region’s natural fish mar- ket. Both Monterey and nearby Moss Landing are home to a commercial fishing industry that acts as the feeder system for local restaurants and shops. To go along with all that delicious seafood, you’ll need some veggies and salad. Lucky for you, the fertile Salinas Valley just happens to be known as “The World’s Salad Bowl.” Practically every vegetable and type of let- tuce is grown here. And don’t forget artichokes, because just 15 miles north, in Castroville, lies the artichoke capital of the world. How about a little garlic to season it all with? Just a little further north is Gilroy, the garlic capital of the world. Ah, but you’ll need something to help wash it all down. Fortunately, Monterey County is home to approxi- mately 50 wineries, from the historic Chalone Vineyards to the intimately boutique (but still world-class) Chateau Christina. For beer drinkers, English Ales in Marina, Peter B’s in Monterey ad Monterey Coast Brewing in Salinas provide local suds with award-winning aplomb. There’s no shortage of places to experience this bounty. Taste local ingredients prepared in tiny tratto- rias, bodacious bodegas, delicate dim sum spots, time- honored taquerias and down-home mom and pop shops. Dine out for a few delicious bucks at a casual spot like Turtle Bay Taqueria or go the distance and indulge your- self at venerable establishments like Pacific’s Edge and Marinus. That’s just the tiny tip of a very large iceberg lettuce head. So loosen that belt and dive right in. There’s a lot to explore. 44 The BesT of MonTerey Bay 2008 • 2009 w w w .bestofmontereybay.co m IT’S GOOD TO KNOW WHERETHE LOCALS GO Hwy 1 & Rio Road, Highway 68 at 414 Calle Principal, Prescott & Wave on Carmel Canyon Del Rey, Monterey Monterey Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 625-5436 (831) 647-1444 (831) 648-8880 (831) 372-8880 (dining) John Pisto’s fine establishment serves the fresh- Massaro and sanTos seafood est seafood available with an Italian accent and All alone on the Coast Guard pier is a clas- has an oyster bar to boot. 50 Fisherman’s sic Italian seafood restaurant with stunning Abalonetti seafood Wharf 1, Monterey, 372-3655. 180-degree views of the bay. The kitchen has a Trattoria skillful way with seafood linguine, crab ravioli, Treat yourself to the joy of squid at this local fish hopper cioppino, fresh seafood and steaks. Full bar. seafood landmark with an unbeatable view. If it’s seafood and a view you want, here’s 32 Cannery Row (at the Coast Guard Pier), You can order Abalonetti’s famous calamari your place. Fish and crab from the bay are Monterey, 649-6700. prepared six different ways or choose from a served along with lobster, prawns, pastas, full menu of other seafood dishes. Full bar. 57 prime rib and the award-winning clam chowder. MonTerey fish house | Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 373-1851. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, 372-8543. VillaGe fish house As the name implies, seafood is the Fish Café fina fishWife House’s strong suit. Traditional homestyle Café Fina features seafood and Italian dish- Consistently chosen the best seafood cooking with an Italian influence and a touch es in a beautiful waterfront setting. Favorites restaurants in a county filled with excellent of Japanese flavor characterizes many dishes, include prawns, rack of lamb and the signature competition, the Fishwife’s two locations offer including the Holiday Pasta, a combination dish, Pasta Fina. 47 Fisherman’s Wharf 1, variations on a theme—California cuisine with of seafood served in a tomato sauce, and a Monterey, 372-5200. Caribbean flair. The Asilomar location is a whole cod sautéed in sake. 2114 Del Monte, casual beachtown gem serving delicious dishes Monterey, 373-4647; 19 E. Carmel Valley Rd., doMeniCo’s like salmon with cilantro and serrano aioli; Carmel Valley, 659-4671. on The Wharf the Seaside location has a similarly inventive menu notable for its Tilapia Cancun and catfish For a steaming, flavorful bowl of seafood old fisherMan’s sandwiches. 1996 Sunset Dr., Pacific Grove cioppino and a gorgeous view of the water, Grotto (at Asilomar Beach), 375-7107; 789 Trinity St., Domenico’s is second to none. Television chef Seaside, 394-2027. For over 55 years, Old Fisherman’s Grotto has been serving great fish, lobster, crab, pasta, chicken, steaks and its famous Original Seafood 45 Golden fish seafood Monterey Style Clam Chowder. There’s a full bar resTauranT and banquet facilities on site too. Another plus: Sensuous textures and succulent flavor every table has an ocean view. 39 Fisherman’s California & are the watchwords at this Caribbean/Latin Wharf 1, Monterey, 375-4604. ClaSSiC ameriCan 46 American-style eatery, where the service is excellent and a wide variety of seafood is avail- phil’s fish MarkeT able. Try the halibut. 221 Main St., Oldtown Phil’s is a landmark in the funky, charming european 53 Salinas, 422-4946. fishing village of Moss Landing, 20 miles north of Monterey. Sit at a picnic table inside or out italian 54 isaBella’s on the heated patio and enjoy chowder, ciop- For some of the freshest and most eco- pino or fried fish the way they did back in the JapaneSe & SuShi 56 logically friendly seafood to be found on the old days, then bring a cracked crab back to your Monterey Peninsula, try colorful Isabella’s, room for a late-night snack. 7600 Sandholdt mexiCan 56 located right on historic Fisherman’s Wharf. 60 Rd., Moss Landing, 633-2152. Fisherman’s Wharf 1, Monterey, 375-3956. thai 59 salinas Valley lattiTudes fish house other ethniC 60 One of the best tableside views in the This family-owned-and-operated restaurant region is complemented by fresh seafood, features a California-style seafood selection quality steaks and live jazz in the bar, mak- and is distinguished by its oak barbecue pit. BreakfaSt & BrunCh 62 ing Lattitudes the new address for fun and The pride of the fish house is the barbecued California cuisine at Lovers Point in Pacific oyster platter, which the proprietors boast will light lunCh & dinner 63 Grove. Open daily from 11am. 631 Ocean View warrant multiple return visits. 172 Main St., Blvd., Pacific Grove, 658-0880. Oldtown Salinas, 775-0175. BurgerS, leMonGrass seafood sand Bar and Grill SteakS & BarBeCue 65 Bar & Grill Suspended just a dozen feet above the With a menu that spans no less than eight water beneath the commercial wharf, the Sand Vegetarian 66 pages (drinks included), patrons of this new Bar offers carefully prepared classic seafood addition to the Monterey County dining scene dishes in a warm and friendly setting with a BakerieS 66 have plenty of options. The creative kitchen lovely view. It’s a locals’ favorite, thanks in part at Lemongrass takes traditional Thai dishes to its excellent calamari appetizer. Municipal and infuses them with king-size helpings and Wharf No. 2, Monterey, 373-2818. CoffeehouSeS 67 fresh seafood, straight from the Bay. 413 Moss Landing Rd., Moss Landing, 633-0700. w w w .bestofmontereybay.co m The BesT of MonTerey Bay 2008 • 2009 45 (dining) sarDIne faCTory this cozy roadhouse on the river. Summertime Overlooking Cannery Row, this landmark california classic sees live music every Sunday afternoon as locals drag bent-willow chairs into the shallow restaurant boasts one of the area’s finest wine american creek for a cool little getaway. 25 miles south of cellars as well as a reputation for impeccable Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur, 667-2700. service, excellently prepared local seafood and BahaMa BILLy’s quality meats. Elaborately decorated dining Sit back and relax in the tropical setting of rooms and live entertainment nightly in the Bahama Billy’s. The Caribbean-inspired cuisine BoUChÉe lounge make for a memorable dining experi- is as creative as it is delicious, with innovative Newly renovated, this cozy locals’ favor- ence. 701 Wave St., Monterey, 373-3775. dishes such as sweet potato fries, Calypso ite offers a modern bistro menu based on ciabatta bread, prime steaks, lobster tail and local ingredients. The wine list is superlative; Alaskan king crab. Full bar and outdoor heated Bouchee shares a 4,500-bottle cellar with sea harVesT resTaUranT patio. 3690 The Barnyard, Carmel, 626-0430. its sister properties L’Auberge and Cantinetta All four of the Sea Harvests are top choices Luca. Mission between Ocean and Seventh, for ocean-fresh seafood, whether in seafood BIG sUr BaKery Carmel, 626-7880. pasta or fish and chips. Grilled or broiled Much more than a bakery, this laid-back, fish, 18 varieties in all, are available in the airy house-turned-restaurant offers perfect cof- market and the restaurant. Four locations: The C resTaUranT fee drinks and sandwiches during the daytime 100A Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, 626-3626; and wine, pizza and heartier entrees at night.