08.18.07

Monterey, California

Posted in Cuisine, Family, Travel at 12:09 pm by rachel

My sister lives in Monterey, a small coastal town known for its Spanish colonial history & architecture, world-renowned aquarium on the bay, and its famous native son, John Steinbeck.

Sunset view from Fisherman’s Wharf

We used some frequent flyer miles to go visit, flying into San Francisco and renting a car (for cheap - using Hotwire). Our first stop after arriving in the late afternoon was Fisherman’s Wharf. Though filled with some cheesy touristy shops, it’s still retained some authentic charm (unlike the Wharf in San Francisco, for example). Dinner at Old Fisherman’s Grotto was the highlight: it’s been run by the same family for almost 60 years and is also where my parents dined on their honeymoon in 1976. The owner (and a statue of his father) greet you at the door, creating a welcoming and familial atmosphere from the start. Beautiful picture windows line the bay side of the restaurant and the food was divine: sipping a local white wine made classic chowder in a bread bowl into a fancy meal (trust the owner’s wine suggestions: we were very pleased). The seafood appetizers were delicious as well, and I ordered a local specialty, sand dabs, for my main course. Best of all, Old Fisherman’s Grotto participates in the Seafood Watch program to ensure the seafood they serve is both healthy to eat and sustainable to the marine environment.

Fisherman’s Wharf to the right and the marina, at left

The old city of Monterey itself is pedestrian-friendly and filled with book stores and little artsy boutiques. Even the Wells Fargo bank building is architecturally interesting with a large vaulted ceiling and painted wooden beams. Stop in to check it out. You can follow little circular bronze plaques for a walking tour of historic Monterey, which will take you to all of the old adobe buildings and homes.

The two-story kelp forest, site of educational scuba shows.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is what most people see when they visit, and I will warn you: entrance fees are surprisingly high at around $25/person. But when you consider all that they do for the local environment to keep Monterey Bay the way it is, it really is worth a few bucks more than a ticket to MoMA. I would even suggest joining if you plan to visit twice in a year. It’s a good cause.

The Jellyfish wing, my favorite exhibit

Rockfish

Rockfish populations have decreased dramatically in the last 30 years. Because they live for about 100 years and reproduce relatively late in their lives, they are easily over-fished. Now that I know this, I will no longer order them in restaurants. Rock fish are more commonly known as red snapper.

A Jellyfish bids farewell for now…

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