Musing on Monterey

I've been to Monterey a number of times now, not only as a visitor before ever moving to California, but many times after moving to Marin as it's a great little get away for those living in the bay area. On my last visit there, while waiting for a business appointment, I was musing on the richness of the agricultural area beyond the lovely seafood found there.

photo credit: iStockphoto
Romain lettuce in Soledad, CA

When I came home, I sifted through some statistics from the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner, and statistics compiled though the State of California. It seems that leafy greens are king there, so much so that I would venture to say, if you've bought leafy greens from a major retailer in your area of the US, you've likely eaten a leafy salad that originated in the green fields of Monterey County. Monterey County accounts for 63% of the total lettuce produced in California. Further California is the leading state in fresh vegetable production in 2007, accounting for 50% of the total US production! The same report mentioned that all types of lettuce was the leading California crop in terms of production. According to a USDA report, Americans eat 50 lbs. of leafy green vegetables a year per capita! If you are visiting and want to nab some farm-fresh produce while there, some Chowhounders have given some tips.

Another day in Monterey

One fine day I was at the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at dinner time, and decided to try Crabby Jim's. In front of most restaurants on the Wharf there are staff encouraging passersby to sample their clam chowder.

And I had a beautiful view out of the window by my table.

I tried the Fish & Chips. They came a bit on the cool side, but were generally good. The waiter redeemed the visit by being so cheerful and trying so hard to please. They were unable to serve ice tea because not only had they run out, the brewer was broken and not fixable within a normal dining time frame. I've had better experiences on the Wharf.

Sipping in Monterey

Last week I was away for a couple days on business, missing a post or so. On the way back from Oxnard, we stopped into Monterey. I enjoyed strolling the old wharf and stopped in a cute coffee shop Plumes, for a little rest before meeting back up again with my business companions for dinner.

The place was cute, had WiFi and was pretty busy. Seemed popular with the Mac set and the staff were quite welcoming. The mocha was smooth and tasty too. I particularly liked the cup's cover design, made so that no matter where you gripped it, you wouldn't burn yourself.

I didn't take photos, but had a great dinner with business associates in nearby Carmel, at Robata Grill & Sake Bar located in "The Barnyard". We had tempura, edamame and agedashi tofu appetizers, followed by a table full (no exaggeration) of the finest nigiri sushi around. If you are in the Carmel area and have a craving for Japanese food I highly recommend this place.

Stellar Clam Chowder

On the drive back to Long Beach Colin and I made a stop at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf for lunch. Colin fell in love with the clam chowder samples given out in front of the Old Fisherman's Grotto, so guess where we went for lunch?

So we each ordered a cup of the Clam Chowder, and yes, it was stellar. I'd come back for it in a heartbeat. Creamy with a good clam aroma and taste, the clams were tender and plentiful as well.

Colin ordered the Lobster Ravioli. He said it tasted of clams, but it tasted like buoyant pillows of sweet lobster meat to me!

I enjoyed the Sand Dabs with freshly sauteed vegetables. The sand dabs were artfully arranged over some creamy mashed potatoes as well. A tangy lemon cream sauce finished off the flavors. I relished the dish!

I caught Colin in a perfect photo-op in front of the Old Fisherman's Wharf sign.