Dining in Monterey

Dining in Monterey County is an experience unlike any other. The fertile earth and abundant ocean come together to create a virtually endless supply of fresh produce, meat and fish. The food is rich, succulent, and perhaps most importantly, healthy. At a time when environmental concerns have moved to the forefront, it's important to note that harvesting practices are sustainable, too. Chefs from all over the world come to Monterey County to cook. Restaurants in the area span the gamut from bistros to Indian restaurants, sushi bars to coffee cafes. There's even an abundance of restaurants that cater to dogs dogs and dogowners--truly the spirit of Monterey County.

Starting with the Basics
Monterey's unparalleled culinary tradition sprouts from a perfect mix of climate and geology that combine to nurture produce of all kinds. Warm, sunny days, ocean breezes and mild nights combine with the region's sandy loam soil to provide the perfect climate for growing almost any type of produce. There's also the bountiful sea, long a source of food (and profit) for residents of the area. In addition, a veritable United Nations of nationalities has settled in the county over the years, bringing chefs and traditions from Japanese, Mexican French, Italian, Filipino and Portuguese cultures into one wonderful spot, creating the ultimate fusion food.

This culinary history dates back to the county's earliest settlers, the Ohlone Indians (Ohlone means "abalone eaters"). Years later, Spanish settlers brought with them the flavors and fruits of the Mediterranean. Mexican settlers brought their cuisine, including the tomato. As the fishing industry developed, new workers from Italy, Greece and Portugal arrived, bringing with them a knack for seafood preparation and memories of cucina rustica and homemade wine. In recent history, Asian cultures so identified with Monterey's canning and fish salting industries provided yet another subtle twist to the region's cuisine, bringing seasonings like ginger and lemongrass to cooking pots already redolent with garlic and herbs.

Celebrated Chefs
Today, Monterey County proudly welcomes some of the most famous chefs in the world. Of the hundreds of restaurants in Monterey County, small and large, a surprisingly large number have been honored with the food industry's highest awards, including DiRoNa (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) and Wine Spectator awards for excellence. Of California's 19 Wine Spectator 2005 Grand Award winners, five reside inside the county, and 16 others received the Award of Excellence prize, which celebrates both fine food and handsome settings.

Foodies who visit the area know to look for names like Cal Stamenov, whose top-notch Marinus was named "Top Restaurant South of San Francisco" by the Zagat Survey.

Whaling Station and Blue Moon, are consistent culinary draws, as well. Chef/COO Bert Cutino and President/CEO Ted Balestreri, welcome travelers from around the world to The Sardine Factory, awarded "Best Wine List in the World" by Wine Spectator 21 years in a row.

Epsilon
At Epsilon you will find fine Greek cuisine that is both healthy and nutritous. They are located in downtown Monterey, and has been in business for 19 years using authentic greek recipes.