Hidden Treasures on Cannery Row, Monterey

With the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an anchor, fresh seafood joints scattered about, a rich history, and a plethora of land and sea activities it's no wonder why Cannery Row is one of California's most visited attractions. With so much to choose from we have cherry-picked just a few noteworthy locations to make sure you make the most out of your next visit.

A Taste of Monterey Wine Market & Bistro

700 Cannery Row, Suite KK 2nd Floor, Monterey, CA 93940
Sample your way around Monterey County's various wine regions without ever leaving Cannery Row! A Taste of Monterey offers wines from over 95 local wineries with a side of expansive views of the Monterey Bay. Grab a glass of vino, savor a small (or large) bite and enjoy the activity out on the bay; you might even spot a playful sea otter or a whale spout out in the distance!

El Torito

600 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93950
You can't help but shout "ole" at this next seaside gem. It's always 5'clock at El Torito where there is a margarita to quench any thirst and a south-of-the-border dish to please any palate. Taco Tuesday offers up tacos for just $1.50 which is a good thing since you won't want to leave after seeing their breathtaking vistas. Be sure to order a side of their fresh tableside guacamole which is made right in front of you and made to your exact specifications.

Blue Fin Café & Billiards

685 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

In my book, the Blue Fin Café & Billiards easily has one of the best views of Cannery Row. The upstairs venue overlooks the heart of the busy row accompanied by great food, a full bar, foosball, darts and lots of billiards! Check out their schedule of theme nights throughout the week including country night, salsa night, NFL football night and karaoke night.

Johnny Rockets

685 Cannery Row, Suite 101, Monterey, CA 93940
Enjoy a slice of hometown Americana at Johnny Rockets across from the famed Steinbeck Plaza. The friendly (and sometimes dancing) staff, ‘50s diner décor, cozy comfort foods, and jukebox tunes are sure to bring back nostalgic moments. I recommend having the Orange Dreamsicle shake which is truly a dream come true!

The Fish Hopper

700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
The seafood here is so fresh you might be able to see if off the deck from where you dine. The Fish Hopper at the end of Steinbeck Plaza is world class dining at its best. The clam chowder samples out front alone are sure to suck you in. Once inside you won't be disappointed with its amazing views, fun drink menu and outstanding seafood dishes like seafood paella, Cajun mahi mahi and lobster pasta.

Monterey Mirror Maze & Lazer Challenger - Highway 1 Golf, Games & Grub

751 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Kids at heart love to get the lost in the Monterey Mirror Maze. If the psychedelic setting, high tech lighting and heart-pumping music isn't challenging enough, head next door for a round of competitive mini golf at Highway 1 Golf, Games & Grub. The 9-hole course is centered on the California Highway One road trip all by 3D and black light. Wash down all the excitement at their grub station with all sorts of fun treats like corn dogs, icees, funnel cakes and mini donuts!

Sardine Factory

701 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
The Sardine Factory may not be a secret but it certainly deserves a spot on the list for its hidden gem downstairs. The secluded wine cellar is tucked just below the beautiful conservatory with a medieval-style cellar room available for private parties. The main dining rooms upstairs have hosted a plethora of celebrities, politicians and sports figures throughout its 47 year stint; it was even featured in Clint Eastwood's thriller "Play Misty for Me."

Whaling Station Steakhouse

763 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
If meat is on your mind the Whaling Station Steakhouse is bound to curb your craving. At Monterey's only dedicated steakhouse you can choose your very own USDA Prime cut of dry-aged beef from a silver tray, a Prime Rib from the antique 1930's silver carving trolley, and watch your Caesar Salad being tossed tableside. For a more casual (and affordable) setting opt for their bar menu which offers their mouth-watering Prime Rib French Dip.

Wave Street Studios

774 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
Just across the way from the Whaling Station sits a builder's dream, perhaps because its owner comes from a line of successful architects. Wave Street Studios is a decked out event venue with a sprung dance floor, studio sound system, live streaming service and even heated benches! The beautifully designed 3-level green property is complete with aesthetically pleasing additions like a waterfall, manicured succulent gardens and native granite rock walls; no added décor needed and the perfect spot for their Kundalini Yoga classes!

On a Mission to Soledad: Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad

Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad (or Soledad Mission for short) is just one of the three missions in Monterey County and the newest; that is if you think 1791 is new.

Named after "Our Lady of Solitude" the Soledad Mission is the 13th of the 21 California Missions and like many of its "sister" properties it has quite the view! Nestled in the Salinas Valley the mission is surrounded by lush lettuce fields, countless rows of vineyards and epic views of sunny hillsides.
The mission is right off of Highway 101 making it the perfect pit stop to include on your road trip to Monterey or during a River Road Wine Trail excursion.

At first glance the mission doesn't look like much, but once you step out of the car and onto the property you can see why the padres set up shop at this location. The natural beauty and solitude make for a great place of worship and the grounds are pristine! Rose bushes, palm trees and manicured gardens frame the simple structure rooted in California's history.

The current chapel is actually a recreation of the original since the first structure was destroyed in three separate floods. Whether you are religious or not the chapel is sure to give you goose bumps. The interior is intimate with no more than 20 rows of pews; rustic wooden beams protrude from the thick white adobe walls and "Our Lady of Sorrows" sits high above the modest alter.

A quaint gift shop sits right outside of the chapel full of boutique crosses, rosaries and other religious items. Through the gift shop you enter the museum which walks you through the different eras of the mission, including the native, mission and rancho periods.

Out back you will find the ruins of the mission which is where the initial church stood. You can still see remnants of the original walls as well as the marked graves of Governor Arrillaga and Father Ibanez dating back to the late 1700s.

Soledad Mission's grounds are open 10am-4pm, daily. For more information visit the official website.

A Food Tour through Marina, CA

Marina is home to iconic sandy beaches, CSU Monterey Bay and the mountain biking mecca that is Fort Ord National Monument, but did you know it's also a local's haven for great food at great prices? Slightly off of Highway One lays the City of Marina where you are guaranteed to find an eatery to suit any palate.

Being the glutton that I am I attempted to try a handful of establishments, for research purposes of course. Below are just a few of the many choices in the area varying from Chinese, Italian to Vietnamese; for a full list of Marina restaurants click here.

Ho-Wah Chinese Restaurant

3116 Del Monte Blvd., Marina, CA 93933

Authentic Chinese food is hard to come by which is why Ho-Wah is such a gem! Ho-Wah's Hong Kong native owners know exactly what makes their food addicting with winning combinations of fresh local ingredients and absolutely no MSG.
Some of my favorite items included the orange chicken, spicy green beans and salt n' pepper fish. The spicy green beans with Szechuan shrimp particular hits the nail on the head encapsulating a spicy kick, sweet spike, and crunch all in one bite.
Dine in their family-friendly atmosphere or order for takeout! Either way it will be hard to save any leftovers.

Wild Thyme Deli & Café

445 Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933

Create your own picnic on Marina State Beach or dine in with mouthwatering options from Wild Thyme Deli. Here you will find a plethora of side salads, sandwiches, paninis and desserts.
I suggest tantalizing your taste buds with the house made Rueben! This masterpiece is loaded with sweet and spicy in-house brined pastrami, topped with luscious sauerkraut, slathered with Swiss cheese and a creamy Russian dressing all on a fresh toasted bun. Guzzle this with one of their craft sodas and you're in for a real treat!

Dishes Bistro & Grill

330 Reservation Rd., Marina, CA 93933

Sit back and relax in the colorful Italian-esque dining room that is Dishes. Here you will find items like Mediterranean pizzas, jumbo raviolis, grass fed steaks and homemade desserts.
The calamari in particular is done just right. The tender and lightly breaded steaks make the perfect pair with the rich and creamy homemade tartar sauce.

Noodle Bar

215 Reservation Rd., Marina, CA 93933

Don't let the name fool you, the Noodle Bar has much more than noodles! This Vietnamese hot spot is chocked full of favorites like pho, spring rolls, steamed pork buns and boba teas.

The first thing I noticed at Noodle Bar was their wide array of boba teas ranging from avocado, mocha, green tea to pina colada. This time I ventured out of my norm and tried the taro flavor and it certainly won't be the last! It had just the right amount of sweetness and the boba pearls were refreshing as always.

Kula Ranch Island Grill

3295 Dunes Dr., Marina, CA 93933

Continue your food journey with a trip to the Pacific Islands. Kula Ranch Island Grill serves up island-inspired plates like macadamia nut mahi mahi, Kalua pork and No Ka' Oi steaks.
I suggest nabbing a seat around their outdoor fire pit and ordering a few pupus. Their tropical cocktails alone are reason enough to make this a must!

Cheesecake Dreamations

265 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933

What is a food tour without dessert? Cheesecake Dreamations is one of Marina's newest and hottest tenants offering exactly what the name implies, lots of various types of cheesecake! You can pre-order online and create your concoction or stop by their friendly storefront where you will have some tough decisions to make.
Praline, taro, Oreo and Key Lime are just a few of the many tempting flavors in almost bite size mini options, and they are just $2 a piece!
I immediately gravitated towards the Caramel Pecan treat. The consistency and texture was spot on and their cozy lounge area made it easy to savor every morsel! Cheesecake Dreamations was the perfect slice of heaven to end an epic food tour through Marina.

Above the Clouds with AeroDynamic Aviation

The hum of the single-engine Cessna fills your ears as you ascend above the cool waters of the Pacific Coast and as you look below, all you can see are the rolling hills of Carmel Valley. Before you know it you are flying over iconic Highway 1 and the breathtaking region of Big Sur and you are wondering to yourself "why haven't I done this before." This is the moment that I realized that an aerial tour is the only way to fully appreciate the geologic beauty of the Monterey region.

Luckily for us Monterey Regional Airport's newest neighbor is creating a buzz, and it's not just coming from the propeller! AeroDynamic Aviation has taken up local residence with aerial tours of the Monterey Peninsula and a full on flight school.
Not quite up for the pilot's seat just yet my co-worker and I decided to book a Bay Tour with one of AeroDynamic Aviation's instructor pilots. The location was a piece of cake to find, just across from the Monterey Regional Airport. Our friendly instructor pilot Armin rang us in and gave us a tour of their office and flight school.

Monterey is AeroDynamic's third and newest addition to their flight school fleet with locations also in San Jose and Salinas. The school was impressive with an on-site classroom and state-of-the-art flight simulator!
Just outside of the building sat three aircrafts including a two-seat aerobatic plane that was just dying to be taken out for some flips and tricks. After a quick peek inside I was thrilled to board the more spacious 4-seater Cessna 172; we didn't have to even flip a coin for window seat!

Armin was great to go over all of the safety checks and point out some of the aircrafts features and controls. It was almost like mini flight lesson!
Once inside my co-worker and I secured our headsets and buckled in for take off. This was my first time on a plane this size and I was a bit anxious to get up in the air; luckily Armin's vast knowledge about the plane's gadgets and controls put me at ease.
It was incredible to see Monterey Bay and the valley in one shot, talk about a panoramic view! I couldn't believe how peaceful it was once we were in the air, at one point I couldn't even hear the propellers.

Once we reached around 3,000 feet we cruised over to Point Lobos and the Carmel Highlands and then circled back towards the Peninsula. It was exhilarating to be above the clouds and point out certain landmarks like Pebble Beach Golf Links, Embassy Suites and the Del Monte Center from above.

Flying above Old Fisherman's Wharf and the harbor was definitely the best part of my flight. You could easily make out bustling fishing boats and laid-back sailboats down below. I even attempted to whale watch from the skies without having the risk of being sea sick. After an exhilarating 45 minute scenic spin a smooth landing quickly grounded us back to reality.
If flying a plane is on your bucket list then check out AeroDynamic Aviation's introductory flight school. You will be able to take the controls (and two brave friends) along for a ride in a 4-seater plane with a FAA certified instructor. The experience (and the view) is sure to make a lasting impression! Ongoing and aerobatic trainings are also available.

jeninni kitchen + wine bar in Pacific Grove

Impeccable food, wine and service are the name of the game at the (almost) year old Pacific Grove gem jeninni kitchen + wine bar.

Seasonal menu items such as Spanish tapas, Mediterranean mains and charcuterie plates at jeninni kitchen + wine bar bring a surprising urban energy to downtown Pacific Grove. Peek into the open kitchen where stovetop flames radiate from the chef' latest edible installment before grabbing a seat upstairs at the sleek tile and wood bar, or a table for two in the modern dining room on the main floor.

Owner and sommelier by trade, Thamin Saleh and Chef Jeffrey Weiss are the dream team when it comes to serving up sensational wines with culinary delights. Thamin's extensive wine background is apparent in the ever changing wine list featuring over 90 selections! Chef Jeffrey's training in Spain and time spent with James Beard award-winning chef Jose Andres have fully developed his skills as a Mediterranean food god.

The duo's intimate 34-seat dining room and 14-seat wine bar have been the talk of the town since first opening bringing new flavors and combinations not yet seen on the Monterey Peninsula, all of which I experienced on my recent visit with some friends.
Jeninni's beverage service is not standard by any means. The extensive wine list, imaginative wine cocktails, craft beers and sodas are refreshingly unique; even the water is purified in-house! It's safe to say you won't be ordering a Pepsi at this place, and why would you want to with such delectable options?
I started off with their signature sin-gria which smelled like a nostalgic cherry Lifesaver! The sinful potion tasted like a refreshing and fruity summer version of Christmas mulled wine.

A must try is the craft gin and tonic cocktail served with cucumber; this drink could easily get me into trouble, luckily this gin has a lower alcohol level than the norm!

Now that we were hydrated it was time to eat! May I just say that the seasonal menu alone is a work of art? The simple (yet at times hard to pronounce) choices make this all the more intriguing. Thankfully there is a glossary at the bottom to fully explain unfamiliar terms and ingredients to ease any intimidations.
We started with a Greek inspired heirloom tomato salad with huge chunks of Feta cheese, olives and basil. The entirety was perfectly seasoned with a savory olive oil dressing.

Soon it was time to move over to some serious proteins. House-made chorizo sausages came out piping hot with a side of smoke apple puree and garlic aioli. The garlic aioli was phenomenal and gave the chorizo a much needed kick.

The show stopper amongst are group were the finger-lickin' good chicken wings, not be confused with those found at your local drive-thru. These wings were moist yet crunchy and zesty yet sweet all in one; I may even dare to say that they were the best that I have ever had!
Knowing Jeffrey's background and his recently published 400 page book on the art of Charcuterie and Spanish flavors, I was especially anxious to get my hands on his authentic Catalan Paella dish. The presentation alone earned five stars in my book. Savory rice, corn and chicken were topped with fresh arugula and full-bodied prawns.

The key to paella is to scoop up a hefty serving, top it off with a dollop of honey garlic aioli and finish it off with a fresh squeeze of lemon. The best part of all was the caramelized pieces left at the bottom of the pan, delish!

Most Bang for your Buck Breakfast in Monterey: Monterey Pines Grill & Bar

Tucked behind the Monterey County Fair & Events Center is an unassuming gem of a breakfast joint. The Grill & Bar at the Monterey Pines Golf Course serves up simple yet comforting dishes at unbeatable prices. Where else can you get a full egg breakfast for $5.50, plumped up pancakes for $4.25 or a hearty bowl of oatmeal for $2.50?
I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled up to the pristine golf greens to find the tucked away Grill & Bar with expansive outdoor seating areas and an inviting and unfussy interior.
The breakfast menu was limited but had all of the typical go-to items like a Chef's breakfast sandwich, breakfast burrito and omelets.
After ordering at the front register I took at seat overlooking the course and fountain in the distance. Shortly after breakfast came out piping hot and cooked to order; we literally saw the chef flipping up our pancakes on the grill.

Thank goodness I ordered the short stack. The two massive pancakes were more than enough even though the fluffy, sweet and airy dough had me wanting more.
The oatmeal was quite the steal for $2.50 which was sprinkled with fresh blueberries and sweet honey.
The showstopper of the morning was the breakfast burrito. The warm tortilla was packed full of scrambled eggs, savory sausage and lots of gooey cheese, a perfect base meal to start any day.
Not only are the restaurant prices a bargain but the green fees are also a bargain starting at just $18.

The Grill & Bar is open daily for breakfast and lunch.

Rappa's Seafood Restaurant on Old Fisherman's Wharf

Have you heard? Old Fisherman's Wharf staple, Rappa's Seafood Restaurant has recently changed ownership! New management is making a splash with increased quality to menu items and projects are in the works to further renovate for a whole new fresh look; there are even plans to paint the exterior a spick-and-span white!
The setting and prime anchor location at Rappa's truly differentiates itself from its other competitors on the wharf. Its impeccable 360 degree vistas of the Monterey Bay, upstairs viewing deck and playful sea life just below can simply not be beat.

It's obvious that Rappa's is fully aware of its spectacular surroundings. The open floor plan and simple interior décor lend the focus point to what's outside its countless windows giving every seat in the house a unique view of the harbor.

Enough about the views, let's talk about the food! The recently revamped lunch, dinner and dessert menus are mouthwatering to say the least. On a recent visit I had the opportunity to sample just a few of their current menu items.

A visit to Old Fisherman's Wharf just wouldn't be complete without some fried Monterey Bay calamari. Rappa's doesn't skimp when it comes to this Monterey favorite which offered a light and crispy panko breading on tender calamari. I didn't even need the squid boat crew outside the window to tell me this dish was fresh!

The favorite appetizer of the meal seemed to be their brand new bang-bang shrimp. Lightly fried and juicy shrimp were lathered in an irresistible creamy and spicy sauce which almost had us ordering seconds.
The baked oysters were a close second with their unusual yet welcome addition of artichoke hearts and crab gratin; this dish has a diverse mix of textures that definitely pleases the palate!
Sticking to the seafood theme we had Rappa's special of the day which to my delight was the seafood paella. Generous hunks of fresh fish, prawns, mussels, scallops, chicken and spicy sausage sat over perfectly seasoned saffron rice. The mussels were particularly satisfying and overall the dish was not too salty, as some paellas tend to be.

Just when we thought we thought we had met our stomach's capacity the desserts arrived. The crème brulee was classic and simply melt-in-your-mouth . It had just enough delicate burnt caramel topping for the soothing custard beneath. The chocolate mousse was exactly what I wanted it to be- creamy, rich and whipped to perfection!

Rappa's is also a great place to just grab a drink or dessert, although it will be hard to resist from other tantalizing items. During Happy Hour margaritas, mimosas and draft beers are available for $3 and desserts are an affordable $7.95 a piece.