What if ‘The Most Interesting Man in the World’ had a half-brother that was only half as interesting, but was a great cook? That could
be Louie linguini, the namesake of a new seafood restaurant in Monterey Bay. Tastes like travel was exploring the pier area, tossing squid back into the sea and exploring John Steinbeck’s Monterey when we passed the front of Louie Linguini’s Seafood Shack Restaurant .A cute gal was handing out samples of our favorite clam chowder, New England style, . This chowder was exceptionally good, with lots of clams in it. We decided that Louie’s was where we were going for dinner. When we returned later that evening, we were greeted and seated immediately. We choose to sit outside on a small patio overlooking Monterey Bay, which is beautiful especially at night. We passed through a dining room too painted in a happy yellow wash to match the outside. The sound of surf was a nice accompaniment to our meal,and the heater overhead kept us quite warm. The spouse ordered a dirty martini and I chose a local red wine -of course.
When we looked at the menu there were so many great choices. With dishes like Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese Steak and Dungeness Crab Legs it was truly hard to make a decision. Another sip of the Martini and our decision was made.
We started with Fried Artichoke Hearts. Since the Monterey area of California is the worlds largest producer of artichokes we knew they would be fresh. Battered with a light, almost tempura, batter, these fresh artichoke hearts were served with a Chipolte Ranch sauce and they were awesome. Fresh, Hot, light and crispy, this appetizer was perfectly cooked and served promptly, and were quickly eaten.
Next we had the signature clam chowder. Tastes Like Travel cut it’s blog teeth on clam chowder in Seattle. We thought it was the best, but Louie Linguini’s Clam Chowder put the other to shame. Full of clams, this clam chowder was the best we ever tasted. It was so good it was hard to imagine ever eating a better chowder. I hope our future travels will test is theory.
For our main dish we shared the Cioppino. This award winning dish was absolutely fantastic. Described as a bountiful seafood extravaganza of dungeness crab, clams, mussels, snapper, calamari, shrimp and tomatoes braised in fennel scented stew. If you love fresh local seafood you would be a fool not to order this. We loved it.
One of the coolest things about the restaurant is the fun built in to the restaurant. Everywhere you look you see pictures of the fictional Louie Linguini marred to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Julia Roberts to name a few. Also a member of the Rat Pack and the Reagan Administration, there are dozens of pictures photoshoped with Louie’s image with the rich, famous and political. On the way to the bathroom you will be greeted by Bruce Lee in full Kung Foo pose. Take some time to look around while you wait for your food. It is a humorous and entertaining venue.
Monterey California is a great place to visit. The Aquarium and Cannery Row, and John Steinbeck’s literary landmarks are much to see and do. Just down the street is one of the best restaurants we have reviewed. If you are in Monterey you must eat at Louie Linguini’s Seafood Shack. It is one of the Best Restaurants in Monterey and truly is the food and fun of traveling to Monterey California.
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