Sardine Factory – Captains Room

You can find over 175 unique vineyards, plus 85 vintners and growers in scenic Monterey County.

The Monterey area is one of the top producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the entire U.S.

Cannery Row is an oenophile’s playground. This top destination features five different tasting rooms and and variety of award-winning restaurants that serve world-class local wines.

Here a list of two of our favorite Monterey Bay restaurants on Cannery Row:

The world-famous Sardine Factory is a favorite among food and wine lovers. Its 32,000-bottle wine cellar is world renowned and is the recipient of the “Best Wine List in America” award from Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. The restaurant’s selection features both prestigious vintages, such as an 1870 Chateau Lafitte Rothschild Pauillac and many well-chosen, affordably priced domestic and imported wines. Try the Parmesan Crusted Calamari Steak, Diver Scallops & Wild Pacific Prawns Entrée paired with a delicious Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc. A “wine captain” will search the cellar for a palate-pleasing vintage.

Having spent years as executive chef for Wente Vineyards, Executive Chef Jerry Regester at the C restaurant at the new InterContinental The Clement Monterey focuses on using local organic ingredients to create seasonal fare with rustic elegance and refined flavors. The C restaurant and bar complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program and supports local, organic farming. The C bar offers a large selection of tasty appetizers and an extensive selection of local wines plus a delectable Champagne menu featuring sparkling wines from around the world.

Below is the list of our favorite Cannery Row wine tasting rooms:

Bargetto Wine Tasting Room http://www.bargetto.com/

A Taste of Monterey http://www.tastemonterey.com/

Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge http://www.scheidvineyards.com/

Baywood Cellars http://www.baywood-cellars.com/

The Fish Hopper restaurant – Monterey

For many people, fine dining is one of life’s most unforgettable treats. Why not enjoy a fine dinner in one of the most beautiful and scenic places anywhere in the world – Monterey Bay.

The Monterey Peninsula is well known for its fine dining restaurants. Many notable, Monterey restaurant chefs create incredible menus using locally-caught seafood, fresh as well as organic produce from local farms, plus farm-raised beef and lamb.

Many Monterey restaurants such as the Sardine Factory are consistently listed as tops in the U.S.

Several other fine dining establishments (listed in alphabetical order) include:

The Duck Club Grill – Offering panoramic views of the Bay, the Duck Club Grill offers innovative cuisine and impeccable service in an elegant ambiance. Its Wine Spectator award-winning wine list and selection of cocktails and after-dinner cordials complements a truly unique dining experience.

The Fish Hopper – Once an original sardine cannery, the Fish Hopper offers spectacular views of the Bay from every table. It serves seafood from sustainable sources, harvested by methods that do not harm the environment and that comply with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program.

Paradiso Trattoria – Choose from fresh seafood, pasta, prime steaks and antipasto while you soak in the spectacular views of the Bay and marine life. Paradiso’s colorful atmosphere, tantalizing appetizers, signature cocktails and large spirits lounge, make it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Schooners Bistro on the Bay – Suspended over the waters of the Bay, Schooners Bistro on the Bay offers fresh fare in a unique indoor-outdoor diningscape. The heated terrace invites al fresco dining year round, while the classic sailing vessel design makes indoor seating appealing in all weather conditions. The menu highlights fresh seafood, pastas, hot appetizers, unique salads, soups and hearty sandwiches. House-made desserts end every meal on a sweet note.

The Chart House – With views of the Bay, the Chart House offers top-of-the-catch seafood, succulent steaks and decadent desserts. Its renowned chefs have tailored a menu to complement Monterey’s local cuisine while introducing a hint of the exotic.

Whaling Station – ­The famed Whaling Station Restaurant serves the finest selection of dry aged, USDA Prime beef, the freshest seafood and locally grown vegetables. The restaurant offers daily specials created by Chef Pisto and his award-winning staff. The restaurant includes a full bar, an award-winning wine list and a California Mediterranean ambiance that is comfortable yet sophisticated.

Your favorite high-end restaurant has perfect ambiance, impeccable service, and the the food is to die for. The problem is you can never get in to some of the best restaurants because they’re almost always booked well in advance.

In Napa CA.,  the French Laundry restaurant is booked sometimes two months in advance, making it frustrating for anyone dying to eat there. It just received two stars from the Michelin Guide, so those reservations will be even harder to come by.  The trick is to keep calling and get on their email wait list hoping for a cancellation notice.

The French Laundry, isn’t alone.  Take a look at ten top restaurants where finally getting a reservation can feel like a gift from above. Full article