Eating Mussels the French Way

Mussel dishes served in Monterey restaurants are indeed tasty, although they can be tricky to eat. When one goes about slurping them straight out from the shell, they’re likely to end up with sticky fingers and trickling clam juice down their arms or on their pieces of clothing. Granted, this method is part of what makes eating mussels fun. Unfortunately, when eating out, doing so can become extremely messy, not to mention it’s a bit uncouth.

Top 3 Wines to Pair with Seafood

There’s nothing more enjoyable than a good seafood and wine meal. But how exactly do you get the right pairing? Generally, light whites are considered the best for delicate-tasting raw fish and briny shellfish. However, there are times when a piece of grilled salmon will taste much better with good red wine. Here are three of the best wines for seafood:

Seafood Appetizers to Try at Monterey Restaurants

If you are taking the family out to dine at Monterey’s finest restaurants, you should not pass up the chance to sample their fresh seafood appetizers. Monterey is known for its tasty seafood caught right in the local waters and delivered straight to the chefs. If you are new to trying rich seafood dishes, it’s best to start with some appetizers. Here are three good recommendations.

Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell

Oysters are always a favorite dish on any seafood menu but there’s nothing quite like the Blue Point Oysters. Originally, they are from Blue Point, Long Island and since the 1800s, they have been famous for their distinct taste. They have quite a wild, briny flavor that is very satisfying, especially when served fresh with mignonette and cocktail sauce. 

Deep Fried Monterey Calamari

Calamari has that tenderness and rich taste squid could never hope to compete with. Deep fried in breading, calamari makes for a good snack to wash down with beer or an appetizer to enjoy a nice bottle of red wine with. Whatever your beverage preferences are, calamari is an enjoyable dish with a side of cocktail and tartar sauce.

Crabs: Tasty Crustaceans with Health Benefits

Crabs account for about a fifth of all marine food caught from seas, lakes, rivers and other water resources, and they have always been a part of every seafood lover’s palate. There are misguided notions that crabs aren’t good for the health, but nutritionists have had this disproved. 

For instance, the Dungeness crab, a species that drives fishing economies in Monterey towns, particularly during December and throughout spring, has only 22 mg of cholesterol per ounce, which is just about the same as chicken. Generally, crabs are low in saturated fat, and they contain chromium, which helps control glucose levels in the body, and sterol, which hinders the absorption of bad cholesterol. 

The Dungeness crab is popular among health-conscious people. Its rich-tasting, flaky meat is high in vitamins, minerals and protein. Additionally, its omega-3 fatty acid content also helps prevent heart disease and alleviates discomfort due to rheumatoid arthritis. Nonetheless, too much of anything is unhealthy, so it’s safer to consume this dish in moderation, no matter how tempting it is. If you’re on a controlled diet, consult your dietitian before cracking those shells open. 

Over the years, Monterey seafood restaurants have come up with numerous creative ways of preparing Dungeness crabs. They can be chilled, steamed, or mixed in a salad and are served with different sauces or salsa to further enrich the taste. However it’s preferred, crab meat will always be a global favorite.

Dining Etiquette: Canine Edition

If you’re tired of playing Frisbee in the local park with your canine companion, you may want to spice things up by treating your pooch to a dog-friendly restaurant in Monterey the next time you two go out. Your dog will surely enjoy the experience of being served fancy dog-sized portions of food by a waiter.

Fun Things to Do in Monterey

If you’re looking for a good place to spend your weekends, Monterey may be that ideal place. Take a look at the following attractions:

A 17-Mile Nature Drive

You can drive along the trails of Del Monte Forest where you can see nature’s wonders such as the Lone Cypress, Bird and Seal rocks, and the Restless Sea (which is known for its colliding currents). You are also sure to see many wild animals along your way like harbor seals, sea lions, and the brown pelicans - perfect for nature lovers!

Bonding with Your Kids: Things to Do in Monterey

Monterey County, California is the perfect spot for fun family activities. There are plenty of things you can explore that kids and adults alike will enjoy. If you’re in town with your kids and you want to spend quality time with them, here are some activities you might want to try:

Appreciating Marine Life at the Aquarium

Young kids, especially, are fascinated with the interesting marine life in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even tweens, teens and adults, however, can have a blast watching sea otters. There are also some breathtaking exhibits that you can explore.

Great Day in Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to visit in Monterey, CA. You can spend the entire day enjoying sights and activities, and have a delightful meal afterwards. Here are a few of the things you can do:

The Seafood You Should Have on Your Plate

Seafood are a tasty and healthy alternative to meat. This is especially so when they’re prepared fresh. If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast and have access to restaurants that prepare seafood well, here are some choice pieces that you should try to have a taste of:

The Many Flavors to Rediscover in Monterey, CA

When it comes to food, fresh is always best. It is no wonder, then, that some of the most popular restaurants in the world happen to use local ingredients in their dishes to ensure crispness or natural flavor. When it comes to seafood, you will want to seek restaurants closest to the shore so that you can sample fresh catch; Monterey in California is your best bet.

Crazy for Dungeness Crabs

Central California’s proximity to the Pacific gives the area access to a wide variety of marine life, so it’s no surprise that locals love their seafood. Crabs, in particular, are a special treat around these parts, and the most predominantly featured among them in many restaurants within the area is the Dungeness crab. Although smaller than its Alaskan cousins, the Dungeness crab more than makes up for that with its uniquely sweet flavor.

Why is Italian Cuisine So Popular?

Italian cuisine is one of the most popular food choices worldwide. Why, you may ask? No explanation would suffice without first knowing what Italy is all about.

As a country, Italy is quite exotic—it’s a feast for the senses in and of itself. Its people are known for their luxurious style and elegance, its art marvelous and grand, and its fashion tastes always at the frontlines, producing the newest styles and latest fashion trends that the world will soon follow. With such high standards, you can’t expect anything less from the food they cook up.

Health Benefits of Eating Seafood

The prevalence of health-conscious disciplines nowadays have people looking for different ways to eat healthy. Fortunately, seafood can help enrich any health buff’s diet from the outset. Here are a few benefits of eating seafood:

Wine and Fish: A Perfect Match

So you’re dining out at your favorite restaurant overlooking the bay, and to complement the seaside ambience, you’ve ordered some choice seafood to enjoy with your special someone. To make things even more romantic, you want to buy the best wine, but you don’t exactly know which one to choose. Here are some tips to help you out: