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.

Prime Catch: Choosing a Good Seafood Restaurant

Choosing a restaurant in Monterey, California can be tough, especially if you suddenly feel like having seafood. The area is best known for its fresh and scrumptious seafood, and there are so many eateries in the city that serve seafood in one form or another that it is even easier to name those that do not. While the staggering number of restaurants can be intimidating, you can narrow down your search by following these handy tips.