Monterey commercial fisherman and sport fishing guide on the Monterey Wharf after a good day fishing salmon, Circa 1895
Monterey Salmon Stravaganza starts April 6, 2013 and includes restaurant specials. This event celebrates the legacy of salmon fishing in the Monterey Bay.
Monterey Bay Fisheries historian and author Tim Thomas, F. E. Booth (a pioneer of the modern sardine industry) was in the salmon business along the Sacramento River before moving to Monterey around 1896 due to the large salmon landings then being made by mostly Japanese fishermen. Booth ended up in the business of both salmon and sardines. Many of today’s Monterey restaurant owners and Wharf merchants have many generations of family in the local commercial fishing industry. Historian Thomas leads monthly Monterey “Wharf Walks” on the first Saturday morning of the month at 10 a.m.; the next one is April 6 – the same day the local recreational salmon fishing season kicks off (commerical season starts May 1). Learn more about the Wharf Walk and many Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf events here.
You’re invited to visit Old Fisherman’s Wharf to discover the salmon entrees that several restaurants are adding to their menus to celebrate Salmon Stravaganza. Here is a sampling:
- Rappa’s Restaurant (featuring Chef Alfonzo formerly of Napa’s Mustards Grill Restaurant) – Salmon Strudel: Filet of Salmon in Puff Pastry with Fresh Cranberries, Wild Greens, Onion and Swiss Cheese, and a Beurre Blanc Sauce on top. Served with a Red and Golden Beet Salad featuring Goat Cheese, Walnuts, Blood Oranges and Organic basil olive oil
- Old Fisherman’s Grotto – Pesto Parmesan Salmon: Wild Salmon baked with a Basil Pesto Parmesan Cheese crust, served with sautéed organic Vegetables and caramelized Onion Risotto
- Café Fina – Local king salmon, cooked over mesquite charcoal then topped with a basil cream sauce and served with orzo pasta plus home grown vegetables from their own garden in Los Banos
- Paluca Trattoria – Grilled salmon with the Secret Sicilian Sauce and Salmon Picatta and Spaghetti with Salmon. The restaurant is also serving a special soup: Smoked Salmon Chowder
- Isabella’s Italian Seafood Restaurant (Chef Tene Shake) – Salmon and Figs with sweet potatoes, white rice and salsa
Also of note: the Wharf has recently launched a free promotional card and coupon offer that includes many restaurant discounts; click here for details.
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