Readers Poll 2024

Specialty Foods Girl is a real community builder too, bringing people together for communal dinners and pickling workshops to spread the love, and the magic of vinegar. BEST FOOD ON A STICK Monterey County Fair Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey (831) 372-5863, montereycountyfair.com In one of the Little House on the Prairie books, Laura Ingalls Wilder recalls a summer fair where she first tasted lemonade. Since then, fair food has become more flamboyant. Yet that sense of discovery remains. At the Labor Day tradition of the Monterey County Fair, people can sample flavors of the world. And some of those, like kebabs or the long-time favorite corn dogs, are perfect for walking around. Cotton candy? That could be called a stick. If using two hands to eat is your preference, the fair features non-stick foods like funnel cakes, fish tacos and bratwurst burgers covered in macaroni-and-cheese and bacon. BEST FISH & CHIPS London Bridge Pub 256 Figueroa St., Wharf 2, Monterey (831) 372-0581, lbpmonterey.com A cowboy, an Icelandic cod and a potato walk into a bar. If they walk into London Bridge Pub, only the cowboy is walking out. The batter is thin and crispy, the fish is flaky and soft and the “chips” hold up to heavy dipping. A happy hour from 3-6pm Monday through Friday is a convenient time to for an early dinner and discounted drinks. As if you need an excuse, Trivia Night (Tuesdays at 8pm) is a great way to scratch the fried fish itch, be social and remember your mid-19th-century facts all at once. BEST CLAM CHOWDER Old Fisherman’s Grotto 39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey (831) 375-4606, oldfishermansgrotto.com It is said that when greenhorns from the east lumbered along the Oregon Trail, they realized with horror that they might never enjoy a pot of clam chowder again. According to legend, that’s why so many pushed on to the Pacific. But Old Fisherman’s Grotto founder Sabu Shake and his son Chris were not satisfied to settle for New England style chowder. They introduced Monterey style. It’s a creamier chowder—more like a bisque, with a little garlic as a backdrop. The rest of the recipe is a secret, because if owner Chris Shake let it out, everyone would stampede west. BEST CIOPPINO Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery 10700 Merritt St., Castroville (831) 633-2152, philsfishmarket.com It was high noon. A nervous crowd edged away from the little corral— close enough to catch the action, but out of harm’s way. Somewhere a stray dog barked. The notorious outlaw Bobby Flay had challenged sheriff Phil DiGirolamo’s cioppino, and now the two faced off. Flay drew first, but DiGirolamo’s aim was true. With shellfish, flaky white fish, a satisfying broth and a slab of garlic bread, Phil had finished off his rival to claim the cioppino title. That was on Throwdown. And clearly, the readers agree. So does everyone else, as Phil’s ships cioppino via stage or the iron horse all over the country. BEST CALAMARI Abalonetti 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey (831) 373-1851, abalonetti.com Buffalo covered the vast plains as pioneers traveled west, marveling at the majesty and versatility of North America’s largest land mammal. While these beasts aren’t typically associated with Monterey County, you’ll still find it on Abalonetti’s menu, sort of. You see, this landmark Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant specializes in Monterey Bay calamari, serving a dozen dishes featuring the local delicacy—including buffalo calamari, an Abalonetti exclusive. For yet another year, readers crown Abalonetti as Best Calamari spot in calamari country. BEST POKE Marina Poke House 266 Reservation Road, Marina (831) 384-7898, marinapokehouse.com One can imagine if someone tried to introduce poke to the Old West, especially given the likely pronunciation. Say a greenhorn offered to share it with a gunslinger at the bar. “Hey there, carpetbagger. Who you callin’ 106 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 montereycountynow.com/bestof Thank you for voting us 20 Years in a Row ! 2005- 2024 Compagno’s MARKET AND DELI 2000 PRESCOTT, MONTEREY 831-375-5987 Open Daily. Closed Tues. 9am-4pm [ Serving the beSt SandwicheS to the beSt people for over 50 yearS Thank You Monterey County for voting us “Best Cheese Selection” for 20 years! The Finest Cheeses + The Finest Wines = “The” Cheese Shop Come see our great selection of wines, gourmet foods, gift boxes, caviar, and more... Carmel Plaza/Lower Level • Carmel 625-2272 • 800-828-WINE (9463) www.TheCheeseShopInc.com ’24 - THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST BQ 20234 - 700 W. Market St. Salinas, CA Voted Best BBQ 2015 - 2016 - 2018 - 2019 2020 - 2021 - 2022 - 2023 - 2024 OPEN EVERY DAY 7AM - 9PM OR UNTIL SOLD OUT

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