and such as were good for the heart and the brain, whence, it was plain to see, all his misfortune proceeded.” A few American comforts cross generational and regional boundaries, although some would appear well beyond the realm of refinement. The reputation of a common freezer-tooven routine of many childhoods—fish sticks—suffers a quick and deadly blow as people age and palates develop. But Chef Kurt Bouchar of the Monterey destination Montrio dresses freshly caught Monterey Bay rock cod in a malty, crackling crust, propping the filets on sticks for a literal twist. Montrio owner Ken Donkersloot of Coastal Roots Hospitality admits he had serious doubts when Bouchar suggested the dish. “But people like them,” he says. Onion dip is another example, generally prepared with packs of dry instant soup mix and consigned to Super Bowl parties. When Chef Aaron Rayor opened The Caledonian in Pacific Grove, he dared to include it on the menu. Given a chef’s finesse, onion dip suits the posh setting. “When you treat it seriously—slow caramelized onions, proper seasoning—and pair it with freshly fried, thin, perfectly salted chips, it becomes something else,” he explains. “It’s familiar, but precise.” So it has become less of a shock to find late-night college bar silage on a menu alongside braised lamb or caramelized scallops—and dialed up to that level. Cheese fries, anyone? Yes, when they are the contribution of Jerry Regester, chef and owner of Spotted Duck in Pacific Grove, seasoned with duck confit and sauce mornay. Far from presenting the dishes as gimmicks or child’s play, chefs are taking comfort seriously, making cheese fries or bologna sandwiches fine dining. 40 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® EAT + DRINK 2026-2027 THE MONTEREYPENINSULA’S MOST RECOMMENDEDPIZZERIA ’98-’24 BEST PIZZA ’25 BEST PIZZA PLACE 3 BLOCKSUPFROMCANNERYROW/AQUARIUM Gianni’s Pizza Family Owned & Operated Since 1974 AFFORDABLE FAMILY DINING Pizza • Pasta • Ravioli • Calzones • Salads Great Italian Sandwiches Gelato • Delicious Desserts BANQUET ROOM • FULL COCKTAIL BAR OPEN MON-THUR 4PM • FRI 3PM • SAT & SUN 12PM Call ahead for take-out service 649-1500 725 Lighthouse Avenue Monterey Oa p peertsi za ewr si ,deenrtarne ge se, oafntdr addeistsi oe nr tasl . IWn dhi eatnh ceur iysoi nue’ r, ei ni nc l ut hdei n g mood for a spicy vindaloo or a creamy korma, Ambrosia has something for everyone. DOWNTOWN MONTEREY 565 Abrego Street (831) 641-0610 Lunch Buffet 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4-9pm ambrosiaib.com LOS GATOS 133 N. Santa Cruz Ave.(408) 827-4339 Lunch 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4pm SCOTTS VALLEY 6006 La Madrona Drive #D (831) 713 -5594 Lunch 11:45am-2:45pm, Dinner 4:30pm APTOS 207 Sea Ridge Road (831) 685-0610 Lunch 11:30am-2:45pm, Dinner 4:30pm ’08-’25 TNHOATNH OI NU GR LBEESSST Monterey County Best Indian Restaurant 18 years Ambrosia_1-3s_ED26_gk.indd 1 4/9/26 12:03 PM
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