Crystal Fish
514 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey
(831) 649-3474
If you’re the kind of sushi eater who tends to order deep-fried mash-ups of tuna, salmon and shrimp, challenge yourself to try something different at Crystal Fish. Neatly hand your fate over to the master behind the counter by ordering chirashi, the chef’s choice assortment. Dip your nigiri fish-side-down into just a dabble of shoyu to appreciate the full flavor of the expertly prepared rice. Try the Nigori unfiltered sake, and remember to pour it for others, not yourself. Or, whatever, do it your way. Either way this place pleases big time.