The Sardine Factory
701 Wave St., Monterey (831) 373-3775, sardinefactory.com
The Sardine Factory opened in an election year (1968). It has been to the White House, in the form of Chef Bert Cutino’s legendary abalone bisque, served at Ronald Reagan’s inauguration. It’s rumored that Reagan even considered ditching jelly beans in favor of the soup… at least that sounds plausible. The kitchen is a smooth-running machine, preparing old-school classics and small plates. There is a wine cave with popular labels, as well as dusty bottles that are prized by collectors and connoisseurs. The Sardine Factory has no problem getting endorsements, even from the NRA (that’s the National Restaurant Association).