Masa Tempura
Alejandro’s, 474 Alvarado St., Monterey, (831) 717‑4781, alejandros.com
It’s pretty simple: sweet corn rolled with masa and a little jalapeño and fried – just the thing one could prepare by the side of Route 66 during a pause on your way to California. True, the kernel pickings are slim in this state, but that hardly seems to matter to the folks at Alejandro’s. The fritters are warm and earthy, given to pops of maize sweetness, but with a flicker of grassy heat. Take a dip in the citrus aioli provided alongside for an additional creamy zing. Alejandro’s prepares the best guacamole in the county (sorry, no category for it), but these can make you forget all about typical Mexican restaurant starters.