Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, (831) 655‑3311, passionfish.net
We have a theory that Disney may have borrowed from a little‑known John Steinbeck short story that was originally published in French for the newspaper Le Figaro in 1954, called “The Amiable Fleas,” for the 2007 animated film Ratatouille. In Disney’s version it’s a rat named Remy who pursues his dream of being a great chef by moving to Paris and guiding the boy Linguini to cook Remy’s recipes. In Steinbeck’s story, a chef in Paris, Mr. Amité, earns a Michelin star and aspires to earn another with the help of his cat, Apollo. Apollo serves as official taste tester, nodding his approval or disapproval for an anxious Mr. Amité. We doubt that Passionfish owners Ted and Cindy Walter rely on four‑legged friends for recipe advice, but it’s clear they’ve cracked the code for success among Weekly readers. Year after year, readers vote for the restaurant as both best in P.G. and the entire county, and for good reasons. The sustainably caught seafood is expertly prepared, the wine list is extensive. Not into seafood? Passionfish serves up gourmet dishes like duck confit, “spoonable” 12‑hour lamb or vegetarian creations. If you go, make sure to order Nancy’s buttermilk biscuits. Apollo would be nodding vigorously in approval.