Old Fisherman’s Grotto
39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
(831) 375-4606, oldfishermansgrotto.com
It is said that when greenhorns from the east lumbered along the Oregon Trail, they realized with horror that they might never enjoy a pot of clam chowder again. According to legend, that’s why so many pushed on to the Pacific. But Old Fisherman’s Grotto founder Sabu Shake and his son Chris were not satisfied to settle for New England style chowder. They introduced Monterey style. It’s a creamier chowder – more like a bisque, with a little garlic as a backdrop. The rest of the recipe is a secret, because if owner Chris Shake let it out, everyone would stampede west.
