Sardine Factory
701 Wave St., Monterey
(831) 373-3775, sardinefactory.com
Have you ever played three-dimensional chess? Neither have we, but we can imagine victory comes when you checkmate on all levels – food, wine and service. That’s what the Sardine Factory has achieved. Sommelier Dave Sidener’s knowledge of wine and pairing runs deep, and he has put together a masterful wine list, ranging from good, affordable bottles to dusty cellar prizes. And he can guide guests easily through the lengthy list. Really, should it be a surprise that Sardine Factory is a master of culinary chess? The restaurant is renowned for its dishes, from seafood to aged beef to the pioneering abalone bisque and the cheese bread, a part of the menu since it opened in 1968.
