Old Fisherman’s Grotto
39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
375-4604, www.oldfishermansgrotto.com
Ol’ Chuck Darwin believed we wouldn’t enjoy the smarts, culture or civilization we do today without mutation. So a higher food form like the sourdough bread bowl filled with OFG’s Monterey-style clam chowder might take him for a loop, as it is the Shake family’s very resistance to any recipe mutation that has kept this Fisherman’s Wharf staple on top of the buttery, garlicky chowder game since the early 1950s. Now only if they sampled their exceptional fried calamari tubes and tentacles wharfside, too. A final note: It is worth noting this double Best Of crown is an impressive one…the two most signature Monterey Bay foods in one place.