They're out there.
People who dream of crispy fish tacos from a food truck for a 7am breakfast.
Those who want nothing more than squid on their tortilla.
Eaters who get hungrier the harder the seafood shack is to find.
Appetites who are inspired by good fish in a place dominated by wine.
This brief but flavorful list is dedicated to them.
1. Squid or Salmon Burrito at Taqueria Del Mar
The catch-of-the-day burrito ($9.99) is big and filled with chopped cabbage, fresh pico de gallo and mild cheese. TDM is a star in what is arguably the Best Food Block in Monterey County.
11:30am-9pm daily, closed Wed, 530 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, (831) 372-7887
2. Sand Dab Sandwich at Phil's Snack Shack & Deli
Most every seafood fanatic knows Phil's landmark location across town. Far fewer know about the Pacific sand dabs on sourdough from Claudio’s in Castroville, with homemade tartar sauce, lettuce and tomato ($7.95).
7am-3pm, closed Sun, 7912 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, (831) 633-5051
3. Deep-Fried Fish Taco at PT Catering
A charming Vietnamese mom-and-pop duo does fried fish tacos for $2 from their food truck, with a basa white fish, homemade spicy salsa, onions and cilantro. Their setup spots are a foodie sleuth's dream:
7am-10:30am weekdays next to Roberts Lake across from Home Depot, Seaside; 11:30am-1:30pm next to Monterey Regional Waste Management District, 14201 Del Monte Ave., Marina, (408) 204-6797
4. Smoked Salmon Tacos at Taqueria Del Valle
A generous portion of smoked salmon with cabbage, rice, beans, pico de gallo salsa and two corn tortillas for less than $5, tucked discreetly amid a half dozen worthy local wine-tasting locations.
11:30am-2:30pm; 5-8pm, closed Sun, 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, (831) 659-1373