New Monterey seafood spot Big Fish Grill soft opens tonight at end of Fisherman's Wharf.

Early this morning came a changing of the guard at the end of Fisherman's Wharf on Monterey Bay.

An 18-foot-long banner reading Big Fish Grill stretched out over the iconic Rappa's sign.

That signaled the transformation to its new identity is complete; the soft opening of the sizable, scenic and strategically located spot officially happens tonight.

The new owners of the space are the same people behind next door Abalonetti Bar and Grill, popular Pacific Grove spot Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point and the Whaling Station Steakhouse, Jim Gilbert and Kevin Phillips. 

"There's nothing like the location in Monterey out there with the boats and the wildlife," Phillips. "There's a view from every seat."

Jorge Perez, who spent 17 years at Paradiso on Cannery Row, handles the cheffing duties.

One immediate highlight on the food side of things borrows from a model that has worked well at each of the other tourist-friendly venues for both the restaurant and area diners: a locals menu.

The Big Fish's is available all day Monday through Friday, starts with a choice of clam chowder or mixed green salad and includes a choice of the following for $13.95 total. Tack on $3.99 for a house wine or draft beer. 

Grilled salmon fillet • lemon-caper sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables,

Panko-crusted chicken breast picatta • roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables

Pan-seared Pacific rockfish • sauteed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes,

Classic spaghetti and meatballs • three kinds of meat in the grind (beef, pork and veal)

Seafood pasta fettuccini • lemon-caper sauce in our hearty marinara sauce fresh fish, shrimp and mushrooms sauteed in garlic and white wine

Charbroiled center-cut pork chop • roasted garlic mashed potatoes, wild mushroom sauce

Grilled West Coast sand dabs • sautéed vegetables, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, kale & bacon, lemon-caper sauce