763 Wave Street, Monterey, (831) 373-3778, www.whalingstation.net
The Famed Whaling Station, Monterey County's Prime steak dinner house, has a fresh new look for the 21st Century. International television chef, John Pisto, has taken the best of the 35-year tradition and made it even better. The restaurant decor now reflects a more casual, yet sophisticated dining experience featuring the County's finest selection of USDA Prime beef (exclusively) and fresh seafood as well as specialties created by the celebrity chef himself. Those familiar with Pisto's television show on the AmericanLife Cable Network & Comcast Cable, "Monterey's Cookin' Pisto Style", enjoy being able to taste the creations they have seen on the screen and may even ask to meet the chef, who is often in the kitchen. Located in a historic building, perched above famed Cannery Row, this totally fresh dining experience will bring you back again and again.
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Signature Dish: Prime Rib
The station for all things red meat dry ages its USDA prime – from a Nebraska farm who honors an agreement to sell just to them – for three days before it’s slow-cooked for 10 hours. Owner John Pisto just bought a stainless steel cart that keeps the beef at optimal temperature until it’s ordered, whereupon Chef Brian Kearns or the host appears to slice it tableside. With horseradish, green beans almondine and garlic mashed potatoes, it’s a prodigious plate of flavor.