Sardine Factory, The

The Sardine Factory in Monterey, California, is owned by well known, popular local character, and part-time actor, Ted Balestreri, though strangely he always seems to get parts in movies about the Mafia; it couldn't be because of his looks, could it?

This award winning restaurant has often entertained celebrity diners from the world of entertainment and politics; it has hosted even the likes of President Reagan, and the credit for this goes to the creative team in the kitchen and also the warm and friendly service of the staff, who make the average diner feel like a celebrity.

There are several areas to dine in - the Lounge offers an informal set up while the Steinbeck dining room with its alcoves offers an intimate atmosphere. For a larger group and a more formal set up the Captain's Room with its ornate interiors transports guests to another era.

Of these choices, the Lounge, with its live entertainment and flexible menu, offers tapas, sandwiches, pizzas, mains and desserts. Starters include four-hour braised Kobe style beef short rib, shrimp quesadillas, a bowl of their signature abalone bisque served with Madeira and fresh chives. A favourite there is the calamari puff lollipops, calamari puffs on bread sticks with chilli-lime salsa.

For the mains, you could try the arancini Sicilian, fried rice balls flavored with cheese, parsley, saffron and garlic on tomato beef ragou. Sea food lovers can select  the sea food indulgence served in a special boat, beautifully arrayed half crab, oysters, clams and mussels served with a variety of dipping sauces or go for the trio hot appetizer plate which includes crab cakes, calamari and sautéed prawns on polenta crisp. This hearty dish serves over four people. Those looking for something lighter could opt for cajun chicken breast sandwich, the mini burger platter or the portobella mushroom pizza with its caramelized onions and fresh pecorino cheese.

Indulge your sweet tooth with the warm cinnamon peach crisp, the tiramisu China point, cheesecakes, tarts, sorbets and banana split or go healthy, true celebrity style, and move directly to a cup of tea or cappuccino.

Apart from the unusual cocktails like the east of eden appletini, the Sardine Factory offers over 1000 labels and over 30,000 bottles of the best high end and domestic wines to suit every taste and wallet. In fact, they have received the 'Best Wine List in the World' award from Wine Spectator for twenty one years running.

So, step into the spotlight, and enjoy being a celebrity at the Sardine Factory.