An interesting address, I mused. We parked the car right on the long pier that extended out into the Pacific Ocean. Delicately sequestered beneath “Wharf #2” — amongst the power- and sailboats — of Monterey Harbor is a friendly little place that, should I return to live on the left coast once again, I could, on a very regular basis, easily find myself perched on a bar stool or a chair at one of the fifteen or so tables at the Sandbar & Grill.
How Could They (Possibly) Have Missed It…
There are those occasional and out-of-the-way places (meaning difficult to find unless you know where they are) one simply stumbles upon. These places turn out to be true gems in the food service industry. Such was the case with the Sandbar & Grill in Monterey, which my sister and brother-in-law happened upon a couple of years back (circa 2010); this after making numerous trips to the area for the past twenty years. Both in awe as to how they could have missed it, they have now shared it with me, and, although I would prefer to keep it a secret, I’ll share it with you.
Announce Your Arrival — Ring Bell 2 times — No way can one tell — at least from walking down the narrow stairway to the front door — exactly what awaits them. And just outside that door is a tarnished brass ship’s bell with a hanging cord and a sign that reads: “Announce Your Arrival — Ring Bell 2 times.” Somehow I managed to overcome my curious urge to yank twice on the cord, just to see if anything interesting would happen… Instead, I followed Roberto, Lynn and Lauren through the small entryway and into a crowded restaurant and bar. Luckily there was a table for four right next to a window with an excellent view of the harbor and it had our name on it (well, at least figuratively speaking…).
Our Wait Person was Covering at Least Six Tables… With No Difficulty
Within a minute or two, a smiling Amanda approached the table (I swear she was — if not singing a song to herself, certainly smiling loudly…) and oozing one of the most mellow demeanors I have yet seen for a wait person. Announcing that water was forthcoming, she proceeded to describe from memory the daily specials, almost as if she had herself had prepared them. She then asked if we would care for something to drink — which we did; she took our orders, continued in her smiling ways and went about her work. Roberto asked if I had noticed how many tables Amanda had taken under her wing; I replied no. But I began to count and discovered that our wait person was covering at least six (possibly seven)… and doing it with no apparent difficulty.
Suddenly, a basket of fresh, warm Sourdough bread — I was just delivered to heaven — arrived and we all dived in. Crispy crust and warm, soft insides waiting for butter were just what the doctor ordered on this chilly, damp and fog-wanting-to-sneak-in-across-the-bay kind of day. Oh, and did I mention the Kona Longboard on tap? Apparently the doctor ordered that, too!
Fresh Grilled Sand Dabs
Cheery conversation and hopes of a sunny day on the morrow were elevated further when our lunches arrived. As Yoda might have said: Picture perfect, fresh, hot and delicious they were.” The menu was filled with excellent selections, and choosing something was not easily accomplished. I have had all varieties of sole, but I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed Fresh Grilled Sand Dabs (which is why I ordered them here). The breading was oh, so light and crispy, too. The flavor? Outstanding! Accompanied by homemade cole slaw and French fries, it was a perfect lunch. By the by, the dish was a house specialty — and I can see why. Large portion and expertly cooked.
Lauren had decided on the Dungeness Crab, Prawn and Avocado Melt on Sourdough (is there any other kind of bread that good?). Also served with slaw and fries, heaped with plenty of the delicate Dungeness, lots of tender prawns and a tasty Louis sauce, this sandwich should definitely make its way back to the Fox Valley area in Illinois. It would be a top-seller for sure. Lynn ordered Fresh Fish Tacos (using snapper) with cabbage, Pico de Gallo and yogurt chili sauce. The smile on her face told the whole story — I didn’t have to ask, but I did, just to make sure. No need; a single word response: awesome, was all she needed to say.
Three Out of Four Ain’t Bad
Unfortunately, Roberto had the only disappointing meal. He had selected the Monterey Tubes and Tentacles (calamari) sautéed with either sausage in marinara sauce or prawns and fresh artichokes in mustard sauce. The good news was the flavor. The not-so-good news was that the dish was sorely lacking in the artichoke category and there was far too much sauce that was more soup than sauce. I would have urged him to send it back for correction, but Roberto decided to simply finish his meal. I could say “three out of four ain’t bad”, but I won’t. Judging from the rest of our meals, I know that normally, his Tubes and Tentacles dish would have been much better, and I was truly sorry that our experience wasn’t a perfect Five Zins.
By the time we had finished lunch, the restaurant was starting to clear and preparations were already underway for dinner, which I assumed would bring another large crowd… even though it was “only” a Tuesday. Since this restaurant is somewhat removed from the busier part of the area (where places like the Monterey Aquarium are located), my assumption is that Sandbar is likely a very “locals” kind of place — not that visitors haven’t stumbled upon it. Experience has taught me that these kinds of places are the very best; Sandbar is one of the best examples I have seen and, when I get the chance to return to Monterey, Sandbar will definitely be on my list of must-return-to places.
A Great Time in Carmel and Monterey
Thanks Amanda for an excellent job as our wait-server and thanks to the Sandbar chef for a fine job. Also, many thanks Roberto and Lynn, for treating us to a great time in Carmel and Monterey and a wonderful lunch at the Sandbar. Next time, I’m ringing the bell!
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
The Sandbar & Grill is located on Wharf 2 in Monterey. Parking is available on Wharf 2 or one can park in one of the paid municipal parking lots and walk to the restaurant.
