Looking for specialty products that are made in Monterey County? You'll find a host of locally grown produce and seafood here--supremely evident when you visit Monterey County restaurants. But, which are considered truly authentic?
Artichokes: Nearly two thirds of the world's artichokes are grown in Monterey County. As the "Artichoke Center of the World," Monterey County hosts the annual Artichoke Festival in Castroville. Local chefs find dozens of ways to prepare the tasty veggie. For more information on how to enjoy artichokes, view the artichoke fun facts and tips on how to select, store and prepare them. You can take them home in a tapenade, salsa or salad dressing, available at local shops and farm stands.
Abalone: At one time, abalone grew to dinner plate size and were as common as clams. Now, Monterey County's two abalone farms produce the only fresh, ocean-reared abalone in the U.S. This uncommon shellfish is pricey, but succulent.
Calamari: Calamari is the Italian culinary name for squid. They are commonly fished and prepared in these parts due to their abundance, as well as their popularity in Sicilian cooking (as many Sicilian immigrants settled in Monterey during the late 1800s). A specialty at some restaurants, calamari is most commonly served battered and fried, but is also delicious sauteed, baked or boiled.
With over 40,000 acres of wine grapes planted in Monterey County, numerous varieties and styles of wine are easily found here. Specialty wine shops like A Taste of Monterey, Terranova Fine Wines and Wine From the Heart, as well as many wine tasting rooms, offer a taste of what makes Monterey County so special.
Belly up for a sensory indulgence at the one-of-a-kind chocolate bar at Monterey Bay Chocolate Factory in Seaside. Choose from chocolate shells, truffles and dozens more, take a tour of the candy-making process, and take home a sweet reminder of your visit with a box choc-full of Monterey County flavor.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2008 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
