Monterey Desserts: Domenico’s Signature Homemade Sweets

Here at Domenico’s on the Wharf, we believe that we can’t count ourselves among the best restaurants in Monterey unless we give our customers a complete dining experience. To achieve this, we always aim to provide exceptional customer service and, of course, continue expanding our menus. With that in mind, let’s talk about desserts. Traditionally, a dessert serves as the conclusion to an evening meal, though that’s not the only way to eat it. Desserts are essential parts of the meal, which is why we decided to include them in our menu. In this update, we’ll talk about our decadent homemade desserts that have placed us among the top restaurants in Monterey, CA.
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Finest Wines: Great Restaurants Offer More than Just Seafood

We at Domenico’s are proud to be counted among the best fine dining seafood restaurants here at the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey. It’s not just our seafood that makes us great, though; our selection of steaks, pasta, and other menu items are also beloved by our customers. And then, there’s our prized wine selection. Here at Domenico’s, we believe that wine is about sophistication, not just mere imbibing. As such, we offer only the finest local, French, and Italian wines which our customers can pair with our great food.
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Savoring Monterey’s Seafood Culture

Being smack dab in the middle of California’s central coast, Monterey has a naturally rich seafood culture. The water around has a wide selection of seafood, from crabs and prawns to fish and shellfish. At the center of it all is the Old Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll find some of the finest seafood restaurants in the entire peninsula. For those who truly want to enjoy Monterey’s seafood culture, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you should be.

Health Benefits from Shrimp and Prawns

People looking for healthy eating options should try out places that offer the best seafood in Monterey, particularly those that serve Monterey Bay spot prawns. Shrimp and prawns known to be one of the healthiest seafood varieties, offering many benefits, including the following:

Fine Dining in Monterey at Old Fisherman's Wharf

Fine dining at the Fisherman's Wharf is something every tourist should try when visiting Monterey, California. There isn't another area within the city that has seen much history in the years gone, after all. The Wharf has a rich culture due to its thriving trade industry, fishing community, and Hispanic influences from Spain and Mexico. As a result, the area is practically a hodgepodge of different flavors from all over the world with a local twist. Visitors should not pass up the chance to experience an elegant fine dining experience at Domenico's on the Wharf, one of the best restaurants in all of Monterey.
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"Grub Hunter" Visits One of the Best Monterey Seafood Restaurants

Here at Domenico's On the Wharf, we have always celebrated our milestones however big or small they may be. In fact, we have been fortunate enough to be recognized for our efforts, and we can proudly say that we are among the best seafood restaurants in the whole Monterey area. We have been awarded the AAA Three Diamond Restaurant citation in 2010, a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2003, a Mobil 5 Star Quality Rated in 2006, and more recently, the OpenTable Diner's Choice 2015 award. It is no surprise, then, to have such a renowned journalist like Mike Hale (a.k.a. the Grub Hunter) to come by our fine establishment for a taste of our famous food.
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Why Monterey Bay Restaurants Make Great Wedding Reception Venues

No one can deny the beauty of the iconic Monterey Bay in California, which beckons thousands of visitors and tourists each year to partake in its rich culture. As a community thriving near the waters where scrumptious ocean life is aplenty, the area is home to some of the finest Monterey restaurants like Domenico’s on the Wharf. For those who dream of a barefoot beach wedding at the sandy shores of the Bay’s rich blue waters, our restaurant is the perfect wedding reception venue. Romantic Atmosphere The sea has always been a popular element for countless romantic stories of old. This is why there’s no better way to celebrate a joyous wedding than to be near the refreshing breeze of the open ocean. Domenico’s on the Wharf is conveniently placed near the water which will give wedding guests an expansive view of the beautiful Bay. At night, the Fisherman’s Wharf is even more breathtaking with gorgeous lights of all colors reflecting on the clear waters.
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King Salmon is Back at Local Monterey Seafood Restaurants this Season

King Salmon has been holding the throne on every Californian’s table for centuries now, from all the way back when the Sacramento River was found teeming with the fish during the Gold Rush. Today, it remains a highlight dish on the menu of local Monterey seafood restaurants. Come commercial fishing season, diners begin to flock on restaurant tables waiting to be served the all-time favorite King Salmon, which comes in countless recipes. Visit us here in Domenico’s and try our one-of-a-kind King Salmon special.
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Alaskan King Crabs: Not “True” Crabs?

Your visit to Monterey wouldn’t be complete without a sampling of the best seafood their Fisherman’s Wharf has to offer, most especially the sumptuous Alaskan king crab and their truly delectable meat. Domenico’s On the Wharf is the only place in Monterey that offers such not-to-be-missed treats, so consider yourself lucky if you had the fortune to taste it.

As popular as they may be among other crab species, did you know that, technically, Alaskan king crabs aren’t considered “true” crabs?

“True” and “False” Crabs

All species of crabs are categorized into two, namely true crabs or brachyurans, and false crabs or anomurans. Alaskan king crabs, along with squat lobsters and hermit crabs, fall under the anomurans, which are known for their longer abdominal sections and fewer walking legs. True crabs, meanwhile, have short abdomens and are characterized with four pairs of long legs, which they use for walking. Among those considered as true crabs include spider crabs, blue crabs and ghost crabs.

Types of Alaskan King Crabs

False crab or not, Alaskan king crabs are definitely a treat that shouldn’t be missed when you find yourself visiting Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf. There are three types of this succulent crab, namely mild-flavored blue, prickly looking golden and, the most prized of all: the red one.

The Factors That Determine Fresh Seafood

While gauging the freshness of seafood can be quite difficult when cooked in restaurants, it is possible to examine it on your own as you shop in the market. 

Factors

Basically, there are four factors that determine the quality and freshness of seafood and shellfish: storage temperature, oil content, proper handling and a species’ unique characteristics. Without sufficient care as in cleaning or bleeding, the flesh and body will not only be damaged but will also facilitate spoilage. In addition to this, inconsistent temperatures or conditions that are set too high will also reduce the aquatic animal’s shelf life. 

Meanwhile, specific characteristics and the oil content also influence the duration of the fish’s life out of sea. Species of fish rich in oil and those that are caught in warmer seas are mostly those that easily spoil (compared to vertebrates caught in cold waters) and are larger in size. 

Seafood

Seafood products derived from crabs, shrimps and lobsters that are alive and thrashing inside a clean tank indicate freshness. Shrimps in particular have a lustrous, moist look when they’re fresh; they are also odorless and have tighter scales. On the other hand, the shells of clams, mussels and other shellfish should not close easily upon touching, otherwise, they’re dead. 

Frozen

It’s a mistake to conclude all frozen products aren’t fresh. When you buy, it’s important to ask the fish monger if it’s local or shipped from elsewhere to determine how long it has been frozen.

Best Sunset Food Choices

A lot of people will agree that a romantic dinner along the beach, with the beautiful sun setting in the background, would make the perfect date. To make the night complete and as memorable as it can get, you also need to dine on the best food at the best restaurants in the area. Here are some choices you may want to consider:

Digging into Seafood with Class

Some of your friends may be the kind who can get enthusiastic about finding the best seafood restaurants in Monterey. They think nothing about spending considerable time looking up and trying out places that could sate their curiosity. They could dig into their crabs with gusto, but what if they find themselves drawn to the menu in a fine dining setting where they’ll have to recollect their old familiarity around dining etiquette? This calls for a short instruction on seafood restaurant protocols, and it varies depending on the type of seafood you just ordered. 

Best Monterey Restaurants on the Perks of Dining at Fisherman's Wharf

With its rich history and culture, Monterey has so much to offer. Among those are its gorgeous sights and amazing food found right at its heart, the Fisherman’s Wharf. Domenico’s on the Wharf is one of the most well-known fine dining restaurants to the locals and tourists alike. Our cozy establishment is regarded as one of the best Monterey restaurants for our hospitality, relaxing ambiance, and mouthwatering food. To give you an idea of what to expect when you come down for a great meal, here are some of the perks of dining at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Fresh Catch of the Day Since Domenico’s on the Wharf is located near the waters, we get to have our pick of the freshest catch of the day right off the docks. This way, we get to cook up some dishes that are great no matter the season. We always have a great supply of Monterey Bay spot prawns, Alaskan Red King crabs, and Dungeness crabs, which our patrons can enjoy anyway they want.
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Monterey Seafood Restaurants Welcome Visitors from All Over the World

The state of California has been a shining example of what a diverse society should look like for many years, ranking second among the most diverse states in the U.S. The state is practically a melting pot of races from just about every corner of the world, giving the unique characteristics that make tourists and visitors feel at home. Like all the best Monterey seafood restaurants, Domenico’s On the Wharf aims to uphold this noblest of traditions by welcoming international guests and visitors from all over the world with open arms. The Rich History of Monterey Monterey has always been blessed with an abundance of wildlife, fish, and other natural resources which made it very attractive for many people looking to settle in in the days of old. That explains why Monterey is home to many of the most famous restaurants in the country. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is a Spanish explorer who has the honor of being the first Euro-American to ever set foot on the bay.
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Monterey, California: Fun and Food Adventure

When you have a free weekend and hope to have a great time, why not take a drive down to Monterey, California? The coastal region has a lot of sights for you to see and experience. In fact, here are a few sweet spots that you can visit and enjoy:

Point Lobos State Reserve

Located near Carmel, the Point Lobos State Reserve provides any nature lover a lot to see. Granite cliffs hanging above a turquoise sea are just one of the striking sights of the place. Caves and ponds are other examples. The marine life in the area is also a draw; sea lion, otters, and other animals make their home there.

Alaskan King Crab’s Natural Habitat

Alaskan King Crabs are perhaps the most prized possessions of the sea, as they are known to make a sumptuous seafood dish, thanks to their succulent white meat. Like most good things, however, these creatures of the sea are also one of the most difficult to find along Monterey and in other places.

Usual Habitat

Alaskan Red King Crabs are usually found along shallow coastal waters that are less than 200 feet deep, provided that these have flat and sandy or muddy terrains on the ocean floor; the same holds true for their cousins, the Blue Crabs. Golden King Crabs, meanwhile, are more adventurous, as they tend to inhabit deeper waters, reaching as deep as 1,600 feet under water, yet they could also be found anywhere between 650 feet and 1,300 feet. They also prefer soft corals and boulders as their habitats.

Help the Planet - Participate in the 9th Annual Earth Day Marina!

After the event, head down to Fisherman’s Wharf at one of the best restaurants in Monterey, CA for a taste of our fresh seafood dishes and classic Italian cuisine. Bring the whole family along and have a nice meal with the beautiful Monterey Bay in full view. We welcome not just families, but even pets, too! Our lunch menu features many appetizers, soups, salads, pastas and of course, seafood for you to choose from. Perhaps you would like to try one of our delicious lunch specials: grilled fish tacos, pan fried pacific oysters and Dungeness crab melt on ciabatta.
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Delight Your Taste Buds with Monterey Bay Spot Prawns from this Restaurant!

Normally, spot prawns can be found from Alaska to San Diego, California. Monterey, in particular is a high-abundance area. These prawn species swim in the depths from 150 to 1,600 feet and are spawned once a year in September. The Fish and Game Commission developed a trap permit for the Monterey spot prawns so that the fishermen may entrap sport prawns just north of Monterey bay, while still following strict regulations to protect the population. We at Domenico’s On the Wharf restaurant are active advocates of sustainable fishing for all kinds of Monterey seafood as well as Alaskan seafood, including the red king crab and sockeye salmon.

We make sure to do our part in protecting marine life while preparing mouthwatering seafood dishes, as well as Italian cuisine classics. In fact, we’re one of the few restaurants recognized by the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch as well as the Alaskan Seafood Marketing Institute.
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Things to Do at Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is at the heart of Monterey’s fishing industry. This historical harbor brims with extraordinary wildlife, charming seafood restaurants, and family-friendly activities. A visit to this prime tourist attraction is something no landlubber should ever miss.

Go Sight-Seeing

Soak up Monterey’s sights, sounds and smells with a lovely stroll along the harbor. Take the opportunity to photograph seagulls and sea lions that dot the shore. Better yet, go on a cruise or whale-watching trip and observe sea creatures such as sea otters, seals, and gray whales in their natural habitat.

Staying Healthy, One Crab at a Time

If you’ve been on the prowl for restaurants that offer the best seafood around Monterey, you may have been cued in on the few spots that serve that ultimate seafood piece de resistance: the Alaskan Red King Crab. Seafood is often a top choice of those who want to stick to a healthy diet and are looking for alternatives to red meat, but do red king crabs fit that bill? Here are some facts worth thinking about next time you’re holding that cracking tool: 

Family-Friendly Activities in Monterey

There’s nothing like spending time with the family after a long week of work. Aside from attending sports games, going to parks, or watching movies together, why not mix things up and allow children to discover new things that would not only be enjoyed by them, but by adults as well. Here are some things to do and places to visit in Monterey the next time you take your loved ones on an outing:

Craving Lunch in Monterey? Discover Great Choices at this Seafood Restaurant

Lunch time serves as your break from the stresses of everyday work, and having lunch away from the desk will give your mind enough time to recuperate. Skip the fast food and opt for some real and delectable dishes at Monterey restaurants for a refreshed mood that'll help make work more manageable for you for the rest of the day. Also, since exposure to nature has been repeatedly proven to increase attention span and creativity, your mind can relax with spectacular views of the open seas that only Domenico's on the Wharf has to offer. Here at Domenico's, you can find the freshest and best-tasting dishes for an enjoyable lunch break. Our menu includes a diverse range of palatable pastas and raviolis, sandwiches and broilers, salads, soups, appetizers, steaks, and sea food to satisfy your hunger. Cooked to perfection and immersed in a fine blend of spices, our dishes will surely keep you coming back for more.
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Monterey Seafood Restaurants and Sustainable Fishing in Bristol Bay

On December 2014, President Obama made the very significant move of protecting one of America’s greatest cradles of marine life: the Bristol Bay. Through a Presidential Memorandum, Obama placed the area under indefinite protection from oil and gas drilling. As the Bristol Bay serves as one of the most precious aquatic resources in the world—providing about 40% of America’s seafood, accounting up to $2 billion in commercial fishing, and being home to many endangered species—the President deemed the bay “too special and too valuable to be auctioned to the highest bidder”, a remark that many owners of Monterey seafood restaurants would certainly agree with. Domenico’s very own Sam Mercurio ventures the Alaskan seas himself yearly to commercially fish for sustainable salmon in Bristol Bay. When certain species are tagged as “sustainable”, it means that they exist in populations large enough to continuously and naturally reproduce for future generations.
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Is your Crab Fresh? Simple Ways to Find Out

There’s nothing better than going to a great seafood restaurant and feasting on crab meat, particularly from an Alaskan Red King Crab, which is one of the most prized crab species in the world. These are usually caught on Bristol Bay and Norton Sound, yet these may also be found along Monterey Bay. Dark burgundy in color, these crabs turn bright red when cooked, with scarlet red highlights along the top part of its shell. The taste of its snow-white meat is definitely something to remember.