CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' 

if you love fish and seafood, there's no better place to get it than along California's spectacular coastline.

As I wrote about in my past blog POSTCARDS FROM CALIFORNIA, it's one of the prettiest drives on the planet. 

The Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH as it's commonly referred to) boasts anything from tiny seafood markets with their own cafes, to inviting dockside family-owned joints, to the most upscale seafood dining experience. 

We've had the pleasure of chowing down at the majority of those below, just short a few.  A good reason to go back! 

Join me, as we explore seven of the most amazing coastal seafood restaurants in Northern California, that'll tantalize your taste buds and make you exclaim "Start the Car!"

SILVER'S AT THE WHARF - Fort Bragg

Located in Fort Bragg in the heart of popular Noyo Fishing Village, Silver's is one of the best coastal restaurants in Northern California. 

A community staple since the '50's, it serves up an array of seafood fare. 

Menu items encompass crab and rock cod cakes.  Bay Shrimp Louis salad, rock cod paupiettes, and garlic clam linguini, just to name a few. 

LITTLE RIVER INN - Little River, just south of Mendocino

Located in its namesake town of Little River, it began as a family home built in 1853.  After generations of descendants lived here, it was eventually turned into an inn.

Diners here include those who're overnight guests, locals from the area and further afield, come to indulge in a seafood feist.

Try the savoury Cioppino made with shrimp, rock cod, clams and calamari.  Or opt for the light and flaky halibut served with heirloom tomatoes, Manila clams and fresh herbs.  Occasional specials include crab feed-themed entrees.

GUALALA SEAFOOD SHACK - Gualala, north of Bodega Bay, west of Santa Rosa

Be sure not to pass by Jr.'s Home Center in Gualala.  There's where you'll find the Gualala Seafood Shack.  

The proprietors say the seafood is "sourced directly from the ocean out back." 

This Dungeness Crab Melt will capture your stomach (and heart)!  They also serve an amazing rockfish burrito, fried or grilled fish tacos and fried calamari with a side of seaweed sauce (to go with that roll of duct tape you picked up at the Home Center). 

LUCAS WHARF RESTAURANT & BAR - Bodega Bay

Most famously known for the filming of Hitchcock's "The Birds", a trip here wouldn't be complete without a meal at this family-owned and operated restaurant, an area favourite since 1984. 

Everything on the menu is fresh and made with love.

If you've a hankering for fish, try the salmon tartare or a lightly breaded and grilled calamari steak.  

If you fancy surf and turf, the filet mignon and Atlantic lobster tail combination is sure to satisfy.  Me?  I'm a gal who likes a good piece of "tail". 

SEA HARVEST RESTAURANT & FISH MARKET - Carmel-by-the-Sea

As Past Mayor, Clint Eastwood was recently responsible for protecting 2,000 acres with a 90-home development Tehama, a one-of-a-kind community in the hills above Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and the seafood here is outstanding.  All of their seafood is sourced with a focus on sustainable fishing practices. 

Local residents and visitors alike come here again and again to enjoy the food and ambiance.  Among their starters are classic seafood dishes like their delicately fried calamari and creamy clam chowder.  Why not go and "make my day"?! 

We enjoyed brunch here, on our way through on the 17-mile drive, starting from the Asilomar in Pacific Grove.  Due to the unique coastal ecology of the Monterey Bay area, Asilomar is located in the heart of one of the top birding destinations in North America - not to mention a stones throw away from the nearby Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where thousands of monarchs cluster together on the pines and eucalyptus trees, on their way through to Mexico. 

Monterey Jazz Festival been on your YOLO (you only live once) list?  From September 23-25, Monterey County throws the world's longest-running jazz fest, with roughly 500 artists performing on 8 stages, at the woodsy, 200-acre Monterey County Fairgrounds.

SEA CHEST OYSTER BAR AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - Cambria

Ever since the Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant in Cambria first opened its doors in 1975, it's been an area favourite. 

Just down the road from the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon, timing is everything.  The sunsets are spectacular here!

Do your tour of the castle and estate early enough, to make sunset and dinner here.  The perfect ending to your day.

Delicious fish and seafood options here include soy ginger shrimp, combo scampi and bay scallops, seafood marinara (my personal fav) and steamed mussels.

But where the restaurant really shines, is with some of the most fantastic oyster dishes you can imagine: Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Casino, oyster stew, and of course, raw on the half shell. 

Stay overnight and take a detour to Casa Robles the next day, for a wine tour of one of the newest wine-growing regions. 

THE GALLEY SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR - Morro Bay 

You can't go wrong with an establishment that has a fish philosophy: "Only Naked Will Do." 

Diners enjoy only the highest quality fish and seafood here, including ahi tuna, Pacific rockfish, and cod, just to name a few. 

Imagine digging into these outstanding bacon-wrapped sea scallops with a Polynesian beurre blanc and grilled pineapple.  Oh yah, baby!  Been there, done that (un-naked) - time to go again!

Did you know Morro Bay is famous for Morro Rock? A staggering 576-foot volcano remnant at the mouth of Morro Bay, it's been an important navigational aid for over 300 years because of it's height; formed about 23 million years ago from the plugs of long-extinct volcanoes. 

When it comes to fresh fish and seafood, there's no denying you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds, to compliment the undeniable beauty of the coastline. 

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