Montrio Bistro
414 Calle Principal
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 648-8880
http://www.montrio.com
This isn't going to be a long gushing review about the absolutely, unbelievably, crazy ass wonderful restaurant that I ate at last night kind of review. Rather, it'll be more like the atmosphere was good, prices were good, and the food was good.
Montrio Bistro was the first of our California dinners. Set in the heart of dwntown Monterey, this lively bar/restaurant serves a combination of small plates (Mrs. Dine O Mite's fav) & entrees. From the conversations we had with our neighboring diners plus those we overheard, we caught quickly that this is a spot popular with the locals.
Mrs. Dine O Mite, still somewhat full from her Darby Dan's lunch, opted for carrot ginger soup a heirloom tomato basil/mozzerella salad. I chose the braised special of the day, which was the short ribs.
Desserts were Blueberry Financier with lemon cream and Banana Muffin with ice cream.
My overall impression was this: the desserts were the highlights. So many times I go into dessert and I feel like I have literally tamp the dessert down my throat because I'm so full. These desserts weren't like that, they were a smaller size with a smaller price. I like that. How many times have you seen a fairly expensive dessert, and when it arrives you say, "That's it?". These were a good size, yet they were proportionately priced. Nice.
If you're looking for looking for a moderately priced, good overall restaurant this is a good place to start.
I too, appreciate the proportionately priced desserts. I haven't been to the Monterey area in years and would love to return. If you will be heading back to San Francisco The 1550 Hyde Wine Bar and Cafe is a fabulous place. Or Bar Jules in the Hayes Valley. Both are smaller places and extremely comfortable and tasty. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWell, the problem with San Francisco is that there's a million and one places you can go. You never really feel like you did your visit justice, even if if you did a lot of different things. At the end of it all you feel like you could have done more. My solution is to just move there and get on with it. This trip actually toppled NYC from my "Favorite City" list. Just and unbelievable place. It won't be the last time you hear me say that.
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