These places are fairly small and well known. Call ahead at least during the day - perhaps a day or two in advance during tourist season. All were full during what otherwise appeared to be a slow travel season a few days after Christmas.
Fandango. 223 17th St. just north of Lighthouse. 831-372-3456. Not traditionally French but as close to France as you will get in town. I had seared sea scallops followed by flavorfull free-range veal piccata with a local River Ranch pinot noir. The wine list is huge but pricey. December 28.
Passionfish. 701 Lighthouse Ave. 831-655-3311. Seafood in a modern atmosphere. I had a very good arugula salad with fried oysters followed by Alaskan halibut in a cilantro and chili sauce. Sonoma-Cutrer chardonnary. December 26, 2005.
Fishwife. 1996 Sunset Drive at Asilomar Beach near Carmel. 831-375-7107. Seafood with a Caribbean and/or Mexican twist in an informal atmosphere. I had a good fried calamari appetizer and so-so tuna, but my brother liked it, so maybe I hit an off night. December 27.
Lunch on the 27th at Chianti Ristorante. 227 Crossroads Blvd. 831-626-9119. In a mall just east of CA 1 in Carmel. I had a nice chicken parmesan with salad.
Lunch on the 28th at Alabonetti. 57 Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940. 831-373-1851. Squid are still plentiful around Monterey, and that is what this restaurant is known for. I had very good calamari siciliano. The Wharf has many restaurants, and presumably their market is mostly tourists, but by chance I had a well-prepared meal.
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