Passionfish
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone: (831) 655-3311
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Congress Avenue
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Passionfish – by Stephanie Rosenbaum
The Scene
Located in a low, boxy beige building at the end of Pacific Grove's main shopping strip, Passionfish does indeed have a passionate following. Locals and savvy visitors keep the two simple, white-tablecloth dining rooms buzzing. Servers are knowledgable but apt to disappear once orders have been placed.
The Food
Chef-owner Ted Walter has built Passionfish's following with a sophisticated approach to contemporary California cuisine. The emphasis is on local, seasonal produce and fresh fish, with Walter's inspiration ranging from Asia and the Mediterranean to San Francisco and the heartland. A flavorful warm goat cheese salad with apples and pecans precedes an equally savory plate of sage-laced butternut-squash ravioli. Seafood selections include Alaskin halibut with black-pepper rum sauce, and Kauai shrimp with lemongrass salad and spicy Vietnamese sauce. Beyond the sea, entrees such as rack of lamb, duck confit and a classic rib eye round out the menu.
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User Reviews for Passionfish
03/01/2008 Posted by tnthor
My wife and I went late on a Monday night, so we had no problems with noise or space. Our server was charming and knowledgeable about both the food and wines, and we were treated to a delicious meal: crab cake with a fresh salsa, salad with crisp "croutons" made of asiago, lamb shanks in an exquisite sauce. The wine was a hard-to-get Pinot Noir from a boutique winery in Monterey county, which was stupendous as well. When we googled it later that night, the bottles we found were all more expensive than at the restaurant. Well done!
Pros: Great food, wine and service
Cons: None when we went.
01/20/2008 Posted by tozansha
You'll find some of the best seafood on the Monterey Peninsula-located in the heart of Pacific Grove, along with an ample selection of meat dishes-as well as a few vegetarian treats. This gem of a restaurant is filled with the best! Best servers, bussers (yes, even the bus boys were top-notch...never had to wonder "where's the water".) Was very busy when we arrived-and while we dined-yet never felt rushed!) Just relaxed...(and we didn't even take advantage of their famous wine list). In a fast-paced restaurant it's a pleasure to feel "at home"-and welcome) Our server,Barbara certainly made us feel this way and was knowledgeable of all the specials, ingredients and the "sustainable" features of the local fresh-catches. The whole staff was very professional! The two people I went with had meat dishes (both outstanding-lucky me-I got a sample of the Pork Shanks and another friend's ribs) My New England (fully sustainable scallops) were 95 out of 100. The risotto was also very good with fresh local-baby Bok Choy. Delicious! I inquired that chef-co-owner-Ted must be behind the stove, as everything we ordered was just perfect" Nope-just the usual chef and cooks (Obviously-Quality Control is of the utmost importance) along with environmentally served dishes, and full adherence to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's famous SEAFOOD WATCH LIST. A truly comfortable environment-from the greeting by the lovely young ladies at the reception desk-to the tasteful art and comfortable seats. After "putting off" trying this restaurant for years I finaly made it-and boy, am I glad! This is one of the best in California-maybe the United States! I loved it! Definitely the best restaurant in Pacific Grove! I guarantee, I will make it back, soon-as will-my friends. We all left happy and well fed. I got the feeling everyone at this restaurant is passionate about what they do! Great experience! Loved the "vibe" of the place.
Pros: 100% Sustainable Seafood and Truly upbeat staff. Top Notch-fresh food!
Cons: absolutely none!
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