http://www.seemonterey.com/food-restaurants/monterey-made-in-monterey/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:34:36 +0100 WebGen + FeedCreator 1.7.2-ppt Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:22:56 +0100 http://www.seemonterey.com/food-restaurants/monterey-made-in-monterey/ Made in Monterey Looking for specialty products that are made in Monterey County? You'll find a host of locally grown produce and seafood here, supremely evident when you visit Monterey County restaurants. But which are considered truly authentic? Produce Artichokes: Nearly two thirds of the world's artichokes are grown in Monterey County. As the "Artichoke Center of the World," Monterey County hosts the annual Artichoke Festival in Castroville. Local chefs find dozens of ways to prepare the tasty veggie. For more information on how to enjoy artichokes, view the artichoke fun facts and tips on how to select, store and prepare them. You can take them home in a tapenade, salsa or salad dressing, available at local shops and farm stands. Seafood Abalone: At one time, abalone grew to dinner plate size and were as common as clams. Now, Monterey County's two abalone farms produce the only fresh, ocean-reared abalone in the U.S. This uncommon shellfish is pricey, but succulent. Calamari: Calamari is the Italian culinary name for squid. They are commonly fished and prepared in these parts due to their abundance, as well as their popularity in Sicilian cooking (as many Sicilian immigrants settled in Monterey during the late 1800s). A specialty at some restaurants, calamari is most commonly served battered and fried, but is also delicious sauteed, baked or boiled. Wine With over 40,000 acres of wine grapes planted in Monterey County, numerous varieties and styles of wine are easily found here. Specialty wine shops like A Taste of Monterey, Terranova Fine Wines and Wine From the Heart, as well as many wine tasting rooms, offer a taste of what makes Monterey County so special. See our section on Wine in Monterey County for more information, including maps and tasting room itineraries for Carmel Valley and Salinas Valley. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:22:56 +0100 en_486_599_0