Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove
(831) 655-3311, passionfish.net
Passionfish has been a popular destination for many years, in part for the commitment to sustainable seafood, in part for the stellar wine list, the service and more. Even the non-seafood plates stand out (it can be hard to choose between lamb so tender it’s spoonable, and duck confit). It joins a long list of legendary Western establishments, from The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver (liquor license #1) to Tadich Grill in San Francisco. Dining wasn’t always so dire in the Old West. The Sheridan House in the Dakota Territory put on a memorable Christmas dinner in 1880, with tenderloin and ribs, capped by plum pudding in brandy sauce, among other items. Yeah, there was also boiled pig’s jowl with cabbage. No chance Passionfish would stoop to that level. But rainbow trout drizzled with cardamom syrup, sure.