COVER STORY

Old Fisherman’s Grotto… Freshness and friendliness on Fisherman’s Wharf
by Michael and Melanie Chatfield

No Monterey Peninsula vacation is complete without a visit to the area’s most popular attraction, Fisherman’s Wharf. Chances are as you walk in the footsteps of the many colorful characters who have trod the wharf over the decades, you will meet Chris Shake welcoming guests to his restaurant, the Old Fisherman’s Grotto. Finely dressed, an apron around his waist and a sincere, engaging smile on his face, the effervescent Chris will offer you a sample of his family’s award-winning, signature clam chowder—a recipe created by his father, the legendary Sabu Shake, Sr. more than a half-century ago.

A word of advice: try it. You’ll be hooked on the deliciously rich, creamy chowder. Step inside the Grotto and order a bowl—in addition, you’ll find an irresistible choice of menu items. From fresh, sustainable seafood and aged Certified Black Angus beef to Italian-inspired pasta dishes and fresh Dungeness crab year-round—not to mention sinfully decadent, freshly baked desserts and an extensive wine list—the Shake family’s flagship restaurant offers something for literally every palate. And take a minute to talk to that engaging young man at the door. You’ll be treated to a uniquely American family story that will delight and inspire. Without a doubt, you will join the legions of visitors from all over the world who wouldn’t think of visiting Monterey without stopping in at the Old Fisherman’s Grotto for a serving of legendary Shake family hospitality.

The legend began in the 1950s, when Sabu, Sr. arrived in Monterey. A typical, quintessentially American rags-to-riches story, the diminutive immigrant turned a small café into what can only be termed a business empire, raised a family of six sons and gained the undying admiration and respect of all whose lives he touched. The story is told in 50 Years of Shake Family Traditions and Treasured Recipes, a lavishly illustrated book that also contains dozens of recipes for the most popular dishes served at the Grotto and its sister restaurant, The Fish Hopper. The following is excerpted from the book:

The tiny family eatery founded in the 1950s by Sabu Shake, Sr. has endured and grown into one of the most beloved restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula. Like Fisherman’s Wharf, the flagship Shake restaurant has kept up with changing times and tastes and has outlasted almost all of its contemporaries.

Sabu was a hands-on restaurateur of the first order. In addition to his daily negotiations with local fishermen, frequent trips to the Salinas Valley to purchase produce from farmers and procuring beef directly from cattlemen, Sabu was master of the kitchen and the dining room.

The Shakes have long made their living from bounty of the sea: as restaurateurs, operators of a fleet of sport fishing charter boats and as owners of wholesale and retail fish markets. “The ocean has provided a great life for our family,” says Chris. “And we have a responsibility to protect it for future generations.” Chris and “The Shake Family Restaurants” were honored with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Cooking for Solutions award in 2004.

The Shake brothers had a great teacher in Sabu, and learned their lessons well. That’s why, today at the Old Fisherman’s Grotto, the emphasis in the kitchen is on freshness; at the front door and at your table, it’s on friendliness.*

50 Years of Shake Family Traditions and Treasured Recipes is available at the Old Fisherman’s Grotto, the Fish Hopper on Cannery Row and online at www.oldfishermansgrotto.com.
*©2006 Chris Shake Enterprises, Inc. Used with permission.

Old Fisherman’s Grotto is located at
39 Old Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey (831-375-4604) and The Fish Hopper is at 700 Cannery Row, Monterey (831-372-8543).