My favorite spot to eat in the area is the Shorebird Restaurant in Princeton-by-the-Sea, about 5 miles north of HMB. They have great weekday specials (a different one every night), with Cioppino on Wednesdays. They also bring a huge bowl of salad, fresh-tossed at your table, with a carrier full of condiments for it. Ambience is nice, yet not pretentious. Casual to dressy attire -- jeans and a polo shirt would be your minimum dress. Most tables should have a good view of the ocean. Prices are very fair (under $20/person), with the earlybird specials going for less than $10/entree. Further north, one comes to the Moss Beach Distillery. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the water, Moss Beach serves up a variety of seafood. A bit more in price than the Shorebird, most entrees will be in the $15 - $20 range. They also have a deck, so you may be able to get outside seating if the weather is good. Moss Beach is about 5 minutes north of Princeton. In Montara, another 5 minutes or so up from Moss Beach, the ever- popular Chart House stands guard over the south end of Montara State Beach. Reservations highly recommended on a weekend or you will wait, wait, wait. The restaurant is multi-level, and has a huge 2-story glass window overlooking the ocean. Window seats are best for viewing, though all tables get a view. The Chart House is not cheap. Look for entrees from $18 up. However, the service is impeccable, and they have an outstanding salad bar. If it's someone's birthday, they'll get a free dessert (ours was a huge slice of mud pie) with a candle in it. Thankfully, the waiting staff will not subject your table to a chorus of "Happy Birthday to you..." Two thumbs up for this place if it's a special occasion. OK, back in HMB, there's a fair Mexican Restaurant called "Tres Amigos" on Highway 1 and Kelly Ave. Casual, and reasonably priced. Look for combination plates in the $7-10 range. One place I heard was good, but was too pricey for me to try, was the San Benito House, right on Main St. in HMB. They usually advertise Continental cuisine, featuring items such as duck, salmon, etc. If I remember right, prices are in the $15 and up range. If it's a dive you want, try Barbara's Fish Shack in Princeton. Cheap and greasy, this food is best if you're doing take-out. They have very limited seating. The clam chowder is decent. Well, I hope that enough of a sampler for you to decide. After dinner, you can go to Bachs, Rocks, and Dynamite Dancing Society for live music (Miramar Beach, 2 miles north of HMB), or just take a walk on the beach. Good coffee can be had at the Half Moon Bay roasting company on Main St. Have a good time -- Byron
California