Monterey, CA

Dave K. wrote:
>I will be traveling to Monterey in a few weeks for a conference.
>Any recommendations of not-too-expensive places to eat?

If you have wheels, go to Carmel and have dinner at La Boheme.  I'd put them in the moderate price range.  Creme Carmel is also good.

Fandango in Pacific Grove is worth a try.

In Monterey, the best advise I can give is to stay AWAY from Cannery Row and the Fisherman's Wharf places.  The major exception to this is Dominico's, which is on the Wharf #1 and is a very good restaurant. Quite pricy, though, so it may not fit your $$$ requirements.

The Whaler (note: not the Whaling Station -- an entirely different restaurant a block or so off Cannery Row) in downtown Monterey used to be good for cow but it's been years since I've been there.

A favorite greasy spoon hangout of mine when I used to live in Monterey is Chong's Cafe.  Great wonton soup!  An MSG buzz that will keep you vibrating for an hour, though.

There's a not-bad Japanese/sushi place on Alvarado -- the name escapes me at the moment.  It's right next to a movie theater, though.

My favorite Mexican restaurant is Zoraida's, on Fremont.  It's in an old Taco Bell, of all things.

                                          spl

You really should come to my restaurant in Carmel while visiting the Monterey Peninsula. La Boheme Restaurant, since 1975 on the corner of Dolores and 7th in Carmel, 624.7500. Call for evenings menu. No reservations...but I'll make sure you are served! We serve one 3 course menu nightly for $19.75. Desserts, excellent wines and specialty coffee available. Tomorrow night we are serving Beef Wellington.

Also in Carmel: Piatti (northern Italian)
  The Avenue (California)
  The Grill on Ocean Avenue (Very nice Pacific-Rim and French)

Hope this helps. I don't know exactly what you're looking for. a.lewis