Everyone has their favorite spot for a weekend getaway. For my wife and me, it’s the Monterey/Carmel area and we pretty much take turns either staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea, or recently, downtown Monterey.
On our last trip down, we stayed in downtown Monterey, a spot where we love the vibe, especially on Alvarado Street. On the first night while we were walking down the street, we noticed a massive line out front of a restaurant called Rosine’s.
Our curiosity was obviously peaked and once back at our hotel, we made reservations for the next and did some diligence on the establishment.
Rosine’s opened in 1980 in the Del Monte Shopping Center. In 1986 they moved to the current location on Alvarado Street. Known for delicious soups, hearty meals, and fantastic desserts, they are a favorite of locals.
But it was something else I read about that closed the deal to check it out.
Being big fans of the Food Network and specifically anything Guy Fieri is involved with, the show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” is a favorite.
“Triple D” as it is known to regulars, made a visit to Rosine’s in season 20 in an episode titled “Stuffed and Twisted.” Fieri covered two menu items, the first of which was Rosine’s Hearty Beef Minestrone Soup.
Overall, I am not a soup guy, but this was sensational. Both of us ordered a cup and both were fairly rapidly consumed. It was so good, we ordered some to take home, which we froze for the first cold day this winter.
The second was Rosine’s Lasagna, consisting of pasta layered with ground beef, ricotta cheese, Monterey Jack, Asiago, and Parmesan cheese with their delicious house-made meat sauce.
I am a lasagna guy, and this was as good as I have ever had. The portion was so large that I took half of it back to the hotel and then home where I enjoyed the second half for dinner the next night.
My wife had the Salmon Florentine, with vegetables and rice, and it was equally as large a portion and too was served as dinner the next night at home.
But Rosine’s is far from a two-item show. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything looks good, so much in fact we have talked about having breakfast and dinner the next time we are in town.
The deserts looked amazing but given how large the entrees were, we had no room for desert but will be bringing some home on the next trip.
The next time you are in the area, going to Rosine’s is a must. It’s that good – so good that reservations are a must on Friday or Saturday.
For more information go to www.rosinesmonterey.com.
By Dennis Miller