Concours on the Wharf --- “Cars, Cocktails & Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf” During Car Week – August 9-18, 2024

 

 Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf is hosting a special car-themed event during the 2024 Car Week, "Cars, Cocktails & Calamari on Old Fisherman’s Wharf," from August 9-18, 2024.

 

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Wharf, participate in a Photo/Short Essay Contest about their favorite car, and enjoy the festive car-themed decorations and photo opportunities from August 9th through August 18th.

 

The Wharf's restaurants offer a variety of unique Calamari dishes, reflecting the Wharf's long-standing tradition of serving this popular cephalopod. In fact, Monterey is often described as the "Calamari Capital of the World". 

 

Special car-themed cocktails and other promotions will be available at many Wharf restaurants throughout the week.

 

 

Old Fisherman’s Grotto Car Week Cocktail specials include:

 

Rolls Royce Phantom Martini

Casamigos Mezcal

Citronge orange Liqueur

Fresh lime juice

 

Red Ferrari Spritz

Veuve Cliquot Champagne

Aperol Aperitivo

Angostura Bitters

 

Classic cars will be on display at the nearby Custom House Plaza, with RM Sotheby's Auction featuring their cars from August 14th -17th.

 

A special Calamari/Squid-themed Wharf Walk led by Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will take place on Saturday, August 17th, from 10 am to noon. RSVPs are required.

 

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com, email [email protected], or call 831-238-0777.

 

Entry Information for the Cars, Cocktails & Calamari Photo/Short Essay Contest

 

To enter, submit a photo of your favorite car plus up to three sentences about why it is special to you. One entry per person. Email submissions should be sent to [email protected] between August 9^th and Midnight on August 18, 2024, with the subject line "Car Contest on Old Fisherman’s Wharf." Winning photos will be featured on the Wharf’s social media. Three winners will be awarded Wharf dollars which can be used at any merchant on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. More contest guidelines are available on MontereyWharf.com.

 

Prizes:

 

1st Place: $100 worth of Wharf Dollars

2nd Place: $50 worth of Wharf Dollars

3rd Place: $25 worth of Wharf Dollars

 

Winners will be announced by August 25, 2024.

 

Details about the August 17th Wharf Walk

 

On Saturday, August 17^th, Maritime Historian Tim Thomas will conduct a special free Wharf Walk focusing on Squid (Calamari) in the Monterey Bay from 10 am to noon. The tour starts at the head of Old Fisherman's Wharf (near the pink "Harbor House Gifts" store). Advance reservations are required by calling Tim Thomas at (831) 521-3304 or emailing [email protected]. The tour is for ages 10 and up.

 

More about Calamari

 

Calamari, a type of squid, is prepared in various delicious ways at the Wharf's restaurants. Examples include:

 

Calamari Fritti with lemon aioli (Paluca Trattoria)

Lightly seasoned calamari strips and tentacles with tartar sauce (Old Fisherman's Grotto)

Fried Calamari with house dipping sauce (Rock Fish Harbor Grill)

Calamari Sandwich (Crab House)

Lightly seasoned flour and deep fried to golden brown (Crabby Jim's)

Calamari Napolitana over linguine (Abalonetti's Seafood and Grill)

Grilled Calamari Steak (Cafe Fina)

Calamari and chips with fries (Crab Louie's Bistro)

Pan-seared Calamari Steak with garlic butter sauce (Domenico's on the Wharf)

 

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

 

Old Fisherman's Wharf, established in 1845, is Monterey’s historic waterfront with over 179 years of history. It features ten restaurants, four fish markets, three candy stores and seven gift shops, showcasing the region’s seafood cuisine and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy dining, boat trips, and views of Monterey Bay, along with family-friendly events and activities.

 

Wildlife enthusiasts can often observe sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. The Wharf also offers whale-watching tours, fishing charters, sailing excursions, and glass-bottom boat rides.

 

Recognized as the "Monterey Whale Watching Capital of the World," Old Fisherman's Wharf attracts around 4 million visitors annually and was a filming location for HBO's Big Little Lies, Season 1.

 

Ample parking is available, and a free MST Trolley operates from Downtown Monterey and Cannery Row to the Wharf through Labor Day weekend.

 

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.

 

Black and white photos provided by the California History Room, Monterey Public Library.

Other photos provided by Fisherman's Wharf Association