Old Fisherman’s Wharf Celebrates 180 Years with an “Ode to Calamari Contest”

December 30, 2025, Monterey, CA– Old Fisherman’s Wharf is pleased to announce a special milestone: its 180th anniversary and will celebrate with a variety of special promotions and events throughout 2025. For starters, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is commemorating the Wharf's 180 years of fishing, delivering, and cooking fresh calamari in a variety of delicious ways for millions of locals and visitors alike.  

In 1845, Thomas Larkin constructed a wharf at Monterey for regular passenger and freight service, with ships arriving four times weekly. Growth of the sardine industry and the need to keep the Wharf in better repair prompted the Monterey City Council to assume ownership of the pier in 1913. At some time during this period, it became known as "Fisherman's Wharf". More interesting details about the Wharf’s fascinating history are here: https://www.montereywharf.com/history.html.

To initially commemorate this anniversary, Fisherman’s Wharf Association is launching the “Ode to Calamari Contest,” inviting calamari enthusiasts to craft a four-sentence poem expressing their love for calamari and submit it during the month of January. 

Contest Details

• What: Participants are encouraged to submit a four-sentence poem capturing their love for calamari.
• Who Can Enter: Open to everyone, from budding poets to seasoned writers.
• How to Enter: Entrants should submit one four-sentence poem to [email protected] before January 31, 2025. Please request a confirmation of receipt of the entry.
• Important: in the subject line, include the words, “Ode to Calamari.”   Poems by the entrant can reflect personal stories or their favorite ways to enjoy calamari. Entries will be judged for humor, creativity and originality. Winners will be announced by February 15, 2025. Entrants should indicate if their poem can be published on social media or in a future press release. 
• “Ode to Calamari Contest” Prizes:
  • 1st Place: $100 in Wharf Dollars
  • 2nd Place: $50 Wharf Dollars
  • 3rd Place: $25 Wharf Dollars

The Wharf Dollars prizes for the three winners can be redeemed at any of the outstanding Wharf businesses including restaurants, fish markets, gift shops, whale watching, fishing and sailing trips, and more. A list of Wharf businesses can be found on www.MontereyWharf.com.

“We are so excited to celebrate Old Fisherman’s Wharf 180th anniversary initially with this fun and creative contest,” said Wendy Brickman, President of Fisherman’s Wharf Association.   “The Ode to Calamari Contest” encourages our community to express their love for seafood in a unique way while also rewarding their creativity.”

A Tribute to Flavor and Culinary History

Calamari has long been cherished for its tender texture and versatility, with historical roots in Mediterranean cuisine. Over the years, it has become a staple in seafood dining. At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, all of the restaurants take pride in the variety of ways calamari is prepared.

More about Calamari

Calamari, a type of squid, is prepared in various delicious ways at the Wharf's restaurants.  Here are just a few of the ways the restaurants on the Wharf serve this popular dish and many of them offer additional ways:

Calamari Fritti - Monterey Bay Calamari, hand-breaded & fried with lemon aioli Paluca Trattoria)

Tender Monterey Bay Calamari strips and tentacles, lightly seasoned, floured and deep fried, served with Tartar Sauce, Cocktail Sauce and Lemon (Old Fisherman's Grotto)

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

Breaded Calamari Steak sautéed and finished with beurre blanc sauce (Crab House)

Deep Fried Calamari - Tender Monterey Calamari lightly dusted with seasoned flour and deep fried, served with homemade tartar sauce. (Crabby Jim's)

Calamari Napolitana over Linguine (Abalonetti's Seafood and Grill) plus their Fried Calamari has been Voted Best in Monterey 18 times available with many variations of sauces.

Fried Calamari with house dipping sauce and Buffalo Calamari (Fish and Chips Café)

Grilled Calamari Steak (Cafe Fina)

Tender Monterey Bay Calamari Strips lightly seasoned, floured and deep fried (Crab Louie's Bistro)

 Breaded and Pan-Seared Calamari Steak with White Wine and 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 180 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 at the adjacent Waterfront Parking Lot.

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

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

Other photos provided by Fisherman's Wharf Association.