LYNN SAMPSON RECOMMENDS: LOUIE LINGUINI'S

There may be better chiopino in Monterey, but there aren’t any that are bigger than at Louie’s. In a second floor alcove on Cannery Row is the cluttered, blue-collar eatery called Louie Linguini’s. It isn’t elegant and it isn’t fancy – in fact – it is rather embarrassingly corny. The décor is essentially nothing but doctored photos showing the mythical owner in poses with just about every famous person in the world. It’s very odd and not all that entertaining. It is the food that matters. What you get at Louie’s is exactly the same fare served at most of the restaurants in Monterey. You just get a lot more of it. Louie’s is the single workingman’s restaurant on Cannery Row. It is unpretentious and filling. The service and food is routine, but the large portions and the goofy ambience are a welcome relief from the ostentatious décor and tiny servings at most of the other restaurants that surround it. If you are truly hungry, go to Louie’s. The plates heaped with food go along way towards making up for the absence of aproned waiters and candlelight. Louie’s Linguini, 660 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, (831) 648-8500.