LIFE IS GRAND IN TRACY

by Lynn Sampson
Nowadays, a town isn’t considered grown-up until it gets its own art center. Tracy, California, got theirs. The Grand Theater is a marvel. It is, in fact, a $20 million marvel. It is a perfectly restored 1920s era theater along with a gallery, nine art, dance and music studios, and an experimental theater. It is a striking example of civic pride. What started life as a movie palace 80 years ago is now a state-of-the-art performing arts complex. Recently, I attended several performances there. I sampled intimate jazz as well as a boisterous musical, both presented in the main theater. There are no bad sight lines, and the acoustics are excellent. There isn’t a finer place to view plays or listen to music than the Grand. These are my personal favorites among the films, exhibits, and events coming up at the Grand: Guitarist David Burger, April 11, 8:00 p.m.; Gilligan's Island, The Musical, April 17-18, 8:00 p.m.; and Duo Concertante (piano and violin), May 8, 8:00 p.m.

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.