SMALL BITE: Jacks Restaurant & Lounge sits right off the lobby of the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California. It is a favorite with locals, and was voted “Monterey’s Best Salad Bar.” Executive Chef Jason Giles is dedicated to creating dishes using fresh, local sustainable ingredients.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS: Jacks offers “California coastal fare” for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, and serves some of the freshest seafood in the city. Stand-out menu items include a European-style breakfast buffet, a Roasted Filet Mignon Sandwich, Homemade Potato Chips, Risotto Fritters and Classic Monterey Bay Sand Dabs.
THE DISH FROM DINERS: “We had the smoked salmon and chowder for appetizers. The chowder was excellent with a lot of seafood and veggies in it, the smoked salmon was fresh and very good as well.” And … “Our hotel reservation included the breakfast buffet. Did not expect it to be good so this really exceeded my expectation.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Every quarter, Jacks Restaurant & Lounge teams up with a local winery for a 5-course wine dinner. Jacks also offers a 3-course seasonal Locals Menu for $24.99\person. And Portola Hotel & Spa supports the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch® Program, which empowers seafood consumers and businesses to make choices for healthy oceans.
HOURS: Breakfast: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Monday through Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Weekend Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For reservations, call: 831.649.2698
ABOUT PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA: Comfortable and scenic, that’s the best way to describe this 379-room hotel, which includes elegant suites. Guests are treated to warm chocolate chip cookies on check-in, which sets the scene for a memorable and relaxing stay. In your room, you’ll find all the comforts of home, including pillow-top mattresses and Keurig coffee makers. Outside, you can’t beat the view. It’s within half a block of historic Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay, and a short drive to the Aquarium. Best of all, pets are welcome! The hotel offers a Personal Pet Consierge, who can help with pet sitting and walking, and doggy daycare.
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