August is one of the most delicious months of the year, especially in a place like Monterey where the coast and farmland meet. As the summer season winds down, the harvest hits its peak, bringing an abundance of vibrant, flavorful ingredients. It’s the perfect time to savor fresh seafood, sweet corn, ripe tomatoes, crisp greens, and stone fruits at their best.
At Montrio, these ingredients don’t just appear on the menu—they inspire it. With over 40% of the food sourced organically and a strong commitment to sustainability, every dish is carefully crafted to showcase what’s in season. Whether visiting for a special occasion or just in the mood for something refreshing and bold, guests will find late-summer dining at Montrio to be full of color, flavor, and intention.
Peak Ripeness, Unmatched Flavor
August is a showcase of all the best summer produce—think juicy heirloom tomatoes, peppery arugula, tender greens, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. These ingredients are harvested at their peak ripeness, meaning they’re more flavorful, more nutritious, and more exciting to work with.
They also require less dressing up—so chefs can let each component speak for itself. At Montrio, that philosophy leads to dishes that feel vibrant, seasonal, and rooted in California’s agricultural richness.
Supporting Local, Organic, and Sustainable Farms
Montrio partners with local farms and purveyors that share a commitment to responsible practices. With a menu built on sustainability—from the seafood and meat to fruits and vegetables—guests can enjoy each meal knowing it supports local communities and a healthier planet.
Corn Crème Brûlée
Sweet corn reaches its height in late summer, and the Corn Crème Brûlée is one of the best ways to experience it. This elegant dish combines corn’s natural sweetness with almond-smoked red and golden beets, duck prosciutto, and a fresh arugula salad finished with Dijon vinaigrette. The result is a balanced dish that’s creamy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for a warm August evening.
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Few ingredients say “summer” like heirloom tomatoes. Montrio’s Heirloom Tomato Salad features slices of vibrant tomatoes paired with burrata cheese, basil pistachio pesto, and Villa Mandori balsamic vinegar. A sprinkle of puffed quinoa adds texture to this already stunning dish. It’s a beautiful, fresh start to any meal—and a celebration of what’s growing right now.
Lobster Bisque
For those looking for something a little more decadent, the Lobster Bisque—poured tableside—is an indulgent nod to summer seafood. It features Atlantic lobster tail and fennel confit, adding a touch of elegance and coastal flavor to the start of your meal.
Montrio House Salad
Built on a foundation of artisanal local greens, the Montrio House Salad layers flavors and textures with candied pistachios, strawberries, pickled apples, and Cambazola cheese. It’s all tied together with a maple balsamic vinaigrette that balances sweetness and acidity—refreshing and full of character.
Caesar Salad with Quinoa Tabbouleh
This isn’t just any Caesar. Montrio’s take features tri-colored quinoa tabbouleh for added protein and texture, plus traditional garlic breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a white anchovy for that bold, briny flavor. It’s a great late-summer salad that’s hearty enough to stand on its own or serve as a starter to a main course.
Grilled Local Catch
With Monterey Bay just steps away, the Grilled Local Catch is always a reflection of what’s fresh and sustainable. This chef’s daily inspiration uses seasonal seafood—often paired with local produce—to create a dish that changes throughout the summer while always staying in harmony with the season.
Seared Sea Scallops
The Seared Sea Scallops are a guest favorite year-round, but in August, they feel especially at home. Plated with creamed corn risotto, cherrywood smoked bacon, tomato confit, and a splash of juniper-aged balsamic, this dish is a balance of richness and summer brightness. The sweet corn and tomatoes echo the season, while the scallops provide that tender, briny flavor Monterey is known for.
Orecchiette Salsiccia
Late summer is also a time for bold, comforting dishes—especially as the evenings begin to cool. The Orecchiette Salsiccia with house-made heritage pork sausage, peperonata, and pecorino romano is the perfect late-summer pasta. It’s hearty without feeling heavy, making it ideal for bridging the season from summer to fall.
No meal is complete without a side or two, and Montrio’s options are filled with seasonal flavors:
Mix and match to create a custom meal that captures the moment.
Light and Bright Cocktails
The cocktail menu at Montrio is designed with the seasons in mind. For August, drinks like the Almost Paloma—made with tequila, lime juice, and a house-made grapefruit shrub—offer tart refreshment that pairs beautifully with seafood or salads. The Clarified Colada brings coconut, pineapple, and lime together in a smooth, summery sip.
For a more complex option, the Thyme Traveler uses St. George Terroir Gin with lemon, Big Sur huckleberry, and thyme cordial—fruity, herbal, and just right for golden hour.
Wines That Let the Food Shine
Montrio’s wine list includes several great pairings for summer dining:
And for guests skipping the alcohol, mocktails like the Blood Orange Shrub or Passionate Life deliver bold, refreshing flavors perfect for summer dining.
August offers a unique window to enjoy the best of summer before fall starts to arrive. It’s a time of year when food tastes better, ingredients are brighter, and evenings are longer. Montrio captures that feeling in every dish, from garden-fresh salads to elegant seafood and seasonal cocktails.
Celebrate the end of summer with a meal that captures the best of Monterey’s bounty.
Call Montrio at 831.648.8880 to reserve your table and enjoy what’s fresh, local, and unforgettable.
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