Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/636897
SAY OOH-LALLA ON CANNERY ROW Among the stunning restaurant views up and down our coast, a windowside table at LALLA Oceanside Grill may top them all. Despite the many renovations inside this Canner y Row building (formerly Paradiso Trattoria), the most buzz surrounds the frame- less, floor-to-ceiling window panels that provide diners a panoramic perch above McAbee Beach as waves roar beneath their feet. "It's eye-catching," says Rebecca Riddell, who designed the restaurant, part of the Ottone Restaurant Group (LALLApalooza in Old Monterey and LALLA Grill at Del Monte Center). "People walking along the row can see it through the dining room. It's magnificent." The contemporary decor includes crystals, glass and mirror work to reflect the tranquility of the water. The menu appeals to fans of the LALLA brand, with a bounty of seafood dishes (lobster nachos, Italian-style grilled calamari and octopus, and ahi ceviche atop a Himalayan salt brick) complementing LALLA favorites. LALLA Oceanside provides a dual bar con- cept. It's Tiki-style upstairs, with house special- ty drinks like the Yellow Submarine and the Zombie ser ved in playful Tiki mugs. Downstairs is Angel's Share, a speakeasy tucked away from the crowds, offering fine, aged liquors and its own menu. LALLA Oceanside Grill is located at 654 Cannery Row in Monterey. For more information, call 831/324-0891. MIDDLE EASTERN DELIGHTS SET TO MUSIC We define the American Dream as provid- ing equal oppor tunity to achieve success through hard work and initiative. The story of Faisal Nimri and Bashar Sneeh best exemplifies that ethos. Growing up, the boys shared a border and a thirst for freedom. Nimri left Jordan in 1994; his first job was waiting tables on Fisherman's Wharf. Sneeh taught psychology to troubled teens in Syria before escaping political turmoil and immigrating here in 2004. They met for the first time in Monterey, 188 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Pat Ottone, CEO of Ottone Restaurant Group, enjoys the gorgeous view of Monterey Bay from the new LALLA Oceanside Grill on Cannery Row. The newest LALLA joins LALLApalooza in downtown Monterey and LALLA Grill at the Del Monte Center. Photo: Kelli Uldall food for thought LALLA's New Location with a View; Dametr a Restaur ant Owner s Expand Local Empire; and Sushi in Bento Boxes B Y L A R R Y H A R L A N D