On a recommendation from a local Monterey resident we gave the Beach House a try.  The restaurant was beautiful.  The signature lanterns hung from the ceilings and there are tons of windows with magnificent views.

Appetizers:

The Feast of Lanterns Firecracker Shrimp were all they were supposed to be…crispy, spicy and bite-sized.  I could have eaten these little guys for my dinner!

We also ordered the calamari.  Perfectly breaded and fried.  They were served with two sauces: a spicy one with hints of chili sauce and horseradish and the other a mayo base with dill.  I love condiments!

Main courses:

The sauteed king salmon was seared on the outside and moist on the inside.  The peas, mushrooms and carrots were fresh and colorful.  All atop creamy mashed potatoes.

I opted for the grilled shrimp rigatoni with basil cream.  It arrived hot and cooked al dente.  The shrimp were tender, not rubbery which happens so often.  The basil cream was a great way to counteract the saltiness of the olives and sun-dried tomatoes.  I wish I would have asked for the recipe.

Helpful hint: my friend suggested getting a 5:30 PM reservation and ordering by 6 PM to get the twilight discount.