![]() CARINE'S ITALIAN SEAFOOD GROTTOPerched on the dock overlooking Noyo Harbor, Carine's Fish Grotto has the most warm-hearted Italian family hospitality and grandissimo dinners in Fort Bragg. In 1918 the Carine's grandfather came to this pioneer fishing village from Sicily to fish shark, ling cod and crab whenever the tide rose high enough to cross the now-dredged sand bar at the mouth of the harbor. Dominic Carine opened the restaurant on May 9, 1947 to serve breakfast to the fishermen. Back then the harbor was full of trees, Noyo Indians, fishermen and fish. Carine's is the last original old-timer "mom & pop" business in Noyo Harbor and the late Dominic liked to entertain guests with fish stories and ocean lore that would befit a marine biologist. Now Baby Dom is the new Elvis of Noyo Harbor. While Chef de Cuisine Anthony prepares generous and sumptuous entrees in the kitchen, "Baby Dom", a true Italiano is flirting with all the women in the dining room. A step across the threshold of this Fort Bragg eatery and guests are greeted by the lovely Bessie Carine, affectionately known as "Mama Carine" who came from Provicia, Palermo, Sicily, Italy as Dominics newly wed bride in 1949. Mrs. Carine or one of her enthusiastic children - Thomas, Anthony, Baby Dom Jr., and Grace Esther Carine - all of whom team together to make a visit to Carines Fish Grotto a splendid river village experience. Mountains of French bread, creamery fresh butter, award winning Boston style clam chowder and garden greens are a prelude to an entree that will defy the hungriest imaginations, eyes and taste buds. The Cioppino is made to order for each customer. Take the famous Carine Burger; at $8.95, it is a mountainous one pound of lean California grown beef, prepared to perfection, and served with an enormous order of French fries. Crab louies, crab and shrimp sandwiches are of equal proportion and taste delight as the burger. Bottom fish, lobster and steaks round out the menu at Carine's and each platter is garnished with the fresh fruit or vegetables, such as miniature artichokes steamed with a hint of lemon, creating a visual feast for all who come to dine. Perhaps the strains of one of those magnificent Italian operas will accompany Baby Dom Jr's New York style cheesecake - a perfect dessert to end a fine dining experience in one of the worlds special Pacific harbors. Carine's has been used as a backdrop in several Hollywood movies, featured on numerous TV travelogs and has become a dining room away from home for movie stars. Besse was a personal friend of Dean Martin. "Deano" was a delight to be around and he used to visit with my little children, Besse states. Other Hollywood friends to the Carines are Julia Roberts, Daryl Hanna, Tony Bennet, Goldie Hann and Marlyn Mason. Etchings from world famous sealife artist J.D. Mayhew adorn the walls. J. D. and "Whale War" artist and skipper Byrd Baker, who was featured in National Geographic Magazine, had great passion for birds and sealife and devoted their lives to protecting them. There is much more than exceptional food here; Mama Carine gets more hugs and kisses than anyone as long time patrons visit to laugh and cry together over the wonderful food and rich memories. $$-$$$ CARINE'S ITALIAN SEAFOOD GROTTO |