16 Comments

Abalone $1.50. Imagine!

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Thank you, Ruth! It’s been such a delight…and I’m so glad you’re continuing. Spending a little time with you with a hot cup of coffee has started my day for the last month and I’ve savored every word, every menu, and each little suggestion to make life a little more fun!

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My very first memorable meal was at Spenger’s Berkeley Grotto in 1956. It later became a weekly TGIF celebration during my UC Berkeley days. From the Benicia Herald”

Spenger Grotto to Open Saturday (April 1, 1943)

On Saturday Spenger’s Fish Grotto will be open to the public in the famous old ferry “Encinal” which is now located in Benicia city limits, two miles west of town on the Benicia-Vallejo highway.

Spenger Brothers who have had many years in specializing in fish and steak dinners, promise the public the same high class quality of foods and service that they maintain in their famous cafe in Berkeley. Their Berkeley establishment has been in operation since 1930 and the “Encinal” was anchored and operated as a cafe at San Rafael for six years, and was towed here several monthse ago.

The ferry was first launched at San Francisco in 1887 and was operated on San Francisco Bay by the Southern pacific Company until sold to the Spengers.

The management here will be under the direct supervision of Paul Spenger, and Frank Spenger will remain at the Berkeley Cafe.

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Too funny to start out with that old (and GREAT) Met Home story. Honored to be included!! Thank you, loving this a lot.

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Love those words from Chef Paul! We miss K-Paul's in New Orleans so much.

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Now I miss GOURMET more than ever. Those fabulous chefs! I missed about three of them and wish I'd been introduced to tapas by Rojas-Lombardi. Thank you!

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Mark Miller brought back memories. I went to the Coyote Cafe in 1993 with my then husband for our 11th anniversary. The food was HOT, the margaritas went down. It was one of the most memorable food experiences I've ever had even though I can't tell you what I ordered. Just being in New Mexico at that time was a treat. Thanks for sharing Ruth.

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Wait just a minute!! I must know more about this Spenger's in Benicia -- my father worked at Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto in Berkeley, CA - which was quite famous. I can't find any info on this Benicia location.. I must know more please!!

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Colman Andrews! I remember collecting copies of Saveur along with my Gourmet subscription. The seafood service you shared is very interesting since even in Seattle some types can be hard to find. Thanks! And Happy 2022!

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Thanks for continuing to write and share your wealth of experiences. I spotted Jean-George at Cafesano in Northern Virginia. It made me feel good that he had selected one of my favorite restaurants to grab lunch with his wife.

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Wishing you the happiest New Year, and thanks for making ours so wonderful.

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I lived in Benicia for a few years, 20 years ago, and Spenger's Grotto was long gone before I arrived. But in its place is a beautiful state park along Carquinez Straight where the Encinal was docked. Thanks so much for your wonderful newsletter, Ruth... Happy New Year!!

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Happy New Year. So glad to read you’ll be back in a week.

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Thanks for the memories, Ruth and a very happy NY!

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