Mango Fusion Shrimp Tacos at Stonies in Salinas, California by Ruth Paget
One of my favorite treat lunches is mango fusion shrimp tacos at Stonies Taphouse and Bistro in Salinas, California.
The combination I make with these shrimp tacos is one mango fusion shrimp taco, one garlic butter shrimp taco, potato salad, and coleslaw. Market town Salinas means that you get cool and crunchy shredded cabbage with your soft and thick corn tortillas in these tacos.
I love eating this combination at home with the patio door open as I drink a chilled Firestone Walker Cerveza from this California brew pub located 2 hours down Highway 101 outside Paso Robles. For a beer closer to home, I like IPAs from Alvarado Street Brewery, which has locations in downtown Salinas and Monterey.
Stonies has excellent appetizers to go with its many beers on tap like Cajun corn on the cob, Bavarian loaded pretzels, and crispy fried artichokes from Monterey County, the world’s artichoke capital.
Stonies is well-known for BBQ – low and slow fire smoked meat. For lunch, they feature a Davis rib lunch special, which comes with 3 ribs, garlic bread, and one side of your choice from a selection of coleslaw, potato salad, bacon BBQ beans, Cajun corn on the cob, French fries, or side salad. This costs $18 as of May 15, 2024.
The shrimp tacos and ribs are great picnic choices for take-out. Toro Park and Jack’s Peak Park are located a short drive away along Highway 68 going towards the Pacific Ocean. Stonies has indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio area with tables with umbrellas. (it is usually 10 degrees warmer in Salinas than it is on the Monterey Peninsula.)
The ABC Salad is for avocado lovers. (California has avocados in abundance!) This salad is made with avocado, bacon, and chicken slices, cucumbers, Parmesan cheese, and topped off with Caesar dressing.
At home, I eat Stonies lunches with radishes and strawberries from the garden. Tourists wishing to do the same can easily buy organic produce at Nob Hill and Star Market, which are located close to the restaurant.
Stonies Taphouse and Bistro makes living in Salinas, California an enjoyable experience. Tourists might enjoy a neighborhood restaurant away from home as well.
By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France
