# Monterey Bay Aquarium Dopefest **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 2, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997 "2011-09-02T20:20:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/1 "2011-09-02T20:20:17Z")
In [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=622712), I mentioned that I would be in Monterey soon, and was planning a visit to the Aquarium. **Gurujulp** suggested a mini-dopefest, which sounded like an excellent idea. I will be in Monterey from Monday, Sept 12 through Friday, Sept. 16. As it turns out, **gurujulp** can’t make a midweek dopefest, but **outlierrn** and **blondebear** both expressed interest. I arrive in Monterey around noon on the 12th, so late afternoon/early evening Monday would be do-able. The same is true for Tuesday (I’m taking a whale-watching trip Tuesday morning/early afternoon). Wednesday and Thursday are open. Then I fly out Friday morning. Maybe a late afternoon visit to the aquarium followed by an early dinner one of those days, to fit **blondebear’s** schedule? Ideas and suggestions are welcome. Anyone else interested? I know it’s short notice! ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/2 "2011-09-02T20:26:45Z")
I’m good with either day, but probably no aquarium visit for me. The earliest I can get down there would be around 4:15-4:30. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/3 "2011-09-02T20:50:35Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > I’m good with either day, but probably no aquarium visit for me. The earliest I can get down there would be around 4:15-4:30. No problem. How do you feel about seafood? I love it, and don’t get much here in Albuquerque. If you don’t care for seafood, I can have some one of the other nights I’m there. ---
**Author:** ![gurujulp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ba9def/32.png) [@gurujulp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gurujulp)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/4 "2011-09-02T21:19:27Z")
I sent this link to my wife, also a member of the boards, who has a little more flexible hours than I- lets see if she weighs in… She is also much more a Monterey fan than I and was just at the aquarium last week- work related… ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/5 "2011-09-02T21:28:17Z")
Seafood is fine with me. I suspect there are one or two places to choose from in Monterey. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/6 "2011-09-02T21:30:50Z")
> [@gurujulp](#): > > I sent this link to my wife, also a member of the boards, who has a little more flexible hours than I- lets see if she weighs in… She is also much more a Monterey fan than I and was just at the aquarium last week- work related… Cool- the more the merrier! I’ve never been to Monterey so I’m completely open to suggestions for things to do & see, places to eat, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/7 "2011-09-02T21:32:25Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > Seafood is fine with me. I suspect there are one or two places to choose from in Monterey. So I’ve heard! I plan to take full advantage while I’m there. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2011, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/8 "2011-09-05T15:29:50Z")
Anyone else interested? This could be the smallest Dopefest in history! ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2011, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/9 "2011-09-05T17:10:02Z")
Wish I could go, but my annual pilgrammage to Pacific Grove was a couple weeks ago. As a suggestion pretty close to the Aquarium, there is [Schooner’s](http://www.yelp.com/biz/schooners-bistro-on-the-bay-monterey). If you are interested in ethnic there is [Thai Bistro II](http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-bistro-ii-pacific-grove) (really good), and [Hula’s](http://www.hulastiki.com/)Hawaiin cuisine (great seared-tuna wraps and great beer on tap). Wish I could join you. I don’t know when they are ending, but over the summer they have had Jazz Nights at the Aquarium; open late, with beer and wine and a jazz combo. I want to say Thurs - Sat nights??? ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2011, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/10 "2011-09-05T19:03:23Z")
I’ll be just missing you. I’ll be just north of Monterey on a weekend getaway starting the 16th. Have fun. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2011, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/11 "2011-09-05T19:23:53Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > Wish I could go, but my annual pilgrammage to Pacific Grove was a couple weeks ago. > > As a suggestion pretty close to the Aquarium, there is [Schooner’s](http://www.yelp.com/biz/schooners-bistro-on-the-bay-monterey). If you are interested in ethnic there is [Thai Bistro II](http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-bistro-ii-pacific-grove) (really good), and [Hula’s](http://www.hulastiki.com/)Hawaiin cuisine (great seared-tuna wraps and great beer on tap). > > Wish I could join you. I don’t know when they are ending, but over the summer they have had Jazz Nights at the Aquarium; open late, with beer and wine and a jazz combo. I want to say Thurs - Sat nights??? Thanks for the suggestions, **WordMan.** Schooners looks like it would perfect for a post-aquarium meal. Unfortunately, the Jazz Nights at the Aquarium will be done for the year by the time I get there. And I’m also missing out on the Monterey Jazz Festival- it starts on Friday the 16th, the same day I fly home. And the headliner Friday night is John Pizzarelli (with special guest Bucky Pizzarelli)! I didn’t know they were having a jazz festival when I bought my plane ticket. Oh well! Edit: **garygnu** , are you a fan of jazz? I hear there’s a jazz festival that weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2011, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/12 "2011-09-07T01:51:44Z")
I think I’ll designate Wednesday Sept. 14 as See The Great White Shark At The Monterey Bay Aquarium Dopefest Day (And Dinner Afterward). I picked it pretty much at random and it is subject to change. I’m thinking 3 hours or so should be enough time to see the Aquarium. Or is that not enough time? So I plan to head over there early Wednesday afternoon. I like **WordMan** ’s suggestion, Schooner’s for eats. And it’s very close to the Aquarium! So if this is agreeable (or disagreeable) to anyone, let me know! ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/13 "2011-09-08T09:05:58Z")
Sounds good, I’ll _probably_ be there for the Aquarium and dinner. **Wordman** , is the thai bistro related to the one that used to be in Carmel Valley? that place was good, as I recall. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/14 "2011-09-08T19:49:59Z")
> [@outlierrn](#): > > Sounds good, I’ll _probably_ be there for the Aquarium and dinner. **Wordman** , is the thai bistro related to the one that used to be in Carmel Valley? that place was good, as I recall. You know, I am not sure. My parents go to Thai Bistro II for lunch and prefer it to the Thai place in downtown PG on Lighthouse, but that is about all I know. Thai Bistro II is also pretty much across the street from the Bikram Yoga place I go to when I am there, Yoga Sanctuary… ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2011, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/15 "2011-09-09T16:22:13Z")
I’m in for dinner on Wednesday. See you at Schooner’s…what time should I show up? ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2011, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/16 "2011-09-09T16:31:36Z")
I’d be all about this, if you had scheduled it in 2008. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2011, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/17 "2011-09-09T22:40:25Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > I’m in for dinner on Wednesday. See you at Schooner’s…what time should I show up? How about 5:00 pm? Or 6:00 if that’s better for you. > [@Raguleader](#): > > I’d be all about this, if you had scheduled it in 2008. 😃 :smack: I _knew_ there was something I was supposed to do in 2008! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2011, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/18 "2011-09-10T05:34:15Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > I’d be all about this, if you had scheduled it in 2008. 😃 It was an election year, sue us. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2011, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/19 "2011-09-12T00:23:55Z")
How’s this for a Wednesday, Sept. 14 itinerary- 2:00 pm, I’m at or near the ticket booth at the Aquarium. **Outlierrn** , if you can make it, we could meet there. 5:00 pm, dinner at Schooner’s, where we will be joined by **blondebear** (unless **blondebear** says 6:00 works better for him). **Outlierrn** and **blondebear** , I’m sending you PMs with my cell # My plane leaves in 12 hours- I’m looking forward to this! ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2011, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monterey-bay-aquarium-dopefest/594997/20 "2011-09-12T14:18:31Z")
BTW, while you’re in the area, there’s a few places for eats and drinks I’d recommend, like Gianni’s Pizza on Lighthouse (great pizza and wings there). Crown and Anchor and the Britannia Arms, both in historic downtown, were both great places for drinks and food when I was there a couple years back, though they might not be your scene if you don’t like crowds of drunk military folks (particularly more so into the evening and night, obviously).