I never come to Monterey without a visit to the aquarium. Usually I have to restrain myself from elbowing the little kids away from a front row view of the otters or the “touch and explore” areas upstairs.

Tonight was an incredible experience where we came to the aquarium after hours and ate dinner in the deep ocean. Apparently they host these private dinners almost nightly.

My delicious meal was interrupted time and time again to watch a giant turtle, tuna or manta ray swim by.  My beef dinner (no fish on the menus) was tender, flavorful and bountiful. My only complaint was the lack of to-go boxes.

I’ve had a handful of incredible, memorable meals in my life and this one just joined those ranks.