The Tognazzini Family

You probably know them better for their restaurant’s daily fish specials and prime bay side location. The Tognazzini family, though, does much more than just serve up great seafood – they catch it, too. From the decks of the Bonnie Marietta to the tables at Dockside Restaurant, the Tognazzinis have fresh fish covered. Mark juggles frequent fishing trips, a thriving restaurant and a fish market. He, along with wife Bonnie and son Marc, ensure that the only the freshest local seafood makes it onto the plates and into the kitchens of Morro Bay residents and visitors. Mark’s father, Wilmar Tognazzini, helps out as a greeter at the restaurant and is an advocate for the spot’s fresh fare.

Explore the Bay

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Morro Bay in Pictures

Harvest the Bay!

There are some great spots to eat in Morro Bay, but warm afternoons just beg for home cooking and great wine. I’ve pinpointed the best places to get fresh food to take home, much of it locally grown and harvested. For those who like to stick to the status quo, you’ll also find regional staples, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. “I usually go to Albertsons,” Morro Bay resident Loreen Mowell said, though she tries to purchase from local farmer’s markets as much as possible.

The Local Perspective

Highlights:

• Locals explain their favorite activities
• Audio interview by the bay
• Work, kayak, boat, or just walk the town

Locals like to stroll through Anchor Park.

I had much grander aspirations for this particular audio project.

A combination of off-season closures and a few less-than friendly people left me high and dry on a warm January afternoon. Unwilling to waste the day, I switched tactics and decided to take advantage of the people around me. Rather than listening to business owners toot their own horns, I came up with a new idea and asked the real experts–the locals–about the best things to do in Morro Bay.

Catch of the Day

Fishing is a huge part of Morro Bay, and despite new restrictions and flailing markets, it’s business as usual along the Embarcadero.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Catch of the Day, posted with vodpod

 

Morro Bay Farmer’s Market

I stopped by Spencer’s Market to see what farmers and vendors had to say about this weekly event, one of Morro Bay’s two weekly farmer’s markets.

Morro Bay History

Highlights:

• Local historians Vic Hansen and Gary Ream weigh in on Morro Bay’s history
• The rock has been a central part of the town’s history
• Frank Riley founded the town
• Abalone was a major part of the town’s early industry

Click the graphic above for a larger view.

Welcome to Morro Bay!

Gulls, surf, and sun at Morro Strand State Beach