Cities/ States
Wilson, NC The Beef Mastor Inn
Salinas, CA Hullaballo
Salinas, CA Salinas Valley Fish House
San Diego
Vermont
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Hullaballo

Salinas, CA

Hullaballoo Bold American Cooking in Oldtown Salinas 228 S. MainSalinas, California 93901
While staying in Salinas, CA in November 2008, I did some of my own research to find a local restaurant to try.
I came across Hullaballo while looking online.
http://www.hullaballoorestaurant.com/index.htm

I had gotten lucky with this trip and my "economy" rental car got upgraded to a brand new, red, Ford Mustang.
This is not my car of choice but I certainly turned some heads driving it. I set my GPS
for the Hullaballo and away I went.

The restaurant was located downtown. I enjoyed the quant walk to the restaurant from my parking space a block away.
Small stores and coffee shops lined the street. One of the shops was blaring Jazz music out into the street where
a group of people sat smoking cigarettes.

Hullaballoo held a nice blend of sophistication and fun. The decor edgy yet classy, pictures of Andy Warhol and
vintage Italian advertisements dotted the walls. High ceilings and brick gave an industrial atmosphere. The bar was rocking,
a corporate party of some sort yet, the dining room still felt cozy. Each of the tables had a small bouquet of dried
flowers and grasses, something I had yet to see. It is a crafty idea, the flowers were now
semi permanent décor yet not fake or cheesy.


I ordered my meal, Oven roasted prawns on creamy artichoke risotto with crab and roasted red peppers,
which came with the House salad. Amongst the usual salad ingredients, it had walnuts and ribbon carrots instead
of julienned like usual, it made for a nice touch. I drank water because I didn't want to drive home after drinking.
I was feeling slightly guilty not having wine being so close to Monterey. Garlic knots came after my salad,
good flavor with a little homemade herb butter. I was impressed with the service. The whole staff was friendly and attentive.


The Artichoke risotto had a sort of a vinaigrette taste laced on top. Unfortunately, the Prawns were tuff
and dull flavored. Disappointing because the risotto had a lot going for it although, I did liberally apply salt to it.

Over all, I would rate this 7.5 out of 10. The meal was well thought out but lacked taste in its main entrée.
The atmosphere was enjoyable and the wait staff did a great job. Their bar was complete with an impressive
wine and drink list. It also looked like a great place to relax and unwind.