Old Fisherman's Grotto was founded in 1950 by restaurateur Sabu Shake, Sr. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Shake moved to the Monterey area, with his wife Isabella, in 1954, where the couple raised their six children, all boys. Shake worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf. He eventually became a cook before quitting in 1958 to purchase a small restaurant on the Wharf, which would become Old Fisherman's Grotto. During his time as owner and operator of the restaurant Mother Teresa, Jim Carrey, and Benazier Bhutto dined at the restaurant. Shake worked directly with local fisherman and cattlemen, and Salinas Valley produce growers to ensure the restaurant provided local menu items.
Shake died on December 5, 1998, of cancer. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by Shake's son, Chris Shake.
In 2016, Chris Shake requested to demolish the restaurant when the lease expires in 2021. According to Shake's lawyer, the rationale behind the request was because the city of Monterey was unable to secure a long-term lease for the restaurant. Shake wants to extend the restaurant's lease to 2041.
Vivian Cornwall1925-2012
Vivian Cornwall was an American artist known for her plein air paintings, capturing the beauty of the Monterey County landscape. Born September 26, 1925, in Dallas, Tx. she moved to California in 1972 and later to Carmel, where she began her art career. Cornwall studied with notable California watercolorists and oil painters, and her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries across California. She was also involved in interior design and served on the board of the Venture Gallery in Monterey. Her art, including "View of Carmel Mission, California" are great representations of the Carmel area, reflecting her significant contribution to the world of art.
September 26, 1925-May 22, 2012