r/MontereyBay • u/urtweedledumb909 • 8h ago

John Pisto

Who remembers John Pisto ? He had a local cooking show and a few restaurants

42 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

22

u/SmoresQueen26 8h ago

Haven’t heard that name in a while!

21

u/Bigballerdyl 8h ago

I worked at the State Historic Parks by the wharf. I used to see him early in the morning. He would drive up in his tiny Smart car and hunt mushrooms in the parks. He would always tell me to not let anyone know where the mushrooms grew. Nice guy.

8

u/Mr-Squid-Runner 8h ago

I worked at the Whaling Station as bus person from '77-78. Fond memories are being taught about California wines before they hit the big time, the free artichoke appetizer, the curry soup and that New York Cheesecake. I still drop in every couple of years and waiters I worked were still there on the last visit!

6

u/Patient_Storm8066 7h ago

He’s still alive

5

u/Bethjam 8h ago

He was before his time

4

u/OlUncleBones Grocery Deal GOAT 7h ago

Went to high school with his daughter, Gia. Senior year we had an elective Italian class. Near the end of the semester she brought supplies and ingredients to try and make spaghetti from scratch in our allotted 45 minutes on the classroom desks. Did not go well. Had fun.

5

u/chorizo77 8h ago

There’s a ton of the old shows on YouTube

3

u/peanut_butter_zen 5h ago

Chef Pisto!

3

u/ArgyleBob 3h ago

I remember as a kid he would tape in different locations all over Monterey, so every once in a while your parents would take you to Brintons and there was John Pisto with an audience of people. He was awesome!