About Us
Delicious
We are known for our seafood, from our crab cakes to the over ten species of fresh fish we carry on the menu every night. Our steaks, salads, side dishes and desserts are similarly outstanding. We’re particularly proud as well of our witty and delicious menu of house-made cocktails which feature many Pennsylvania sourced spirits.
Beautiful
Within our two-level glass-walled space, we offer everything from private dining options for up to 100 people to intimate tables for two, all with stunning views of the city of Pittsburgh. In 2015, the restaurant closed for two months to undertake an ambitious renovation and re-decorating. With the goal being that every seat would partake of the spectacular panorama that is Pittsburgh, different levels were integrated into the restaurant floor plan, and balconies were extended. The re-design throughout is clean-lined, subtle and luxurious; allowing the food and the view to justly occupy center-stage.
Sustainable
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is proud to have been honored with a Gold Award from Sustainable Pittsburgh and to partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. The latter assists restaurants and our guests to “make responsible choices for a healthier ocean.” We encourage our guests to be informed by visiting SeafoodWatch.org.
Hospitable
Extending true hospitality to you, our guests, is our number one priority. Whether you are joining us to celebrate a life event or an evening out with friends we want make this an evening you won’t forget. If there is anything you can think of to make your experience with us even better, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
LEADERSHIP
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JOHN BELLAN General Manager |
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As a Pittsburgh area native, John Bellan is proud to serve his community as the General Manager of Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. John received his Associate degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management while working in the hospitality field. He grew as a leader in the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, spending nearly 12 years as a general manager with the Eat’n Park Restaurant Division. He has also served as an assistant general manager with Red Lobster and a general manager with Bravo Cucina Italiana. In 2016, John was named Hospitality Manager of the Year by the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, a recognition which is well-deserved. It is apparent in John’s guest and staff interactions that he serves with a truly hospitable attitude. It brings him great joy to see multi-generational families sharing a meal and making a memory that will last forever. His heart for service reaches beyond the restaurant and into his personal life where he loves to spend time with his wife and children, work on his home, and refurbish furniture. Ask John about the time he carried the Olympic torch on its way to Utah! |
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RICHARD SPHATT Executive Chef |
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Monterey Bay’s Executive Chef, Richard Sphatt joined our leadership team in early 2023. Chef Richie is a native of Brooklyn, New York and is classically trained by the French Culinary Institute in both French and Italian cuisine. Having worked in many high-end seafood houses and other fine dining restaurants here in Pittsburgh and in New York, Chef Richie came to Monterey Bay as a seasoned chef, ready to take on a new challenge. Our culinary team continues to thrive under his seasoned and able leadership. The one-time winner of the Waldorf Astoria Team Impact Award, Richie is the type of chef that realizes the value of employees and the team. When not working, Richie loves to spend time with his family and his grandson Dominic. “That would have to be when I am at my happiest,” he says of time spent with Dominic. Richie is a trained marksman with a rifle and loves to cook for family and friends. Next time you stop in, ask him to say hi as he loves to meet Monterey Bay’s guests, both new and old. |
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HELEN GRICKS Controller |
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Rounding out our Leadership Team is Helen Gricks, our Controller. With 35 years of financial experience in the construction, property management, manufacturing, family office and restaurant industries, Helen brings a wide variety of skills to her role with Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Helen, a Certified Management Accountant, holds a B. A. in Accounting from Washington & Jefferson College and an M. B. A. from Duquesne University. Her love of hospitality and her strong financial acumen make her uniquely suited to confront the challenges in her financial and human resources roles, and she will tell you that this has been her favorite job in her career to date! When she isn’t working, Helen likes to knit, garden, entertain, and travel with her husband Tim, their family and friends. Helen is thankful to have been able to learn the restaurant business and help lead and grow Monterey Bay since 2011 and looks forward to the future. |
MANAGEMENT
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MICHAEL BENTON Sous Chef |
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Sous-chef Michael comes to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto with years of experience in every position on the line, including a chef position with P.F. Chang’s. Chef Michael is comfortable in high-volume settings like ours, where the pressure can crack less seasoned chefs. He describes himself as efficient, genuine and faithful. His co-workers enjoy his wit and sense of humor. Michael’s calm demeanor and welcoming smile positively impact the restaurant on a daily basis. In his time off, Michael spends time with his family and doing home improvements. An ordained minister, Michael sees serving the restaurant guests and his fellow kitchen team members as beautifully aligned with his preaching work – both involve service, understanding, and a willingness to learn. |
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ERIN BERTUZZI Beverage Manager |
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Beverage manager Erin Bertuzzi has a variety of degrees, including in culinary arts and hospitality management. Hospitality is in her blood; Erin got her start at the White House Restaurant in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania — a restaurant that’s been in her family for the last five decades! Erin went on to complete her culinary apprenticeship at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, as well as having finished a hospitality internship at the Rolling Rock Club. In her senior year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Erin was honored with the award for Hospitality Outstanding Senior of the Year. “I love that Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is a place of celebration,” Erin says. “From the elevator ride up to the elevator ride back down, our whole team goes above and beyond to provide a special experience for our guests.” Erin loves traveling and baking in her free time. |
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AMANDA DREMSEK Pastry Chef |
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Monterey Bay Fish Grotto’s Pastry Chef, Amanda, is a proud holder of both a culinary art and a pastry degree from Pittsburgh Technical College. Amanda’s drive and focus led her to own and run her own baking company in Colorado. She moved to Pittsburgh to be closer to family and friends and has worked at multiple local restaurants. “I love the hospitality industry. It gives me and my team the opportunity to make an unforgettable experience for every guest that comes up that elevator.” Baking is a science that, when done well, can bring a sweet ending to any fine meal. When not baking, Chef Amanda is probably drawing, painting, or crafting, because she is passionate about creating. Don’t miss ordering one of Amanda’s desserts, because we know you will be as impressed as we are! |
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JOE GAVIN Service Manager |
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Many of our service managers have risen through the ranks at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, and Joe joins that impressive group. Joe is often working at our host stand and enjoys greeting guests coming off the elevator. Whether greeting guests or working out on the restaurant floor, Joe provides an excellent guest experience. Joe, an Ebensburg, PA native, has spent over half his life in the restaurant business, first at a small family-owned Italian spot called Amici’s and then moving to large national chains and then here to Monterey Bay. His favorite part of this job here at the Bay is the culture. “I have been pushed to be my best professional version of myself,” he says. One of the parts of the job that keeps Joe in the field is the opportunity to share special moments in time with different guests and employees. “You really get an inside look at true happiness. These are moments our guests will cherish the rest of their lives and it is a pleasure to be a part of that!”, says Joe about his job. When not working, Joe loves to spend time with family and close friends, or you may find him riding his bike through the wonders of Pittsburgh! Wherever you see him, he will be sure to put a smile on your face. |
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CALE GRIMM Sous Chef |
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As a passionate and talented cook, Cale Grimm is excited to take his career to new heights as a Sous Chef at Monterey Bay. Chef Cale earned his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from Pittsburgh Technical College in 2019. Having worked in both the front and back of the house at multiple restaurants for the past twelve years, Cale has all the knowledge and experience to needed for this role. When he is not in the restaurant, he is either playing video games or cooking for his fiancée. Chef Cale is happy to join a professional and enthusiastic team at Monterey Bay and looks forward to providing our guests special and memorable dining experiences. |
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ULISES GUILLEN Executive Sous Chef |
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Ulises is a great addition to the Monterey Bay Chef Team. Having helped lead the team for 10+ years at Bravo Cucina Italiana, Cheesecake Factory and other high-volume kitchens, he has an extensive knowledge of food and international cuisine. Chef Ulises brings a vibrancy and dedication to his position as Sous Chef. He enjoys learning and teaching others through his work. As a dedicated husband and loving father of three children, he enjoys spending his time with family and friends. In his free time, you can find him enjoying a soccer game on the field or on TV.
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HENRY KLEIN Service Manager |
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Manager Henry Klein has long been in sales and describes himself as a people person — both of which are terrific attributes in a restaurant service manager. Henry grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio and has always considered Pittsburgh his second hometown. Henry went to high school here and then moved back to Pittsburgh in the summer of 2022 after a few years away. “I’m a never-met-a-stranger guy,” Henry says. “There’s nothing I like better than working with like-minded people and serving others.” Henry has recently taken up tap-dancing lessons and is part of a group that meets for a longstanding weekly poker night. He regularly gets back home to the woods of eastern Ohio with friends, where they enjoy visiting family and walking in the woods. |
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COURTNEY LAWTON Service Manager |
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Service Manager Courtney Lawton has been with Monterey Bay Fish Grotto for two years. She had formerly worked at Fl. 2 and Spork. Courtney is reliable, devoted to a positive guest experience and attentive to the little details that make a Monterey Bay meal a special experience every time. Courtney xplains, “My very favorite part of the job is seeing the whole team come together to create special moments for our guests! I enjoy being part of this, and seeing the guests’ reactions to the entire experience.” When she’s not at MBFG, Courtney enjoys spending time with her children, painting and volunteering. |
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ANTHONY SCARAMOUCHE Beverage Manager |
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We love when we can help someone advance in their career. Pittsburgh native Anthony Scaramouche joined Monterey Bay Fish Grotto as a busser in 2016 shortly after graduating from Woodland Hills High School. Anthony’s ambition and skill drove him to work his way through all our service staff positions to Service Manager.Anthony credits his success to an innate desire to create special moments for our guests and the support of what he calls his “work family” at Monterey Bay. Our focus on authentic hospitality is right up Anthony’s alley and we are so pleased to have him as a member of our management team. When not at work Anthony is often playing and collecting trading card games. If you are a fan of Pokémon or Magic the Gathering, ask Anthony about his quest to complete his set of the Power 9! Maybe he will make a trade with you. And in case you are tempted to ask him, no, Anthony has never worked at the White House and no, he will not do the Fandango. |
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RENE A. SCHICK Accounting/Administrative Manager |
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With over 25 years of experience as a financial manager, Rene Schick brings a wealth of knowledge to her position at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Duquesne University and has worked for local and international companies ever since. As a proud Pittsburgher, Rene is thankful for the opportunity to help Monterey Bay continue to be a lasting Pittsburgh institution. Rene is always looking forward to learning something new and overcoming any challenge, however, as soon as work ends, you WiLL find her S1pplng a glass or wine and dlving into the next NY limes bestseller or in the stands cheering on any of the Pittsburgh sports teams
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THOMAS F. SIEGER Assistant General Manager |
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Thomas has spent his career leading in the hospitality industry. During college, he served as the General Manager of The Galley at Westport Marina in the Adirondack Mountains. Shortly after, he moved to Denver, Colorado, and became a bar consultant at Bigsby’s Folly Winery as well as an assistant general manager with Edible Beats, Inc. With a degree in Hospitality Management and a WSET Level 2 Certification, Thomas is well-qualified to serve as the Assistant General Manager at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Thomas is always happy to talk about wine, food, travel and this week’s Jeopardy episodes. |
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ANGELINA WATSON Private Events Coordinator |
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Angelina Watson has been a Monterey Bay team member for over 17 years. She excelled as a server and a manager, giving top notch, memorable service and creating a welcoming environment for every guest in the restaurant. In her new role as the Private Events Coordinator, Angie is enthusiastic about fostering hospitality and making memories with each private event. That same enthusiasm carries beyond Monterey Bay and into her time spent with her sons, Cameron and Matthew. Angelina treasures the opportunity to share in our guests’ special occasions and cannot wait to create your perfect event with you!
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