Wow! You got to live in a great place at a great time! I suppose I should simply have told the Conchlers that central California is renowned for its artichokes, and encouraged them to select among the many artichoke products... marinated artichokes, pickled artichokes, what-have-you... but at some point, y'know, I've got to get off Conch-L and back to work... Still, I can't forget how sweet the artichokes from the backyard tasted. <SIGH> By the way, my favorites at Fisherman's Wharf were the steamed crab (from an outside vendor) and the bouillabaisse (from the restaurant itself)--sort of a seafood smorgasbord in a bowl. Andrew