NEWPORT BEACH

It could have been any other night at the Cannery.

But as Bill Hamilton, one of the owners, looked out over the crowded floor on Sunday, he knew that this was the last meal anyone would enjoy at his restaurant.

The day passed quietly into evening, without any expected fanfare. After a week of goodbye parties, giveaways and get-togethers, Hamilton didn’t have “anything special planned.” Hamilton said he hopes to encapsulate some of these memories in a book about the Cannery planned for next year. It will include both the history and favorite recipes--for customers suffering from Cannery fare withdrawal. But it may take some time to scale down 100-gallon measurements for the clam chowder recipe, he said.