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TWIN TOWERS REMEMBERED... In just about one month we''ll all be reliving the horrors of last year. It''s hard to believe that it has only been 11 months since the Twin Towers came crashing down, along with our peace of mind. Think of how fresh the wounds are for the loved ones of the victims. Although seemingly normal, our society is certainly suffering the confused aftershock of depression and may take generations to overcome it. Meanwhile, life goes on. Dreams must still be pursued. Obligations must still be met. Projects must still be undertaken.

NEW RELEASE FROM VENTANA... One project that got completed was the creation and implementation of VENTANA VINEYARDS'' new label. The unveiling took place last week in the magnificent MONTEREY PENINSULA COUNTRY CLUB at a first class party thrown for Ventana''s supporters, friends, customers and assorted media (that''s how I got in). Amidst the stunning surroundings a handsomely dressed crowd sipped the new releases of Ventana and the high-end Meador Estate wines-including the brand new 2000 MAGNUS, a Bordeaux blend that had everyone buzzing.

After folks mingled, ate and drank, DOUG MEADOR, who is truly one of the Godfathers of Monterey County viticulture, gave a heartfelt and inspiring speech about his winery and vineyards, displaying a passion and commitment that seemed undiminished, at a point in life where some might be inclined to start coasting.

The whole evening was quite impressive, from the quality of the wines to the elegant feel of the event, especially in such a magnificent setting. I felt a little like GROUCHO MARX ("I wouldn''t belong to any club that had me as a member") as I strolled around trying not to spill anything on my clothes. I was really happy for the Meadors, along with the whole team at Ventana Vineyards as they took this large step along the path to elevating Monterey County as a world-class appellation.

OLD FRIENDS ARE BACK... I''ve been popping into the new DUFFY''S on High Street in Monterey, outside the gate to the DLI. It''s right up the street from me so has been a welcome reopening. The owners, JEFF COUNSELL and FRANCES FOX (how do people get such great names). are a really interesting duo. They grew up about two miles away from each other in Birmingham, England, and were even born in the same hospital, yet never met until one night five years ago on the patio at THE LONDON BRIDGE PUB (near Wharf #2). "At first we didn''t speak to each other-he was rude to me and I was stuck up to him," recalled Frances. Jeff chimed in: "We were in a group and no one introduced us so it was a little weird, you know." Said Frances, "I would bring him back pot pies from England; that''s when he knew I liked him." Well, Sweet Thing and I like both of them and are damn glad to see them in business together at Duffy''s.

AND NEW ONES ARRIVING... The openings just keep on coming. Latest is CARMEL BISTRO, in the old Jack London''s location across from The Hog''s Breath. SAL and ASHLEY TEDESCO, owners of The Captain''s Gig Restaurant on Fisherman''s Wharf are the new owners and have completely remodeled. When I stuck my head in during the last days of construction I saw a pretty, pastel-colored open space with a cute little bar and nice feel to it. According to Ashley, "We are excited about being one of the new restaurants in downtown Carmel. As you know, new restaurants are few and far between in this city, so we are thrilled to bring a new dynamic to town."

She says their goal is to provide an atmosphere which caters to locals and tourists alike. "We have crafted a menu which incorporates Mediterranean, Sicilian, French and California cuisine to accommodate a variety of dining interests. We''ve also strategically priced our food menu and wine list to entice locals back for regular visits." A noble goal indeed. The Tedescos plan to serve a variety of wines by the glass at their wine bar, which should provide folks a lovely setting in which to enjoy the nectar of the grape. Best of luck to them.

The area''s looking pretty good. Old joints are metamorphosing into new and beautiful butterflies. Places from OLD THYME DELICATESSEN in Marina to reinvigorated WILLS FARGO out in Carmel Valley are bucking the odds and forging ahead with new plans and big dreams. That truly shows the greatness of the American entrepreneurial spirit (which is obviously not limited to Americans) in full flower. Anyone with a good idea, some luck and hard work can make it to the promised land.

Now if I can just figure out how to become a member of a beautiful country club...

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Help Ray out at ray@coastweekly.com