Seventh & Dolores
Seventh and Dolores, Carmel (831) 293-7600, 7dsteakhouse.com
The martini is a perfect cocktail, shimmering like crystal and unafraid to show off its alcoholic wealth. For decades, the three-martini lunch was a sacred American business ritual – and as Coolidge said, “the business of America is business.” Believe it or not, however, presidential candidates have long railed against the cocktail on the campaign trail. McGovern and Carter condemned it, defending the working class. Reagan pushed through legislation targeting the three-martini lunch. And Clinton put further limits on tax deductions for a liquid lunch. So no more free ride. But have a few at Seventh & Dolores in the evening and everything is good.