Tim Wood
Woody's at the Airport, 200 Fred Kane Drive, #201, Monterey, (831) 373‑1232, woodysmontereyairport.com
Steinbeck was a champion of California’s abundance, and according to readers, so is Tim Wood, although his preferred medium is food rather than pen and paper. Although eating at an airport is usually a subpar affair, Wood – who has trained in Michelin‑starred kitchens and high‑end resorts – is an anomaly in the best way possible. As one does when located in the Salad Bowl of the World, he does his best to source his ingredients close to home, utilizing greens from Swank Farms, famous Baker’s Bacon, and Harris Ranch steaks. Even this year’s Best Chicken Wings (see Specialty Foods) are coated in local honey. Like a great American novel, a great meal by Tim Wood is a labor of love, appreciated by airport travelers and also by locals.