Coastal Roots Hospitality
2999 Highway 68, Monterey, (831) 647‑1085, coastalrootshospitality.com
Coastal Roots (formerly Downtown Dining) has been around some 30 years, and under the stewardship of husband‑wife duo Ken Donkersloot and Mona Calis, things have really taken off. Donkersloot and Calis acquired the company and its three beloved local restaurants – Tarpy’s Roadhouse, Rio Grill and Montrio – at the height of the pandemic in 2020, hardly a boomtime for food‑and‑beverage vendors. But they’ve breathed fresh life into the business – evidenced not only by a revamped Montrio’s reopening last year, but also a reimagined catering experience featuring plated and buffet menus, reception spreads and “action stations” (think street tacos, scampi sautée and prime rib served right before your eyes). And to think, when Doc fed his guests, he had to make a trip to town. Not anymore.