Estéban Restaurant
700 Munras Ave., Monterey
(831) 375-0176, hotelcasamunras.com
Faro was a card game wildly popular in the 1800s. It was fast, for one, and several people could play at the same time. Modern diners have learned something from this ethic. Small, shared plates are a hit because a group can order a range of different items, not just meat and potatoes. As a Spanish-themed restaurant with a tapas playbook, Estéban was ahead of the trend. And the kitchen continues to lead the way – not only with an array of small plates, but also when it comes to larger offerings. Pizza and paella are shared dishes, after all. Don’t forget about tapas hour.
