Monterey County's top 30 food/drink stories of 2015.

Ferris Bueller famously said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Then he went on to say, "I do have a test today, that wasn't bullshit. It's on European socialism. I mean really, what's the point? I'm not European. I don't plan on being European, so who gives a crap if they're socialists? They could be fascist anarchists and it still doesn't change the fact that I don't own a car."

But back to the first part.

That stop-and-smell-the-pepperoni ethic feeds into the idea that inspired a pause—while it was still spring—to look at all the Monterey County food stories that had already hit the table.

They ranged from locally sown James Beard awards to the "Today Show" to a prodigious pizza boom in Seaside to a major landmark restaurant's remake.

So much has happened since then it only made sense to call another timeout to take a read on all that's been cooked up, hence the following list of the biggest 15 stories of 2015's summer:

15 • John Cox reveals new ways restaurants can save water, in huge amounts.

OK, this one happened in April, but could be the biggest story of the year—and made national news once the Weekly broke it—so it appears here. Essentially resourceful sourcerer/exec chef Cox (Sierra Mar) pioneered a way to wash dishes with air instead of water, which could save billions of gallons. This might be the biggest story of the year, if only people would get smart and think cleverly about conservation.

14 • Keoki’s provides the rare convenient and value-rich Hawaiian barbecue joint.

When an area gets the only spot of its genre, it’s top 15 news.

13 • Coconut Thai gives Marina back its most popular restaurant tradition.

D’Anna Thai and My Thai before it often won Best Restaurant in Marina from Weekly readers, so for the storied spot to have a solid family-run spot doing a ton of Southeast Asian options well is big.

12 • Exec Chef Jeffrey Weiss resigns post at jeninni kitchen + wine bar.

One of the local stars surprised some when he resigned his post at popular Spanish fusion restaurant he helped launch, but he was ready for a new project.

11 • Local chef goes Hollywood as Johnny DeVivo tackles intense TV cooking contest Cutthroat Kitchen.

DeVivo’s got the creativity, resourcefulness, temperament and cool-guy appeal to go some place on this popular chef showdown.

10 • Carmel Valley Ranch’s new Valley Kitchen opens with s’mores and more.

Tim Wood’s new restaurant added verve, tables and cocktails to existing recipe of valley views, poolside dining and vineyard views.

9 • To toast 20 years, Montrio Bistro adds outdoor patio, new menu.

Breaking news: Montrio is superb! OK, that’s not news, but a spirited and deep-delving refresher reenergized eaters and Exec Chef Tony Baker alike.

8 • Ray Franscioni's brand new tasting room Roadhouse Wine Bar impresses with wine choices, space.

Also not exactly stunning at first blush: another tasting room! But such is the strategic location, size, ambitions and amount of quality Pessagno, Puma Road and Ray Franscioni wines that are flowing here that it makes the list.

7 • Züm Sushi impresses in the old Thai Bistro II.

Sure we have our share of solid sushi joints, but this new one hits all the right notes, and given its proximity to Monterey Bay Aquarium offices, furnishes hope for the first sustainable sushi spot this side of Santa Cruz.

6 • Lumiere to stay open after Osio closes, new winery's big concert and new Indian spot coming.

Not a food-and-drink story at first glance, but the rescue of the Osio via Kickstarter—after its community-rattling closure—is due in no small part to the traction Cafe Lumiere enjoys among the community. Owner Brandi Lamb is one of the key players in saving it for moviegoers and downtown Monterey alike.

5 • Both Co. aquaponics does smart farming with the hope of slowing thirst and hunger.

An inspiring and planet-minded startup builds a model farm that aims to end hunger well beyond Monterey County’s borders.

4 • New Folktale Winery prioritizes punk rock and fun.

Relatively young and atypical new owners have already stirred the local vat with live music, a garden-centric tasting experience and big plans to make the most of a huge property they acquired for $12 million.

3 • Two major Carmel Valley wineries sell in the space of a couple days.

Joullian Vineyards sells to mid-20s couple from Los Angeles and Santa Lucia pioneer Talbott Vineyards sells to Gallo. The former appears eager to keep as many current staffers and the corresponding continuity in place while the latter is ready to reset. Joullian went for about $TK. Based on the deferred transfer tax amounts the sale price for the Talbott was 

2 • Foodies discover The Cork and Plough in King City.

Not many expected to see a progressive and inventive chef-driven spot materialize an hour from a comparable restaurant in either direction, but that’s a major reason it’s so welcome. That it’s a young mom-and-pop spot is creme fraiche on top.

1 • La Balena family adds il Grillo, another tribute to its Florence, Italy inspiration—and Pinocchio.

The most popular new restaurant in a half decade, la Balena, spawned a sister with a streamlined format but all the charm, character and flavor of the original, plus a bigger kitchen and patio.