Quick Bites: New tasting room in Carmel and Lucky's has a new chef.

Alexander Smith, the new offshoot—and generation—of wines from the pioneering people at Paraiso, has opened a tasting room (250-7123) in Carmel.

It's tucked in Court of the Golden Bough on Ocean between Lincoln and Monte Verde. 

In keeping with Alexander-Smith's emphasis on smaller-plot, smaller-batch wines, they'll be pouring a tasty Pinot Noir Pommard clone and Syrah on the new label.

In keeping with their desire to perpetuate the popular Paraiso label—while scaling it back—they'll also serve Paraiso Chard, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Port.

Tasting are $15, waived with purchase of three bottles. 

Hours are noon-7pm daily.

Here's word on the new venture from the Paraiso Vineyards website: 

We spent the better part of last year reflecting on our business, past and future, and are excited to announce a few changes – one of them is new wines. We are working on the launch of Alexander-Smith, a new line honoring our heritage.

“Alexander” is Claudia [Smith]’s maiden (and now her middle) name, and well, the “Smith” part is pretty obvious! While we were designing labels, we decided it was time to give Paraiso a brand new look. 

More tasty (and not-so-tasty) tidbits of the culinary moment:

• Lucky’s Roadside (899-5825) in Seaside lost the guy that saved the restaurant’s opening from disaster when Bill Lee and ex-Exec Chef Michael Whalen parted ways. The new top toque is Herman Hernandez, formerly of Casanova and Del Mesa. Look for details on his new menu here—and the fallout—on the Food Blog in the next couple of days. 

• The 31 best places to watch the World Cup in Monterey County are now up on the food blog, www.mcweekly.com/edible. Add Tortuga to it.

• Cafe Ariana (920-1381) in P.G. now has a sweet patio. Get the scoop from Sophie Newman on the blog.

• The 10th annual Carmel Valley Art & Wine Celebration flows 11am-5pm Saturday, June 21. See the Weekly calendar for more.

• De Tierra Vineyards (622-9704) celebrates solstice 5-8pm June 21 with select wines, picnic-style appetizers and live music ($30; $25 club members).

• Congrats Kelly Rose and Matthew Lamont Evans. And nice work Jeffrey’s Grill & Catering (624-2029) and Campagno’s (375-5987) on the goodies.

• Flatbread with smoked salmon and goat cheese, carnaroli rice with shrimp, crab and smoked salmon oil + lamb chops with mint salmoriglio are among the treats for Il Fornaio’s (622-5100) pairing with vine pioneer Dan Lee and Morgan Winery Thursday, June 26 ($70).

• Flavor haven and sister-brother hub Baum & Blume (659-0400) has a biergarten coming 3-7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday June 28 through September, with a range of different organic, Belgium and/or German bottled beers ($5-$8.50) to pair with small plates like housemade Bavarian pretzels, hot grilled corn smothered in chipotle, white clam pizza, short-rib empanadas and jalapeño-smoked salmon tartar ($4-$8). 

• We knew Holman Ranch was a stunning property. Weddingindustryexperts.com visitors thinks it’s even better, voting it the second best vineyard venue in the…entire world. Solid Pinot too.