When Luc Messier says his wines are influenced by Old World Burgundy tradition, he means it literally and figuratively. Read moreWith a new vintage, Domaine Messier’s old and new approach is coming together.

A Latin music rhythm on the speaker is the welcome to Viva Espresso Organics, a Oaxacan coffee shop located at Harden Ranch Plaza in North Salinas. It’s a small, cozy spot buzzing with customers especially during the morning rush from 7-10am, but the bustle never dies down even in the late a… Read moreA creamy, minty espresso drink from Viva Espresso is cool on warm days.

Henry C. Ramos may be a name that bartenders curse. Conversely, in 1888, Ramos was responsible for creating one of the most luxurious cocktails in the world: the Ramos Fizz. It’s an extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming beverage, hence the apparent disdain by some who have to make it.… Read moreGin fizz cocktails are laborious for bartenders, but the results are worth it.

A hollow impression of citrus poises over the palate – lime, certainly, but lingering at a distance that softens the fruit’s sharp bite. There is a waft of zest with a heft gently applied, and swirling whispers of banana. Such is the daiquiri at Crema. It’s nuanced, yet also balanced, fresh … Read moreCrema’s new cocktail bar features deft, nuanced creations – and a couple of old favorites.

At first glance, the $19.95 Cotton Candy Burrito at Scoops Ice Cream Parlor in Monterey gives one pause. It’s a massive concoction of three scoops of ice cream, two toppings and a serving of cereal wrapped in freshly spun, colorful cotton candy. This is a must-share, photogenic dessert with … Read moreScoops transforms cotton candy and ice cream into a shareable sweet burrito.

A brewing revolution is underway. Yet before shouting “the hop kiefs are coming,” or “give me thiol powders or give me Coors Light,” just know that this is not a complete break from tradition. Read moreA Tropical IPA at Hidden Hills proves the worth of innovative new brewing techniques.

Nearly a decade after it opened on Veterans Day in 2018, there’s something that still feels like a secret upon entering The General. One needs to pass through the fast-casual Dametra up front before walking into a more intimate setting, where the bar itself tells a story – it is the restored… Read moreAs a community grows around it, The General puts a new focus on its cocktail program.

A vibrant bouquet encased in ice catches your eye when the Elderflower G&T arrives at the table. Read moreAlvarado Street Brewery’s Carmel location brings something special to the gin and tonic.

If you had a 50-50 chance of getting a nearly-free cocktail at the bar, which one would you order? Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse in Carmel gives you the opportunity to find out with their new nightly late-night hour dubbed “Nightcap.”  Read moreSeventh & Dolores rolls out a nightly coin-flip special for anything behind the bar.

Gary Franscioni is guided by a general principle when making wine. “We don’t beat it up,” he explains. “We don’t mess with it.” Read moreA pair of Pinot Noirs from Roar winery puts the differences of location on display.

Mourvedre is one of the varietals winemakers prize for its ability to blend in. It is part of noble wines, such as Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf du Pape, the all-important M in GSM. And so it was at Morgan – until now. The winery just released its first single-varietal Mourvedre, a 2023 vin… Read moreMorgan’s new Mourvedre shows why the varietal is more than just a blending wine.

A Taste of Monterey is not necessarily hidden, perched as it is overlooking the bay on busy Cannery Row. But for those interested in Monterey County’s smaller labels, it is quite a gem. Read moreCarys and Reflection Ridge are two small label wines that can be found in one place.

Three things catch your attention when Ocean Strike arrives at the table. Few cocktails are so enchanting in appearance, reminiscent of the shimmering pale turquoise tidal lagoons of the Maldives. The exotic fantasy continues with each sip. Yet somewhere in the back of your mind, tapping at … Read moreA cocktail at Montrio, Tarpy’s and Rio Grill can cause reverie and help fulfill dreams.

Monterey County may not have warm tropical rain that allows tropical fruits like pineapples and mangos to flourish, but it does have rum. And according to Nellie South, assistant manager of Hula’s Island Grill in Monterey, the spirit’s popularity is on the rise. Read moreWith the popularity of rum, it’s time to explore classic tropical cocktails.

You can wager on The Puma (not a cat) or Right to Party (please invite us) or Emerging Market (note that this column does not offer investing advice). All are horses, and all are racing in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2. And for just $2, the chance to win can be yours, no fancy hat re… Read moreThe bar at Monterey County Fairgrounds comes alive on race days, especially the Kentucky Derby.

The recently released cocktail menu at Pop & Hiss – the combo record store, bar and music venue in Pacific Grove – is full of hits, from the upbeat gin drink Genius of Love to the bluesy bourbon-based Love Me Like a Man. But even in a collection of solid jams, one stands out from the res… Read moreThe new cocktail list at Pop & Hiss draws inspiration from classic tunes.

To anyone who has ever thought of Rosé as unserious, a challenge awaits you at Tira Nanza. Forgoing the popular option of Monterey County’s ubiquitous Pinot Noir, cofounder and winemaker Greg Hill has decided to blend half Carmel Valley estate-grown Malbec with half Anderson Valley-grown fru… Read moreTira Nanza’s 100-percent Malbec Rosé drinks like a red wine, only more refreshing.

Rarely has the name of a beer been more literal. Read moreOn her way out, Peter B’s former brewmaster Natalie Mika left a hazy memory.

What should cross one’s mind when a bartender christens a cocktail in your honor? Boasting about it to friends – strangers, too – is an option. On the other hand, perhaps it says something about your drinking habits. Read moreThe new spring cocktail list at Estéban includes one of particular interest.

If someone were to mention Négrette, most people would draw a blank. A Spanish soccer star? A village in France, perhaps? Read moreAlthough few wineries dabble in Négrette, Comanche Cellars makes it a standout.