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Thursday, November 05, 2026

Alvarado Street Brewery’s taproom at the new production facility in Castroville – dubbed The Plant – hosts its grand opening from 1-9pm on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a food truck, a DJ and plenty of beer, right at the source. After that, the bar will be open five days a week. 11440 Commercial Pa… Read morePlant Based…

Learn how to make beautiful cookies from scratch at Room For Desserts’ two-day cookie camps. The camp will cover everything from how to make the dough and icing, to how to decorate. The first camp takes place Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 7-8 and the second on Dec. 5-6 . Camp is from 9am-5pm. $400. … Read moreCookie Monster…

Marine Life Studies is hosting a Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 7 from noon-3pm at Monterey Bay Whale & Ocean Center. Sample five different chilis and vote on which is your favorite. Get in on silent auction and raffle opportunities, too. $20 helps support marine life protec… Read moreChil-i Out…

Revel in an afternoon filled with an array of Monterey County wines and a fantastic meal at Wrath’s La Paulee de Monterey from 1-4pm on Saturday, Nov. 7. Chef Brad Briske will present a dining experience with wines from Wrath, Bernardus, McIntyre, Scratch and Tondré, all on Wrath’s Soledad e… Read moreWine, Dine…

Fryda’s Cafe is open in downtown Salinas. Enjoy Mexican-inspired coffee, croissants or a pan dule and more. The cafe is open daily from 7am-7pm. 1746 N. Main St., Salinas. (831) 998-8384. Read moreEvery Day is Fryda…

Revel in an afternoon filled with an array of Monterey County wines and a fantastic meal at Wrath’s La Paulee de Monterey from 1-4pm on Saturday, Nov. 7. Chef Brad Briske will present a dining experience with wines from Wrath, Bernardus, McIntyre, Scratch and Tondré, all on Wrath’s Soledad e… Read moreWine, Dine… (copy)

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Benny Walker’s quietly opened Oct. 23 with plans to keep the soft opening going and growing. Their initial menu features lumpia, loaded Spam musubi, deep-fried deviled eggs, Hawaiian dinner, barbecue dinner and more. Stay tuned for more menu additions. 444 Alvarado St., Monterey. facebook.co… Read moreWalker Softly…

The Wine House is hosting a Halloween party for those 21 and up from 6-10pm on Friday, Oct. 30. Enjoy a night filled with dancing, photobooth fun and a costume contest. $50 includes tacos and one beverage. 1 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 298-7438, thewinehousecv.com. Read moreBoo-gie Down…

Oscar’s Playground is hosting a spooktacular event from 5:30-7:30pm on Friday, Oct. 30. The evening is a fundraiser for Abilities Cafe, a nonprofit with dreams of purchasing a coffee truck that will be operated by workers with development disabilities. Donations are welcome at this free even… Read moreFun Raiser…

Nicolás Cocina de Herencia Mexicana has a new takeout-friendly section, Go by Nicolás. If you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go or a more casual dine-in lunch option, they have got you covered. Go by Nicolás operates 10am-5pm Monday-Friday with a build-your-own style menu featuring burritos… Read moreGo Route…

Nami Restaurant has a new locals menu offered for dine-in Monday through Friday from 3-6pm. The menu features three-course meals starting at $25. Enjoy bottles of wine for 25-percent off. 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-8151, namimonterey.com. Read moreLocal Love…

Ron Mendoza (Ad Astra), Ben Spungin (Alta, Cella) and Analuisa Bejar (Sunny Bakery Cafe) are coming together from 4-7:30pm on Sunday, Nov. 15 to put on a sustainable fundraiser dinner at MEarth at the Hilton Bialek Habitat. Proceeds go towards MEarth’s outdoor environmental education program… Read moreGood Deal…

Thursday, October 22, 2026

What makes oysters by the fire pit better? Nothing, really. But live music doesn’t hurt. Carmel Mission Inn hosts another edition of Oyster Jams from 5-8:30pm on Thursday, Oct. 22. Pay-as-you-go for shellfish and the bar. Kids and dogs welcome. 3665 Rio Road, Carmel. (831) 624-1841, carmelmi… Read moreShell Fire…

Tickets are on sale now for a five-course harvest dinner hosted by Gromada at 6:30pm Thursday, Oct. 29. The dishes will be paired with wine from Twisted Roots. Gromada opened several months ago as Gather Carmel Valley. Since Gromada translates as “gathering” in Polish, the concept remains th… Read moreReason To Gather…

Cultura Comida y Bebida is celebrating 10 years on Friday, Oct. 30 at 5:30pm. They will be serving a special chef’s tasting menu with only 50 seats available. Reserve your spot before it sells out. $150. 574 Lincoln St., Carmel. (831) 250-7005, culturacarmel.com. Read moreTen Spot…

Get the Halloween festivities started early with The Lighthouse District’s trick-or-treat event on Saturday, Oct. 24. Businesses on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey (between Reeside and David avenues) will be handing out candy from 2-5pm. Give those costumes a test run, get some candy and visit… Read moreOpen ’House…

Show off your Halloween wisdom at The Wine Experience’s Halloween trivia night on Thursday, Oct. 29 starting at 6:30pm. Teams can be two to six people and there will be prizes for best costume. Space is limited so reservations are required but free. 381 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 324-4974,… Read moreFrightening Facts…

Sip the flavors of fall at LadySomm on Friday, Oct. 23 starting at 5:30pm. There will be mulled wine, wine trivia with prizes and seasonal charcuterie. The event is complimentary for club members and $35 for non-members. RSVP. 3728 The Barnyard, Carmel. (831) 295-0612, ladysomm.com. Read moreMull It Over…

Thursday, October 15, 2026

You can find strawberry or apricot jam at any grocer. But what if you want to bring the apricot-ginger-habañero heat, are eager to taste the difference between Montmorency and Bing cherry jam or crave feijoa jam – whatever that is? Pacifica-based Small Batch Jam Co. offers around 80 hand-mad… Read moreJam On It…

Relive the good old Will’s Fargo days for one night only, Friday, Oct. 23. Paradise Catering will be serving up nostalgic flavors at Holman Ranch’s tasting room (the former Will’s Fargo location). Steak with horseradish cream, stuffed chicken breast, twice-baked potato, lava cake – just like… Read moreWhere There’s a Will’s…

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Eat+Drink Events

FINEST HOURS… Churchill drank. A lot. So it’s clear that a good drink develops leadership skills, the ability to write powerful speeches and more… maybe. The good news is that LadySomm can help you become just like old Winnie. On Saturday, April 20 at 4pm, the wine salon hosts “Champagne wit… Read moreMorsels 04.18.24

STRAWBERRY BLAST… Feb. 27 was National Strawberry Day, but Café Carmel is continuing the celebrations through March 3. They have all the strawberry classics – shortcake and chocolate-covered and tarts and more treats made with this seasonally celebrated berry. Ocean and Mission, Carmel. 624-… Read moreMorsels 02.29.24

THIRSTY THURSDAY… The Wine House has Thursday specials for those who like to celebrate Friday Eve. Take advantage of two-for-$20 deals by pairing a glass of wine with any food item for $20 total. There’s also something for those who are not looking for wine – get a beer flight of four pours … Read moreMorsels 11.23.23

POST NEW BILLS… The beloved Sand City beer hall known for unusual brews, Post No Bills, has opened its second location in Carmel, and is set to host a grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 12. You can now enjoy their impressive selection of craft beers from near and far in two locations, including… Read moreMorsels 08.10.23

PLANT POWERED… Smoothies are now available at The Creperie Cafe in Seaside. Design your own healthy blend, choosing between fruits and veggies, protein powder and various additions. While you are there, take a look at their extensive coffee menu that now includes options from all over the wo… Read moreMorsels 08.3.23

SUPER STAR… Congrats to Chez Noir – the Carmel restaurant scored a Michelin Star, announced on July 18. It joins Aubergine on the local list of recipients. Read moreMorsels 07.27.23

MICHELIN FOR MALIGNE… Maligne was awarded a Bib Gourmand award – for good food at reasonable prices – from the Michelin Guide. Congratulations to chef and owner Klaus Georis and his talented team. Stop by and check out their exceptional dishes on a newly revamped menu that earned them their … Read moreMorsels 07.20.23

REGESTER’S RETURN… The Spotted Duck is now open in what was formerly Jennini Kitchen. Chef and co-owner Jerry Regester is back at it with this unique new eatery. The menu, featuring seasonal gourmet items, will change regularly to suit the season and the chef’s creativity. Stop by to welcome… Read moreMorsels 05.25.23

SUMMER HOURS… There are two exciting developments at Lucy’s on Lighthouse. The popular hot dog spot has extended its business week by being open Thursdays, and extended its hours on Saturdays and Sundays; they are now open Thursday and Friday from 11am-7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-7… Read moreMorsels 05.11.23

BIRRIA FOR BRUNCH… Aquinos Birrieria has started serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-2pm. They offer a selection of waffles, omelettes, house specialties like chilaquiles and tostada rancheras, and classics like biscuits and gravy or sausage and eggs. 1116A Forest Ave., Pacific … Read moreMorsels 04.20.23

FLAT BREAD… Pavel’s Bakerei is now serving “phat” bread, which is like a personal pizza served on half a slice of homemade French bread. Get yourself a delicious slice of potato pesto, salame, margarita or BLT (bacon, lemon and tomato) for $10. They are open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7am u… Read moreMorsels 03.09.23

PERIOD PIECE… Montrio Bistro is moving the decimal back and offering a small plate or craft cocktail for just $1.89. Stop by between 4:30pm and 5pm to get the chef’s choice for that unbeatable price. 414 Calle Principal, Monterey. 648-8880, montrio.com. Read moreMorsels 01.26.23

SPARKING CELEBRATIONS… Congratulations to Caraccioli Cellars for bringing home three gold medals in this year’s Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. The Gonzales-based winery’s 2016 Blanc De Blancs, 2016 Brut Rosé and 2016 Brut Cuvée were all deemed best in their respective clas… Read moreMorsels 12.08.22

HOPS FOR HOUSING… Alvarado Street Brewery hosts a weekend of fundraisers Nov. 18-21 at its brand-new Salinas location, benefiting CASA of Monterey County, the Housing Resource Center and Gathering For Women. The taproom will serve a full food and drink menu and 50 percent of proceeds will go… Read moreMorsels 11.17.22

BOTTOMS UP… The much-anticipated opening of the Oldtown Salinas location of Alvarado Street Brewery (301 Main St.) is on the calendar at last: 4-9pm Friday-Sunday, Nov. 18-20. 800-3332, asb.beer. Read moreMorsels 11.10.22

PHIL’S ON WHEELS… Phil’s Fish Market’s new location in Castroville is coming soon, but in the meantime, if you need a fix, owner Phil DiGirolamo has introduced Phil’s Cioppino Truck, which is open daily and parked next to Phil’s Snack Shack in Moss Landing. The menu includes clam chowder, fi… Read moreMorsels 10.27.22

NEW ERA… After 50 years in business, Gutierrez Drive-In is starting a new era. The Gutierrez family has stepped away, but the new owners plan to keep the name and a similar menu. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and expect the carnitas to remain a standout crowd-pleaser. 61 Sherwood Drive,… Read moreMorsels 10.20.22

A BURRITO A DAY… It was rumored, it was anticipated and now it is here – beloved Salinas spot El Charrito is opening up a second location in downtown Monterey. Starting Friday, Sept. 2, El Charrito Express will be serving all its greatest hits for breakfast and lunch. But that’s not all – th… Read moreMorsels Sept. 1-7: A Salinas classic comes coastward, a new tasting room and more.

LOCAL PRIDE… Dust Bowl Brewery has been named Brewery Of The Year at this year’s California Commercial Craft Beer Competition at the California State Fair. They were awarded three gold medals for their Taco Truck lager, Hobo pilsner and California golden ale, as well as a silver for their Th… Read moreMorsels August 11-17, 2022: Award-winning local beer, a Big Sur staple gets a new chef, and more.

PRETTY IN P.G.… Captain+Stoker’s sleek, noir second location in Pacific Grove is now officially open and serving up coffee and pastries. Stop by to welcome the shop to the neighborhood and, of course, get your caffeine fix. It opens bright and early at 6:30am each morning. 206 Forest Ave., P… Read moreMorsels 04.28.22

RAISE A GLASS… Congrats to Marlene García of Brew-N-Krew Ale House for a much-anticipated opening of the hot new Salinas spot. After a few delays, this brewery is pouring all kinds of interesting flavors and flavorful decor. Open 5-10pm Thursday-Friday, 4-10pm Saturday, noon-6pm Sunday. 155 … Read moreMorsels 03.24.22