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Thursday, September 17, 2026

Gelato Pazzo has opened in downtown Monterey, and they do more than just gelato. If you were a fan of the OG Il Vecchio you’ll probably find some familiar menu items and a familiar face in the place. This is Carl Alasko’s newest endeavor. 482 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 215-6247, gelatopaz… Read moreThe New Old…

No gelato, but a lot of anticipation as The Grove at Point Pinos tests its menu during a soft opening. Chef Jerry Regester (of the Spotted Duck) serves breakfast and lunch, as well as grab-and-go items. Menu additions and a full bar are on the way. 79 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 215… Read moreFeelin’ Grove-y…

Gelato must be trending in Monterey County. The Carmel favorite Gelato-by-the-Sea has expanded, opening a spot on Cannery Row (next to The Fish Hopper) serving a range of flavors from rich to refreshing. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. Read moreSweet Sea…

A second location of Brewjee Coffee Co. is open in Salinas serving the popular line of coffee, chai and matcha drinks that took the brews from food truck to Gabilan Street and now 66 W. Alisal St. (831) 294-1682, brewjeecoffeeco.com. Read moreBrew Up…

The name change is complete. The Gig (formerly Paluca Trattoria) serves fresh seafood and pasta dishes with views from Fisherman’s Wharf. Get a glimpse of the bay and a bite of what comes from it. 6 Fisherman’s Wharf, Suite D, Monterey. 373-5559, thegigmonterey.com. Read moreThe Gig Is A Go…

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History hosts its annual Night Owl event on Friday, Sept. 18. There will be lots to learn, explore, eat, drink and enjoy from 7-10pm. A special curiosity hour add-on ticket gives people the chance to explore from 6-7pm. $55; $40/museum members. Curiosity hour … Read moreNight Life…

Pacific Grove seems to have new establishments popping up all the time, and if you’ve been meaning to try them or visit your old favorites, you can do all of the above all in one night. The 14th annual Flavors of Pacific Grove takes place on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30-8pm with about 25 P.G… Read moreIn The Grove…

Thursday, September 10, 2026

One of Monterey’s favorite culinary and cultural events, the 93rd annual Festa Italia, takes place Friday-Sunday, Sept. 11-13. Live like you’re in Italy for the weekend with Italian food, wine, live music and cultural performances. There will also be a bocce tournament, a giant bungee bounce… Read moreBig Italy…

Lucia Restaurant & Bar at Bernardus Lodge is hosting an intimate wine dinner with Mount Eden Vineyards on Friday, Sept. 18 at 6:30pm. Guests will taste five wines spanning from 2011 to 2025 alongside a six-course meal. Space is limited to 30 guests. $390. 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carme… Read moreBottled Time…

Carmel Valley Community Youth Center hosts its final Saturday night dinner of the summer on Sept. 12 from 5:30-8pm. Chef Jerome Viel prepares barbecued chicken and other dishes, served poolside (bring your suit). $30; $25/members; $15 children. 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. (831) 659-3983, cv… Read morePool Party…

Get authentic Filipino food every Wednesday night at the Northridge Mall from 3-9pm. Mckayla’s Catering holds a weekly popup to get you over the hump. Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Drive, Salinas. instagram.com/mckaylacatering. Read moreMall Walk…

If you’ve been wanting to try more Monterey County wine but don’t want to break the bank, you can now do three tastings for the average price of one with the Monterey Pour Pass. Purchase one pass for $30 and choose wineries to visit from a list of local wineries. The pass is valid for 60 day… Read moreLet It Pour…

If you want to be able to say things like “It has notes of tobacco and leather,” try Folktale Winery’s new sensory wine experience. Participants will taste wine while exploring the aromas, flavors and other cues to be able to pick up on subtleties and taste wine to the fullest. This experien… Read moreMake Sense…

Thursday, September 03, 2026

The Farm in Salinas is hosting a family-friendly evening on Friday, Sept. 4 from 5-8pm. There will be line dancing with instruction, hay-rides and photo opportunities in the flower fields. There will also be food and you-pick flower experiences available for purchase. $20. 5 Foster Road, Sal… Read moreBoots Scootin’…

Crust Fresh Sourdough Deli, a popular chain of sandwich spots from the Bay Area, has opened a location in Marina. They have hot sandwiches, classic deli sandwiches and signature combinations, salads, soups and more. They also offer catering services. 2754 Sand Dune Ave. #20, Marina. crustsou… Read moreUpper Crust…

You can now dance, drink and dine at Pop & Hiss thanks to a new on-site food truck. The truck features night-time bites like a smashburger and fries, a bacon-wrapped danger dog, a veggie dog and more. Get the sustenance you need to dance the night away without having to leave the premise… Read moreKeep Truckin’…

Mike Yaley is the new owner of Paluca Trattoria on Fisherman’s Wharf. He officially took over from retiring Sal Tedesco on Sept. 1 after spending July training with the team. Yaley plans to continue the seafood and pasta concept but change the restaurant’s name to The Gig. It’s a nod to the … Read moreGood gig…

Peter B’s is turning 30 with a celebration from 5-8pm on Sunday, Sept. 6. In addition to their happy hour from 5-6pm and regular menu, they will have live music, a special anniversary ale, a raffle and more. Stop by to celebrate this milestone. 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 649-4511, port… Read moreBirthday, Boy…

Paris Bakery, a downtown Monterey institution since 1985, has baked its last baguette. The shop originally opened by master baker Jackie Jeget ended its run on Sunday, Aug. 30. The announcement was made on social media, with no explanation given for the closure. Jeget sold the family bakery … Read moreForget Paris…

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Indus is now open in Marina and this fast-casual spot is unlike the other Indian restaurants in the area. It’s a cross between an Indian buffet, a Chipotle-style build your own line and a cafeteria offering bowls, burritos and tacos (yes, it is an Indian restaurant). Indus fills the former M… Read moreFast Indian…

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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