EDIBLE: Exploring three degrees of rebirth, including Big Sur Roadhouse’s new era.

Something special happened at Henry Miller Memorial Library.

It was a chord-driven mashup of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream,” The Eagles’ “Hotel California” (in a nod to Glenn Frey) and five other songs. It was the most captivating performance in a July 21 night brimming with them, thanks to the likes of Burnt Palms, The Silhouette Era and an electrified Jordan Smart, who gathered to both honor recently fallen rock heroes with clever covers and raise money to cover homeless program costs. It was also a dramatic rebirth.

Because this was Keith Bruecker rocking like he was making up for lost time, with his daughter Elva skipping back and forth in front of the stage. Former frontman for the superb Nancy Boys and Pillow Fighters, Breucker acknowledged he hadn’t taken a stage since she’s been born. When I see him at the Weekly, where he’s an ad exec, I sometimes whisper, “I know about your past.” Last week it came to life. Hopefully it sticks. I know little Elva frog would dig it.

Weekly music writer-turned-travel-author Stuart Thornton organized the event, which (in keeping with the “cover” theme), led the good times that gathered 129 hats and $1,002 for the homeless.

“Bruecker pretty much killed it with a crazy ass Emerson, Lake & Palmer/Eagles/Bowie/Prince/Earth Wind & Fire medley,” Thornton said. “OK, not crazy ass. Just inspired awesomeness.”

For wider Big Sur, another rebirth is inevitable given the ongoing Soberanes Fire (p. 22). It also means the next two shows at HMML are postponed; hopefully things are back for folk songstress Marissa Nadler (Aug. 5).

Another rebirth is happening at Big Sur Roadhouse (667-2370), which served as a primary hub of the recovery effort during the 2013 Pfeiffer Fire.

The place was already gorgeous. In its own inspired-awesomeness mashup, it collides color, nature, sustainable materials, retro patterns and hip accents for a minimalist-modern-chic aesthetic that is its own magnetic thing. That echoes the design-and-redwood wonder of the wider property by the Big Sur River below, with hip cabins and a Grandma Pfeiffer Sequoia that has to be hugged (photos at www.mcweekly.com/edible). Visionary owner-builder Basil Sanborn, designerSteve Justrich, furniture whiz Ryan Warcken and his wife/lodge GM Jeanette Kenworthy play major roles in a place that’s a darling of travel publications.

A redesign opens the restaurant and makes it more lounge-like, with new couches and sight lines, plus new fixtures and art. Fire pits, succulents in colorful pots and cushy bench seating remain in front. On the back deck, new redwood counters grant the back edge an outward-facing viewscape that provides peeks of the river (and a battleground for bluejays). For housemade donuts and coffee in the morning, and house-roasted turkey BLTs come lunch, it’s the best spot in the house.

After Exec Chef Brandon Esons and his girlfriend/pastry whisperer Carissa Fritts moved east to care for family, BSR brought in former Toast Carmel Valley owner Shon Whelan to streamline formats and menus for practicality and accessibility. It’s open 8am-2:30pm daily with counter service, quick service for Big Sur and a simple lineup of 15 items like mussels with creme fraîche and bay shrimp cocktail. “Good ingredients, nothing pretentious,” he says. “What I expect when I see ‘roadhouse’ on the sign.”

Comfort food like chicken-fried steak with gravy and fries plays in significantly.

Big Sur can use a little comfort.

~QUICKBITES~

Charlie Casio is a sweet and giving as they come. A rare rival on those fronts: Matt Millea. Both lost their Palo Colorado homes this week. Now Tim Woodanchors a Happy Girl Kitchen benefit dinner ($55, 373-GIRL; all proceeds go 50/50 to them) Saturday, July 30. A touching tribute to both from JordanChampagne (and ticket options) is well worth reading at the Happy Girl Kitchen website.

PigWizard brings on another benefit 1-9pm Saturday, July 30, across from Post No Bills in Sand City, selling pulled pork sandwich with P-Dub Rub and Hog Scald barbecue sauce. Evacuees eat free and $1 from every Firestone Walker draft at PNB goes to fire relief too.

Rob Weakley is facing another investor fraud lawsuit. His thoughts and more on the blog, www.mcweekly.com/edible.

Big ups: Restaurant 1833 mixologist Josh Perry took the SF Negroni Week Competition. More on the blog with “PHOTOS: Restaurant 1833’s new cocktail menu debuts.”

Mouthwatering Nacho Bizness is now in New Monterey. Late night even.

Wyatt Miller had me scared at Hellam’s Tobacco (373-2816) in downtown Monterey, the oldest such shop in the state, what with all the inventory disappearing. But it’s not a sell-off, it’s part of a major upgrade as he creates space for a whole new back end with a lounge he’s been dreaming about for years.

Locals – including Chef Michael Jones – lost their minds when they heard Cachagua General Store might close. Emphasis on might. More on the blog.

Cultura Comida y Bebida could open in the old Jack London’s off Dolores in Carmel as soon as next week, but that’s dependent upon final inspections, which can drag.

Alvarado Ramen is scheduled for its final health inspection Friday, July 29.

Decisions. Both Los Angeles Food & Wine and Eat Drink SF happen Aug. 25-28.

“Celebrate the Classics” is the theme of the fifth annual gala Saturday Aug. 6, at Quail Lodge & Golf Club to benefit Hands to Help Seniors ($150, 204-0402).

The @ate3one food truck visits new Farmers Union Pour House (975-4890) in Oldtown Salinas Thursday, July 28.

There’s a new beer garden slated for downtown Monterey. More on the blog.

Zeph’s One Stop (757-3947) is now exclusive retailer for Cima Collina wines in Salinas, with the roll-out party 5:30-7pm Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Edgar’s at Quail Lodge (620-8910) now does some high-grade prime rib ($37 with fixings) 4-9pm every Thursday.

The sparkling new Harbor Room at Scales Seafood + Steaks (373-1331) has a seated capacity of 150, gorgeous ocean views, and a bunch of menu options for private groups.

A dozen donuts – six fancy, six regular – run $8 Wednesdays and Thursdays at Red’s in Monterey (372-9761) and Seaside (394-3444) while supplies last.

Melville Tavern (643-9525) happy hour rolls with food deals, $5 wines and $3 beers 4-6:30pm weekdays. Wednesday is the day for superb brick-oven pizzas at half price ($5-$6).

Happy hour all day Sunday and Monday ($3 pints, $10 pitchers) at Casa Sorrento Pizzeria. Thirsty Thursdays $3 pints too + 49-cent wings.

Exec Chef James Anderson sells out of 60 pounds of smoked salmon belly in his salads and bowls every Thursday at Poke Lab (200-3474). By early afternoon.

Get the longer rundown of Quick Bites at www.mcweekly.com/edible, and even timelier nutrition following @MontereyMCA on Twitter.

Americans waste an ungodly amount of grub. In fact, according to a Guardian report released last week, roughly 50 percent of all produce in the United States is thrown away, or 60 million tons (or $160 billion) of produce annually. The reasons include subsidies to corn, wheat, milk, and soybeans that make it cheap, and an obsession with perfect-looking fruits and vegetables. Embrace the bruise.

NBA Coach of the Year Steve Kerr: “We’re gong to have a lot of pressure on us. That’s fine. We welcome that.”