SAYONARA CHA-YA… Cha-Ya Japanese Tea And Things is closing its doors after 18 years in business. Founder Mitsuko Gammon has decided to dedicate more time to family, but would love it if you would stop by to say goodbye. While you’re there, you can stock up on teaware and other goods at discounted rates. 118 Webster St., Monterey. 646-5486, chaya4tea.com.
THE TIDES THEY ARE A-CHANGING… A major remodel at The Tides Hotel continues, with the lobby shut down as of Dec. 20. Customers are still welcome for drinks and bar bites (all with a 20-percent-off locals’ discount) from the fourth-floor Tides Waterfront Kitchen, where staff assembled a bar seating area adjacent to the sit-down restaurant. Open daily at 3pm; happy hour runs 4-6pm. The view is the same epic ocean scene, but with a little scaffolding. 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey. 394-3321, montereytides.com/dining.
BUBBLES AND BALLOONS… Ring in the new year at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ New Year’s bash on Sunday, Dec. 31 from 8pm to midnight. Party-goers will enjoy live music and mini desserts, as well as a balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets ($125) include two drinks, and can be purchased online. 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel. 620-1234, hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-vacation-club-at-highlands-inn/higph/dining.
CELLA-BRATE… Meanwhile, in Monterey, chefs Cal Stamenov and Ben Spungin of Cella Restaurant are putting on a New Year’s Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 31. Finish 2023 off with a delectable, four-course, prix-fixe meal featuring seasonally crafted options for each course. The meal is $140 per person with an optional wine pairing for $70. 525 Polk St., Monterey. 920-1046, cellarestaurant.com.
NEW YEAR, NEW MENUS… Chef Christian Ojeda at Lucia Restaurant is going full speed ahead into the new year with plans of doing a new, seasonal tasting menu every month. Each month he plans to release a four-course menu inspired by and made with fresh, seasonal produce, most of which is local – some even from the Bernardus grounds whre the restaurant is located. 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. 658-3400, bernarduslodge.com/wine-and-cuisine/lucia-restaurant-and-bar.
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