42 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY March 9-15, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL Try to define a martini. It shouldn’t be difficult. The cocktail of literary, film and television lore dates back before the turn of the last century. Cold and crystal clear, with a broad-shouldered elegance about it, the martini has an aura that envelopes those who raise its distinct glass. As Ernest Hemingway wrote, “They make me feel civilized.” From its origins in Martinez—or San Francisco, or New York—the martini evolved from a blend with gin and heavy on the vermouth to one with just a whisper of the aromatized wine. Eventually vodka took over as the spirit of choice, with vermouth left dusty on the shelf, replaced by fetid olive juice. “A lot of people order it dirty,” observes Sergio Vasquez of Pangaea Grill in Carmel. There are also examples decked in chocolate or gussied with lavender. The menu at Monterey Cookhouse lists flavors such as mango, strawberry and lemon drop. “There’s nothing that’s a semblance of the original,” adds Anthony Vitacca of Bar Napoli and Little Napoli in Carmel. “Is it a martini because it comes in a martini glass?” A cocktail that was once gin is now more often vodka, was once stirred but now shaken (“thanks, Mr. Bond,” Vitacca says), at one time clean and potent, though now open to color and softer touches—it may indeed be the vessel that defines the martini. Yet it has endured. As Toby Ward of Woody’s at the Airport points out, the martini has retained a sense of elegance. “It’s really a chill drink, that’s what it is,” Monterey Cookhouse’s Marcos Zemponcteca says. Shake Up Once a simple cocktail, the only boundary to martinis now may be the glass. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DANIEL DREIFUSS Grove Market proudly carries only the freshest meats and produce. We have everything you need for St. Patrick’s Day DON’T FORGET YOUR CORNED BEEF! 242 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove (831) 375-9581 Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sun 9am-6pm Voted BEST NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET and BEST BUTCHER SHOP FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PAnORAmiC viEwS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY 42 years TIP OF THE WEEK! Caring for a Grandchild? Obtaining a Legal Guardianship allows you to act as their parent to enroll them in school, take them to the doctor, and care for them as your own. We can help. If you have questions, call us. We are here to help. 831.899.0492 Legal Services for Seniors Kellie D. Morgantini Interim Executive Director Legal Services for Seniors is a 501(c)(3) organization.
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