40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL Those who make vermouth are generally not keen to let people in on the recipe. But there is one ingredient in his Rockwell Vermouth Co. line that winemaker Birk O’Halloran eagerly boasts about: artemisia californica, or California sagebrush. “I have three garbage bags of it in my trunk right now,” he says. If that seems like a curious comment, consider that O’Halloran forages for the shrub in the hills of Monterey County, driving on a regular basis from his Sonoma County facility to load up on the plant prized for its aromatic qualities. It forms the backbone of Rockwell’s Extra Dry, Classic Sweet and Native Amber styles—the latter a new addition that is floral with hints of cherry, spiced apple and a husky herbal flair that descends into a woody tone on the finish and is crafted with tequila-based cocktails in mind. “I’ve always liked the idea of terroir,” he says, explaining his forays up and down sloping ranchland in Carmel Valley. He also wondered why few producers had thought to make vermouth from native ingredients. “I thought, ‘How hard can it be?’” he recalls. “It turns out that it was really hard.” After more than two years of trial and error during which his business partner became worried (“vermouth is quickly taking over my life,” O’Halloran admits), he brought the Extra Dry and Classic Sweet to the market. The former brings a bittersweet, herbaceous edge and a spicy finish that would boost a martini, while the sweet belies its name with a dusty cinnamon bite and earthy demeanor, like mulled wine with an attitude. Sage Advice The maker of California vermouth relies on a shrub he forages in Monterey County. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DAVE FARIES Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’22 OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING AND TAKE-OUT Everyday 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari We’re Open! Come In or Carry Out! Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 BEST PIZZA ’08-’22 OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’22 Best Steak and Martini BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ Indoor dInIng & Take-ouT daIly, 4:30pm 620 Ocean View BlVd. Pacific GrOVe 831-375-2345 • beachhousepg.com lovers poInT Beach cafe Is also offerIng Take-ouT daIly, 9am-4pm WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SALADS, SANDWICHES AND MORE 11:30AM MON-FRI, 10AM SAT & SUN melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS Indoor Dining & Take Out Nightly from 4:30pm – Featuring Signature Tapas, Paella, Seafood & Specials Now Serving Breakfast Mon-Fri 7-10am, Sat & Sun 7-11am 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com Now offeriNg A New Three-Course TAsTiNg MeNu Available sunday-Thursday. $49 per person. Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 wave street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 KALI GOLD EXTRACTS Locally grown cannabis, locally extracted shatter • sugar badder • crumble GET YOUR LOCAL GOLD RUSH LIC#: C11-0001324 AVAILABLE AT: Canna Cruz SALINAS 1156 Abbott St Higher Level SEASIDE 1440 Canyon Del Rey Blvd Element 7 MARINA 234 Reservation Rd
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