44 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 4-10, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL There was a time when you could order a margarita—a simple concoction of tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. The cocktail was likely a knockoff of a tequila daisy or a picador, drinks that had emerged during the Depression. Then a Texan with a blender and a Jimmy Buffett song forced everyone to specify rocks or frozen. After that, the situation spiraled out of control, with flavors like strawberry or poblano. But as we’ve seen with other standard cocktails, the pendulum returns— almost. Mixologists around Monterey County have been touting the original recipe, although with some updating. “I prefer the classic—you can’t beat natural flavors,” says Alex DeBoer, bar manager at Alejandro’s in Monterey. “But clear is cool.” By clear, he means the bar’s Mirror Margarita, a stirred mix of Don Julio Blanco, Cointreau, agave and…best let him describe it. “We make lime juice from acids found in fruit—malic, citric and ascorbic,” he explains. “A ton of prep goes into it.” The result is a crystal cocktail with a brisk and faintly smoky salinity that is far too easy to sip. He also prepares a more traditional margarita, replacing orange liqueur with agave, which is the trend. However, at Estéban in Monterey, the Boss Ana Margarita is composed from Mi Campo Silver, both triple sec and Grand Marnier, along with housemade sweet and sour for the citric bite—all large pours, neatly balanced with a tart edge. “I feel you should go more tart than sweet,” says lead bartender C.J. Woodland. “It’s big, it’s good—what more could you ask for?” Lovely ’Rita Bartenders can play with the classic margarita, yet still remain true to its roots. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DANIEL DREIFUSS 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 Mother’s Day Breakfast 7-10am, Brunch 10am-2pm Bottomless Mimosas. Reservations recommended. 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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