42 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 11-17, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL Tucked in the labyrinth of The Barnyard in Carmel is Hidden Hills Brewery & Blending, known for its different styles of beer. Found among its ales and sours, however, is a dry cider with guava and dragonfruit. “We are using California cider apples that we source, and then we put in guava and dragonfruit purée before secondary fermentation to add another layer of fruit flavor characteristic,” says brewer, winemaker and now cidermaker Jeffrey Vitalich. The cider is not completely dry, Vitalich notes: “Semi-dry, I would say.” Yet with added fruits, the cider is the opposite of sweet—fresh, with vague tropical tones deep in the background. “The cider is fruit-based already,” Vitalich says about flavor decisions. “When you add fruits, one seems too linear; too many fruits are too meshy.” Two fruits—guava and dragonfruit— seemed to offer “the right complexity.” Vitalich would like to rely completely on local ingredients. “I do grow dragonfruit myself,” he says, “but I don’t have enough for the cider production.” He hopes to grow more and supply his own fruit down the road. As a full-time brewer, Vitalich says the cider-making process still feels new to him. But he is planning on another cider, coming soon. He’s tempted to go with pineapple this time. Hidden Hills has a long-awaited official grand opening scheduled to take place Thursday, May 25. Hidden Hills Brewing & Blending, 3777 The Barnyard, Suite I-14, Carmel. 3-8pm Wed-Fri, 11am-8pm Sat, 11am-7pm Sun. 250-7311, hiddenhillscarmel.com. Hidden Cider The first cider from a Carmel brewery is crisp and delicious— and there’s more to come. By Agata Pop˛eda SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DANIEL DREIFUSS Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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