www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 20-26, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL Kevin Kim is at a loss as to why soju is not a common spirit on this side of the Pacific. In Japan, China and especially Korea, it’s popular enough to make Jinro—a Korean brand—bigger than Bacardi, Johnny Walker or Stolichnaya. “It’s an authentic drink,” explains the owner of Bulgogi House in downtown Monterey, where he stocks both original and flavored soju. “After work, people stop by street stands and drink a bottle with a side dish.” The original Jinro soju on offer at Bulgogi House is friendly—sweet, with very little alcoholic scorn, it’s almost like a feather-soft gin. During the Korean War, distilleries were barred from using the traditional rice. Although the grain made its way back into recipes during the 1990s, a mix of sweet potato and tapioca drapes the soju in subtle herbal attire. Kim says a dozen bottles of it once threw him for a loop, but at less than half the wallop of most grain-based spirits, it is a pleasant sip (unless you go into double digits). Kim adds that Jinro finds so much favor that Americans who served in Korea often returned home with the brand’s logo as a tattoo. So why does appreciation of the spirit lag in the U.S.? Kim laughs as he demonstrates the associated ceremonies. One must never pour their own shot glass. A person younger than the one pouring must hold the glass with both hands. And there is no eye contact when downing a shot…Kim can explain it all, once the bottle arrives. Bulgogi House, 413 Alvarado St., Monterey. 920-1251, bulgogihousemonterey.com. K Ration Soju is traditional in Korea, not so much here. But at Bulgogi House, it goes nicely. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DANIEL DREIFUSS 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 Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink 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 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 Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30-6pm Nightly Food Specials, Spanish House Wine, Beer, Seasonal Sangria, and Well Cocktails 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com 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 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 JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 5PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 5-6PM & 8-9PM 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 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
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