www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 CHILL Carlos Rojas was presented with a bottle and a challenge. The bottle was RumChata Pumpkin Spice, a new product from the line of cream liqueurs. The question that followed was open-ended: “What can you make with this?” The Grill at Point Pinos bartender didn’t hesitate. With the advent of fall comes pumpkin spice season, apparently a federally mandated ode to cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and such. The blend makes its way into spaces that are welcome, such as the latte, and cringe-worthy (think seasonal Spam). But Rojas already had an inkling of what might suit it best. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini was his response. It’s a clever interpretation of the spice blend, in that it uses the holiday savor as both a partner and foil to the bitter jolt of coffee. The faintly sweet, slightly earthy, somewhat prickly combination layers over and under the bite of espresso. As the creamy froth blankets your palate, a soft impression of cask vanilla soothes it all. Yet coffee is a constant on the senses. The cocktail is an espresso martini foremost, accented by the flavors of autumn. Rojas crafted the drink from Tito’s vodka, coffee liqueur, the RumChata in question and a drizzle of pumpkin spice syrup—enough to lend depth without toppling the cocktail into spice blend overdose. This is welcome territory for the often-abused pumpkin spice—a deftly balanced cocktail, and a pretty one, at that. The Grill at Point Pinos, 79 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove. 582-8919, grillatpointpinos. com. Spice Grill It’s that time of year; one pumpkin spice cocktail does not go overboard on fall seasoning. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DAVE FARIES 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 11:30am Mon—Fri 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com (831) 643-9525 scan QR code for menu INDOOR + PATIO, DINE IN and TAKEOUT BEER•BURGERS•BRUNCH DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY (HOUR) DAILY 4-6PM FOOTBALL GAME NIGHTS ARE HERE! THURSDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY NIGHTS. LIVE MUSIC TUESDAY, OCT. 17, 6:30-8:30PM CASEY FRAZIER EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL Watch as your personal chef slices tender steak and juicy chicken. Take in the aroma of sizzling shrimp, lobster and savory vegetables. Or try our fresh nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls, all prepared with the same flair that made Benihana a legend in Japanese cuisine. 136 OLIvIER ST. MONTEREy NEAR OLd FISHERMAN’S WHARF OPEN dAILy (831) 644-9007 WWW.bENIHANA.COM OPEN FOR LUNCH & dINNER DAILY 12 NOON TO 10PM TAKE-OUT TODAY SALADS & CALZONES SOURDOUGH PIZZA THIN CRUST PIZZA SEASIDE’S FINEST DINE-IN TOO Tues – Sat 11am – 9pm Sunday 11am – 8pm 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE BEER ON TAP PASTA & SUBS DESSERTS 831-899-1762 DELIVERY AVAILABLE EAST COAST PIZZAS NY style, thin crust w/butter & garlic. 14” has 6 slices. 18” has 8 slices. WEST COAST PIZZAS SF sourdough crust w/garlic olive oil. 14” has 6 slices. 18” has 8 slices. STUFFED CALZONES Made from pizza dough, stuffed w/pizza sauce, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of basil. (Onions upon request). Pacific Grove Hardware 229 Forest Avenue • 646-9144 Locally Owned and Operated BEST Hardware Store ThAnks FOr yOur vOTes! Your Hometown Hardware Store ’09-’23 take $5 OFF Any $25 or more regular items With this ad. exp 10/31/23 One discount per transaction We’re Open! Mon-sun 8am-5pm
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==