38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 26-November 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL There is nothing truly spooky about pumpkin spice, except that come October it seems to be lurking in every corner, waiting to jump out and spike your drink. We’ve become accustomed to its presence. Still, there’s a reason the seasonal spice blend gives bartenders pause before they reach into a dark pantry. “Going overboard” is how Colleen Kelly at Lucia Restaurant & Bar in Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Lodge describes the risk. “They are strong flavors. Pumpkin spice needs to be the undertone.” So it is with Lucia’s Pumpkin Old Fashioned, on the menu through Thanksgiving. Consider a cocktail classic, yet with a rich, mellow savor—nutty and earthy, mulled by dried fruit and a teasing spice swirling in the smoke and soft caramel of bourbon. This is autumn and its cozy nostalgia in a glass. Kelly’s seasonal Old Fashioned is a seemingly effortless reflection of her philosophy that a craft cocktail should not be overburdened. Yet there was deliberation involved. The bourbon is from Woodinville Whiskey Co. Kelly calls it “My fall bourbon of choice; it warms you from the inside.” Allspice and Grand Marnier contribute to the profile, and the cocktail is finished with eight dashes of orange bitters. Lucia’s kitchen prepared a decorative leaf of sugar that seeps calm sweetness as it melts. Fall fades. Pumpkin spice will again disappear like a phantom. This cocktail encourages you to enjoy the spirit of the season while it lasts. Lucia Restaurant & Bar, 425 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. 658-3400, bernarduslodge. com. Spirit Session Lucia serves up a haunting version of the classic Old Fashioned—until pumpkin season fades away. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com BERNARDUS LODGE ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play Cornucopia Community Market offers quality nutritious and environmentally safe products, free of artificial additives and preservatives. Your Local Health Food Store OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-7PM SAT & SUN 10AM-6PM 831-625-1454 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd, Carmel (at the mouth of Carmel Valley) HAPPY Harvest Days! Your Source for Local and Organic Food for a Healthy Lifestyle • Natural, Organic Produce • Fresh Bakery and Deli • Olive Oil/Vinegar/Local Honey • Wine, Beer, Juice, Coffee and Tea Selections • Fresh, Organic Dairy Products • Healthy Snacks • Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements • All Natural Bath and Body Products
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