40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 28, 2023-JANUARY 3, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL There are rituals to follow at cultured affairs, particularly when it comes to serving liqueurs. Aperitifs are intended to awaken the appetite, digestifs to conclude a meal. The former tend to be dry and low in alcohol, the latter generally bellowing with bitterness and raspy herbs, although a sweet finish is also allowed. Sparkling wine, with its lean, crisp, bubbly spirit, plays a celebratory role, both welcoming dinner or toasting a new year. Such are the rules. Yet the folks at Pepe International—think Vesuvio, Little Napoli and Bar Napoli, all in Carmel—recently introduced a play on Aperol that bends the rules just a little. Pepero Aperitivo di Sorrento claims the pre-meal banner. And it is inviting, with floral pleasantries and a compelling sensation of candied orange zest. But they eased strawberries into the recipe, which lends a bright sweetness to the profile that almost—but not quite—obscures its dry aperitif character. All of this makes Pepero enjoyable on its own. However, it was crafted with bubbles in mind. And in spritz form, fruits spring onto the palate, trailing a friendly effervescence, leaving bitter, herbal notes to follow. Those emerge on the finish, coaxed by a tingle of salinity from club soda. Prosecco offers a subtle minerality that plays nicely with the fluttering floral hints. It’s lighthearted and charming—a celebration from start to finish. The Pepero spritz is thus a versatile cocktail, one that can usher in a meal or close out a year. Pepero Aperitivo di Sorrento by the bottle can be found at Bar Napoli, Dolores and 7th, Carmel. 626-7373. Other Bubbles A new aperitif from Pepe gives a simple spritz a reason to party. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DANIEL DREIFUSS Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink 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 Daily 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 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 ’23 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 BEST RESTAURANT IN mONTEREY! Indoor, Outdoor Dining & Take Out Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly NOW OPEN FOR BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 9am–1:30pm 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 ’23 Best Steak and Martini Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria 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 ’98-’23 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’23 OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING AND TAKE-OUT Everyday 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari 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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