Published by Best of Monterey Bay® Haven home & Lifestyle Magazine Kitchen Chic • Curb Appeal • Dream Drives High Bids • Fine Vines • Caviar Cool 2023-2024 FREE cover_HAVEN_23.indd 1 8/3/23 3:27 PM
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www.americanleisurepatio.com • SOFAS • CHAISES • FIRE PITS • UMBRELLAS • LOVE SEATS • DINING SETS • CUSTOM CUSHIONS • HEATERS AND AWNINGS We have EVERYTHING for your DREAM PATIO! WE ALSO DO COMPLETE PATIO FURNITURE RESTORATION AND REPAIR 408.446.9350 944A Blossom Hill Road San Jose 831.423.2425 1118 Ocean Street Santa Cruz FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 41 YEARS Rotates 360°! AmercianLeisure_FP_Haven23_kb.indd 1 8/2/23 3:12 PM
the best of Monterey on Cannery Row Enjoy Natural wonders abound in Monterey, and there simply is no better place to experience it all than with a stay on Cannery Row. Known for it’s picturesque charm and colorful history, guests to this fabled street can enjoy a unique combination of luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques. Come, slow down and enjoy the best of Monterey on Cannery Row. CanneryRow_FP_Haven23_GK.indd 1 8/3/23 11:25 AM
THE BEST OF THE MONTEREY PENI NSULA ● EST. 1 988 ● Presented by Canning Properties Group Team@canningproperties com IN 2020, 2021 and 2022 Team in the US with Sotheby’s International Realty 1 # The Best in Monterey. © 2023 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty oce is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All o erings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. Mike Canning DRE: 01004964, Jessica Canning DRE: 01920034, Nic Canning DRE: 01959355, Ellen Armstrong DRE:02046046, Brian Keck DRE: 02070480, David Reese: DRE: 02121762, Paige Colijn DRE#02168140, Kelly Savukinas DRE#02053030, Anita Jones DRE# 01926760, Seth Reese DRE# 02202742 & Spiro Pettas DRE#02066568 The Crown Jewel of Carmel Valley Carmel Valley | CarmelValleyJewel.com Multi-Generational Home with ADU Monterey | 817ViaMirada.com CanningProperties_FP_Haven23_KB.indd 1 8/2/23 3:14 PM
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718 Lottie Street Monterey | For Sale $1,110,000 26265 Paseo del Sur Monterey | For Sale $3,275,000 74 Asoleado Drive Carmel Valley | Lot for Sale $1,050,000 0 NE Guadalupe & 6th Ave Carmel by the Sea | (In Contract $3,195,000 VOTED “Best Realtor” BY THE READERS OF Monterey County Weekly 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 THE POWER OF DEEP ROOTS The Jacobs Team Joy Jacobs & Jen Jacobs Bolger The Jacobs Team | Realtors® Joy 831.236.7976 | Jen 831.241.1598 joy@jacobsteamhomes.com jen@jacobsteamhomes.com jacobsteamhomes.com DRE# 70003531 TOP 1% OF MONTEREY COUNTY REALTORS 2004 - PRESENT KW Coastal Estates. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. All information in this document is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, or changes without prior notice. jacobs-team_FP_haven23_kb.indd 1 8/3/23 2:39 PM
CONTENTS Lifestyle is a difficult word to measure. It implies a manner in which we conduct ourselves before others, yet that is never a single act. We decorate—literally or figuratively—all aspects of our lives. Where we chose to dine and what we order, the vehicle we drive, how we maintain our homes, even the hobbies we adopt say something about who we are, or perhaps how we wish to be seen. The term can be easily misunderstood, even mocked. Henry David Thoreau once dismissed fashion trends by quipping, “the head monkey at Paris puts on a traveller’s hat, and all the monkeys in America do the same.” Billy Graham once decried conspicuous consumption as “self-centered indulgence” that had come to represent “the American lifestyle.” But lifestyle does not deserve such a spirited response. The act of educating others, for example, is both noble and a lifestyle. Entertaining friends and family with drinks and dinner is hardly selfcentered. Rather, it’s a shared pleasure. Haven takes its name from a Gilded Age concept of home as a haven from a heartless world. In our definition, lifestyle involves the activities, the decor, the dress and anything else that becomes a haven. It’s a big word, and one that can readily evolve. Caviar, for instance, was often considered a celebratory dish—and presented as such, with due tradition and formality. Lately, however, it has become an everyday indulgence, something to serve with potato chips on a casual evening. Fine wine carries some of the same trappings. But for some who put in a small vineyard and produce their own private label, it’s a fun way to treat friends, without the expectation of a famous chateau. In Haven, we touch on a few themes in the hopes that a small selection may generate many ideas. -Dave Faries 14 THE OPEN KITCHEN IS TRENDING 18 THE OUTSIDE IS IN 22 TOURING WITH A DREAM CAR 26 THE GAVEL PRICE 28 FROM VINE TO TABLE 32 CALIFORNIA’S CAVIAR REVOLUTION Cover Photo courtesy of Monterey Touring Vehicles. The 1955 Ford Thunderbird is fitting for the iconic scenery of Big Sur. Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Dave Faries Editor Sara Rubin Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers Caitlin Fillmore, Jeff Mendelsohn Staff Photographer Daniel Dreifuss Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2023. No portion may be reproduced. 831-394-5656. www.mcweekly.com. DANIEL DREIFUSS 12 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® HAVEN 2023-2024 News Arts Culture Food and More SIGN UP TODAY: mcweekly.com/signup DISCOVER MONTEREY COUNTY NOW Local news and lively commentary delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to Monterey County NOW and get it DAILY. Local MCNOW_1-3v_haven23_kpr.indd 1 8/4/23 9:26 AM 12_haven23.indd 1 8/4/23 9:28 AM
VOTED “BEST RESTAURANT” IN MONTEREY BY MONTEREY COUNTY HERALD AND CARMEL PINE CONE READERS Every city has that one restaurant you can’t miss, where celebrities feel at home and every other guest feels like a celebrity. Since October 2, 1968, the Sardine Factory’s cachet has made dining in our historic Cannery Row setting a tradition for world leaders, sports heroes and entertainment icons. Our award winning chefs prepare delectable creations of fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime Aged Beef. Winner of the “Best Wine List in America Award,” Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. e Lounge’s live entertainment, Happy Hours and a ordable menu are a casual alternative to our other dining rooms. One of 16 California Restaurants Every Foodie Should Try. DISTINGUISHED RESTAURANTS OF NORTH AMERICA “ ” 701 Wave Street, Monterey, CA | 831.373.3775 | SardineFactory.com | Complimentary Valet Parking for over 55 Years! sardine-factory_FP_Haven23_gk.indd 1 8/2/23 3:18 PM
Kitchens with color, functionality, and a bit of drama are popping up around the Monterey Peninsula, as kitchen trends adjust to a new era of style. Color is returning to kitchens after a decade characterized by neutrals, marble and stainless steel. Organic colors like blues and greens are appearing on cabinets, especially those located on lower cabinets or islands. Opaque stains impart a light, creamy color while letting natural wood grain shine through. “Timeless white finishes will always take place, but a little touch of whimsy with colors is a nice option,” observes Charissa Shaoul of Visions Design Center and Rissa’s Heartfelt Kitchens. “Last year we did a gorgeous all-yellow contemporary kitchen. We called the design ‘faux Vitamin D.’” On the other side of the spectrum, Jillian Clark currently has four all-black kitchens in the works. Black appliances, sinks and cabinets are rising in popularity, often balanced with a lighter red oak or white oak flooring, says Clark, the owner of Kitchen Studio of Monterey Peninsula, Inc. “Simple elegance is a pretty good summary,” says Clark, who compares these kitchens to the classic little black dress. “Clients are always after simple elegance.” Stainless steel is largely being replaced with options that fit more cohesively with organic designs, Mark Nettesheim, founder of Classic Kitchens & Designs, explains. Warmer metals like bronze are a trendy finish, or new products like silverTouch deliver a matte version of shiny stainless steel for “mono14 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Make It Pop Color and cohesion—and disappearing acts—put the finishing touches on a custom kitchen. By Caitlin Fillmore Charissa Shaoul Holdren Lietzke AIA, Mark Nettesheim, CKD Classic Kitchens & Designs, Inc. kitchens_23.indd 1 8/3/23 2:40 PM
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lithic” kitchen islands, he says. Organic, nature-inspired design carries over into dramatic marble or quartzite options that turn a backsplash or kitchen island into “a bit of an art form,” Nettesheim adds. Stone fronts on lower cabinets also help bring the elements of the outdoors to an interior design, he notes. For the last 27 years operating his upscale custom home business, Nettesheim says some things have remained the same: Open-concept kitchens continue to be the “dominant choice.” This trend has evolved even more lately, into “hidden” kitchens— where functional items like knobs, electrical outlets, or handles that may interrupt the visual flow from the living room are designed to disappear. “You look into the kitchen and it’s more clean lines and simplicity. We’re trying to get the kitchen to feel less like a kitchen,” he points out. Custom home clients request integrated appliances, where pocket doors or cabinet-like panels disguise ovens and refrigerators. Some even get Rover in on the remodel, with built-in “pet centers” that make necessities like pet food dishes and water bowls look chic and intentional. In some cases, tall cabinets reveal a hidden kennel tucked inside. “(Pet centers) are a fun development I’ve been seeing. They’re part of your family, they deserve some design,” Shaoul says. Some clients take the hidden kitchen idea even further, whether for practicality or polish, Shaoul adds. Doors that open with a gentle touch provide a contemporary finish—and also a helping hand for clients with arthritis pain. “It’s been a godsend for people who need it, and beyond that it’s a really nice, clean look,” she adds. Of course, technological advances in the kitchen make everything from turning on the oven (by using an app while driving home) to crafting a grocery list (you can download it from the refrigerator to the app) easier than ever. Smart switches can be programmed to a “making dinner” mood, brightening up the space to help with cooking, Nettesheim notes. As kitchen trends start to shift, these industry veterans advise homeowners to consider the feelings they wish to evoke in their kitchen—one of the most communal and hightraffic spaces of any home. “Do something timeless that works for your space,” Nettesheim says. “Timeless is not a trend.” Tom Meaney, AIA, Mark Nettesheim, CKD Classic Kitchens & Designs, Inc Charissa Shaoul 16 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Charissa Shaoul Tom Meaney, AIA, Mark Nettesheim, CKD Classic Kitchens & Designs, Inc kitchens_23.indd 2 8/1/23 4:11 PM
WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM 17 I have a secret... I’m a recliner! 1280 Del Monte Ave., Monterey OPEN DAILY 11-5 CLOSED TUESDAYS Contemporary Home Furnishings Europa_1-3s_Haven23_kb.indd 1 7/27/23 11:33 AM Voted Monterey County’s Best Antique Shop OVER 140 DEALERS 21,000 SQUARE FEET The Largest Antiques and Collectibles Mall on the Central Coast 471 WAVE STREET MONTEREY (831) 655-0264 P M canneryrowantiquemall.com ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES “ANTIQUE MALL OF THE YEAR” Professional Antique Mall Magazine ’22 CR-antique_1-3v_Haven23_gk.indd 1 8/3/23 11:04 AM quill_1-3s_haven23_dg.indd 1 8/3/23 10:01 AM 17_haven23.indd 1 8/3/23 2:25 PM
Whether a homeowner is preparing their home for sale or not, curb appeal remains a key investment to make a lasting impression every day. “Curb appeal definitely matters because this is where we spend our lives,” says Paula MacNab, the owner of interior design firm MacNab Ventures for 30 years. “The things that we deal with daily should be pleasing to us— functional and beautiful.” MacNab suggests first having an expert take an objective inventory of the outdoor space, taking photos of the house from all angles. If you choose to complete this initial step yourself, she advises that you observe the home “as if you haven’t ever seen it before.” She points out that you might be surprised what has gone unnoticed, at least by the homeowner. Doors and Hardware A simple way to boost curb appeal begins with the utilitarian tools we interact with every day. MacNab advises homeowners to replace existing hardware, including simple details like the house number, door handles and hinges. “Be aware of the architectural style of the home when making choices,” MacNab says. Contemporary homes pop with brushed nickel or silver tone finishes, while a traditional home looks great with oil-rubbed bronze hardware, she explains. Turn a critical eye to current outdoor lighting options or areas that are too dark and potentially risky. Outdoor lighting should be pleasing and balanced, MacNab suggests. Consider adding pathway lighting or an outdoor fixture to softly enhance a piece of art. Replacing the front door or garage door can result in a big appearance boost. According to Forbes, replacing the garage door often gains a return on investment of 95 percent; front doors, 80 percent. “The front door is almost like jewelry. It sets the tone when people go through it,” MacNab observes. If a remodel is not on the schedule, MacNab notes that the simplest way to make a curb appeal impact is to make sure all doors and hardware are coordinated. Landscaping Curb appeal often begins with the green spaces of a home. In Monterey County, landscaping plans that include the proposed plants and irrigation strategies are required before installation. These ordinances integrate several conservation practices to help protect the soil and water of local landscapes. 18 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Looking from the Outside Curb appeal makes a statement; is it the right one? By Caitlin Fillmore shutterstock curb appeal_23.indd 1 8/1/23 4:06 PM
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The Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County, Inc. maintains an online database of plants, grasses, and trees that thrive in the area. The group’s website, montereylandscaping.org, helps homeowners meet the standards of local ordinances and support conservation efforts. The site provides resources on seasonal watering schedules and features galleries of online garden tours to serve as inspiration. If a small-scale landscaping project is on your wishlist, consider a mailbox garden. A small group of plants, pavers, and outdoor decor can turn a standard-issue mailbox into an “art point,” MacNab says. Spaces to Gather “I treat the exterior spaces like rooms,” observes MacNab, also a real estate broker with David Lyng Real Estate for eight years. “A client is potentially envisioning themselves living in the home. You’re painting a lifestyle picture.” A garden gate or low wall of plantings create memorable pass-through spaces or dramatic entrances to outdoor rooms. Be sure to add groups of seating to make the porch look inviting. It’s one of those win-wins—both visually appealing and practical, encouraging people to utilize the space. Memorable Extras According to MacNab, homes need an identity, and they can generate one with or without a homeowner’s intention. “If the front of the house is not well maintained it can create a first impression that the whole home is not maintained,” she explains. When thinking about curb appeal, it’s important to be memorable for the right reasons. MacNab suggests adding features like a fountain to delight visitors’ eyes and ears. Another way to stand out is by giving your home its own unique moniker with a name that is identifiable and appealing, she says. Some favorites from the Monterey Peninsula include the whimsical Casa Compromise in Carmel and the golf-themed Our Mulligan in Pebble Beach. One can go clever or simple. But extras must be chosen with care. “Curate, curate, curate,” MacNab advises. “Less is more. Choose better quality and fewer items.” MacNab reminds homeowners to take the “after” photos to see the effect of curb appeal. “You’re most likely going to get way more return on your dollars than the cost,” she points out. “Make the property ‘Instagrammable.’” The bonus is that in doing so, you will also make it more liveable. 20 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 shutterstock curb appeal_23.indd 2 8/1/23 4:06 PM
Let us create your dream landscape P.M. Landscaping is a proud supporter of Monterey County for 14 years, from its multi-level service of sustainable landscaping to continued patronage of local non-profit organizations, local youth clubs and our communities. ’22 VOTED BEST LANDSCAPER 5 YEARS IN A ROW! 2611 Garden Rd., Monterey Our Services Include: • Design/Installation • Commercial/Residential Maintenance • Irrigation • Dumpster Service • Emergency Storm Clean Up PM-Landscaping_FP_Haven23_kpr.indd 1 8/3/23 1:27 PM
Imagine the scene—17 Mile Drive peeking between old growth forest and crashing waves; the Pacific Coast Highway clinging to the bluffs of Big Sur; Carmel Valley Road dividing the mountains; or the narrow see-andbe-seen streets of Carmel. What comes to mind? A 1955 Thunderbird. A ’65 Mustang GT with a soft top. A vintage Porsche 356 roadster. “You’re going down Cannery Row and everybody is waving at you,” says Heather Gardner. “You want to drive in a classic convertible.” Gardner owns Monterey Touring Vehicles, a one-of-a-kind company that requires some explanation. They are not a rental car company, even though they do provide short-term rentals. They do not cater solely to photo shoots or special occasions, even though they welcome the business. Instead, Monterey Touring Vehicles has found a unique niche. Their fleet includes the Thunderbird, Mustang and Porsche, as well as a ’68 Camaro, a ’64 Corvette Stingray, a ’54 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 23-window VW Bus and a DeLorean. There are marques like Cadillac, Fiat and Jaguar, as well as a ’63 Mercury Monterey, perfect for a ride down Alvarado Street. There are others, as well. Most are convertible, all are classics. As car aficionados know, vehicles represent a lifestyle. American muscle from the 1960s feels different than a postwar European sportscar or an asphalt-shredding modern supercar. Each provide a distinct interaction with the road and the setting, and in the response of others. “We realized early on that this is an experience, it’s not a rental car,” explains MTV’s business development director Erin Sollecito. “There’s no other place with the roads we have and the scenery we have.” Traditional rental car companies began adding exotics—from Ferraris to the new generation of American muscle—to their stables as far back as the early 2000s (after a brief period when Shelby Mustangs were available in the ’60s). Finding a ride in a classic is a much more elusive prospect, however. Often these are limited to wedding or prop car rentals, although Hagerty runs a rideshare operation. But Monterey Touring Vehicles is believed to be a one of a kind—a sight22 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Cool Rides Monterey Touring Vehicles allows people to go sightseeing in classic car style. By Dave Faries Courtesy of Monterey Touring Vehicles classics-rental_23.indd 1 8/3/23 9:45 AM
WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM 23 FACTORY PRICES DIRECT TO CONSUMERS 52 WEEKS A YEAR. VISIT OUR SHOWROOM any day by appointment 26384 Carmel Rancho Ln., #103 • Carmel-by-the-Sea • 831.899.5464 • monterey-mattress.com TEST DRIVE THE MOST LUXURIOUS MATTRESS IN CALIFORNIA. MtyMattress_1-2h_Haven_EC.indd 1 8/2/23 3:26 PM 23_haven23.indd 1 8/3/23 2:26 PM
seeing tour company is how they explain the model. The company began renting classics for cruising the area in 2018 and moved into their current location in Monterey in 2019. But before then, they began assembling a collection. From the start, the goal was to focus on automatic convertibles, although they also offer a 1970 Corvette with t-tops, a hardtop ’68 Mustang California Special and a ’38 Buick, as well as a couple of elegant prewar limousines. While the latter come with a chauffeur, the rest of the fleet are intended to be driven, to be fully enjoyed by the customer—for whatever reason. “It’s for every event—or not an event,” Gardner says. Some repeat customers take a Pontiac Firebird out for a cruise one day then return the next to hear the rumble of a Cobra replica. “We offer people a chance to touch the car, to drive the car.” Oddly enough, Gardner and her husband Rob were not typical “car guys” when they started. Instead, when their modern BMW developed a costly glitch, the couple decided to go back to rudimentary drivers—an early Tesla and a ’69 Mercury Cougar, which they assumed might be more reliable. In 2017 they offered to let Thanksgiving guests take the Tesla on a ride to Big Sur and were surprised at the response. “We want to drive the Cougar,” their friends said. A business startup lightbulb clicked. That winter, during the Mecum Auctions’ Kansas City event, they purchased five cars as online bidders, eventually building a fleet of 36 vehicles. Monterey Touring Vehicles has expanded and then pared down since then, based upon customer demand. Gone, for example, is an ’88 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z and the ’49 Willys. “Everything we have gets rented,” Sollecito points out—including the lesscoveted Monterey. People seem to get a kick out of driving one through the streets of Monterey. Meanwhile, they’ve added services. There are dash cam custom videos available, an app for self-guided tours and “parades” in which they will lead customers on a cruise around the county. All vehicles have useful modern upgrades, including GPS and bluetooth capability. Despite the comforts, this is still a moment in the classic roadtrip lifestyle. “We’re a classic car driving experience,” Gardner says. “There’s nothing like it.” Monterey Touring Vehicles, 2228 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 337-8800, montereytouringvehicles.com. 24 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Courtesy of Monterey Touring Vehicles Courtesy of Monterey Touring Vehicles classics-rental_23.indd 2 8/3/23 9:45 AM
MontereyCoastRealty.com • 831.624.2300 • DRE #01871677 The quality of life on the Monterey Peninsula is unmatched. Let us help make it your reality. Monterey Coast Realty represents buyers and sellers of quality properties from cozy cottages to magnificent estates throughout the Monterey Peninsula all the way east to Salinas Valley, through Carmel Valley and south to Big Sur. Locally Owned. Globally Connected. Results Driven Experts. Representing Buyers & Sellers of Quality Properties Across the Monterey Peninsula CASA BORONDA | MONTEREY Sold by John Romley of Monterey Coast Realty Untitled-6 1 6/15/23 1:43 PM MtyCoastRealty_FP_Haven23_kpr.indd 1 8/2/23 3:29 PM
RM Sotheby’s turned the event into a bit of theater—and for good reason. Rolling onto the auction block was a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO expected to bring close to $50 million. So on that Saturday night in 2018 at the Monterey Conference Center, organizers dimmed the lights as racing legend Phil Hill drove the sleek red machine on stage before a standing room crowd, few of whom were interested in bidding. In fact, no paddles were raised in the room, only cell phones to record the moment. At the time, the record for a car sold at auction was $38.1 million, including premiums—another 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that crossed the Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in Carmel Valley four years earlier. After an inauspicious opening bid of $35 million, the figure climbed into record territory as two remote bidders—soon joined by a third—dueled. There were lulls in the action. Clearly there was some deliberation on the other end of the phone lines. Remote bidders were quiet, waiting until the hammer was raised then calling out small increments: $43.25 million, $43.5 million, $43.75 million. The announcements resonated in the room—although it was elbow to elbow, the audience was hushed as anticipation loomed. That rapt silence was shattered moments later, when the hammer clapped at $44 million. A cheer erupted. With premiums, the $48.4 million became the highest sum paid for a car at auction. Since then the mark has been beaten, and rather decisively. In May of 2022 in Stuttgart, Germany, a unique 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe reaped a whopping $142 million during a Sotheby’s auction—an amount that seems likely to stand for some time. Yet when it comes to high-dollar cars, Car Week on the Monterey Peninsula is where records are set. Last year auctions tallied a record $469 million in sales during Car Week, with 790 cars changing hands. The figure cleared the previous mark of $395 million set in 2015. Also in 2022, a record 110 cars topped $1 million. Anecdotal evidence pointed to a number of highdollar impulse buys. While the shows, the vintage races and other events of Car Week are attractions unto themselves (there were claims of record attendance at the rollicking Concours d’Lemons last year), the auctions are about numbers—and action. According to data from Hagerty, 18 of the 30 highest priced cars at auction have been sold during Car Week. Ten of these crossed the Sotheby’s block in Monterey, six at the Gooding 26 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Big Money At Car Week auctions, record-Setting numbers— often in the eight digits—are the norm. By Dave Faries The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that sold in 2018 for $48.4 million—at the time a record—during the RM Sotheby’s auction. Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s car-auctions_23.indd 1 8/3/23 11:43 AM
& Company Pebble Beach event and two were hammered by Bonhams. Ferrari dominates these multimillion dollar marks—specifically the lauded 250. In addition to the 1962 250 GTOs that now sit second and third on the alltime auction list, there are five additional 250s in the top 30, from a 1959 Ferrari 250 California that hammered at Gooding in 2016 for $18.1 million to a 1957 250 Testa Rossa, also sold at Gooding & Co. back in 2011 for a tidy $16.4 million. But these are outside the top 20. The other Ferrari stars are a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4s, sold by Sotheby’s in 2013 for $27.5 million (seventh on the top 30 list); a 1964 275 GTB/C auctioned the next year, also by Sotheby’s, for $26.4 million (eighth); and a 1955 410 Sport, at $22 million (11th). That was last year, again at Sotheby’s. The international auction house is responsible for the highest-priced car on the list that is not a Mercedes or Ferrari. In 2017, a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 hammered for $22.5 million, making it the ninth most expensive auction car. Number 12 in Hagerty’s lineup also set a record during Car Week 2018. A 1935 Duesenberg Model SSJ brought $22 million at the Gooding event that year, the highest figure ever recorded for a car built before World War II. It was once owned by Gary Cooper. It’s not just classics that draw bidder attention. Three of the cars sold during Car Week that made the top 30 list are supercars. Not surprisingly, all three are McLaren F1s, the car that redefined the term supercar in the 1990s. During the collecting boom that grew from the Covid-19 pandemic, a 1995 McLaren F1 went for $20.4 million during the Gooding auction at Pebble Beach, the highest bid of the three. On that Saturday night in 2018 when history was made—however shortlived—at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, once the Ferrari rolled off the block, much of the crowd cleared the room. There were more big numbers to come, but they had seen the biggest. And that was thrill enough. The hammer falls during the 2022 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction. Of the 30 most expensive cars ever sold at auction, 18 have traded hands during Car Week. DANIEL DREIFUSS www.montereycountyweekly.com 27 SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 • 4–7PM CARMEL, CALIFORNIA TICKETS $75 • THEBARNYARD.COM/EVENTS www.bigsurfoodandwine.org M/barnyardshoppingvillage Benefitting The Big Sur Food & Wine Foundation, a non-profit Charitable Trust BigSurFood&Wine_1-2h_HAVEN23_dg.indd 1 8/3/23 2:59 PM 27_haven23.indd 1 8/3/23 3:14 PM
It was Monterey County’s own John Steinbeck who once said “saints can spring from any soil.” But unfortunately for wine lovers, the same can’t always be said for grapes. Although they can thrive on poor ground, to produce worthy wine the vines respond to climate cues. Fortunately for Salinas couple Bill and Carol Parker, their family’s home happens to be on favorable terroir. The Parkers’ property lies a few miles up Corral de Tierra Road, off Highway 68 near Salinas. A short drive up the sunny valley brings you to an area that Steinbeck himself referred to as the “Pastures of Heaven.” It is here, nestled alongside a creek and surrounded by oak trees, that the Parkers have been making their own wines for over 30 years. “We didn’t set out to make wine,” says Carol Parker. “We had an apple orchard on the property originally. But over time we were convinced that we could grow grapes and make our own wines for our family and friends to enjoy.” Beyond the climate requirements, the art of winemaking itself is a meticulous process that requires patience, resilience and collaboration. The Parkers, convinced it was at least worth a try, began the process of converting their family orchard to a limited-production family winery in 1986. Using little more than a flatbed truck, a lot of manual labor, and a century-old juice press, the Parkers finally bottled their first vintage of Chardonnay in 1990. 28 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 Private Label For one family, a personal vineyard demands effort but yields memories. By Jeff Mendelsohn A restful space alongside the vineyards at the home of Bill and Carol Parker near Salinas. The couple has created areas for growing grapes, producing and bottling wine for themselves and their friends. Daniel Dreifuss vineyards_23.indd 1 8/1/23 3:45 PM
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA SAN CARLOS & 7TH ESTATE WINERY & TASTING ROOM 1972 HOBSON AVE. GREENFIELD Delicious POURED DAILY Scheid_FP_Haven23_KPR.indd 1 8/3/23 10:03 AM
“We thought we might be onto something,” says Dr. Bill Parker of their homemade wine. Armed with optimism, the Parkers leaned on their network of friends and colleagues to fine-tune their winemaking, along with a lot of help from the local produce industry’s labor force. Bill, a retired orthopedic surgeon, partnered with longtime colleague Dr. John Heine and local produce broker Jerry Steinbach to establish what their present-day wines represent. “It’s definitely a labor of love,” says Heine. “We’re very passionate about it.” The Parkers credit Steinbach with the foresight to steer the vineyard toward the red varietals. And as for Dr. Heine, he gets kudos for his dedication and tenacity. “John’s the guy you want pushing the plow,” he says. While Bill and his partners handled the operations side of things, Carol put her talents and palate to work. A member of the Carmel Art Association since 1998, she designed a label for their Parker House Chardonnay from a watercolor she painted of their wine shed. For their estate-grown red varieties, she went with a more subtle approach in creating the label of Three Oaks, a nod to a trio of oak trees casting shade on the shed. The Parkers produce about 20 cases of Parker House Chardonnay each Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss 30 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 vineyards_23.indd 2 8/1/23 3:46 PM
autumn, along with approximately four times as many cases of their Three Oaks reds aged in French Oak barrels. Taste testing has become one of their favorite parts of the process. “Carol is definitely the official palate for our wines,” Bill says. “But we all enjoy tasting the different wines and deciding which varieties to bottle.” The Parkers kicked around the idea of selling their wines locally, says Bill. But ultimately they decided the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze. “We didn’t get into winemaking to make money from it,” he says. Carol agrees. “For us, it’s more about gathering our friends and family,” she observes. “Drinking wine and making memories. It’s really been a wonderful thing for our family.” But it’s not for every family. The Parkers estimate that it would take about a half-acre of land and require between $10,000 and $20,000 to get a start-up home winery up and running. Then there are the countless hours of work that come along with it, not to mention the outside forces that can make it even more challenging. “We’ve dealt with everything from insects and animal pressure to outside climate conditions,” Parker says. “Every year presents a different challenge.” This year’s bounty looks promising, however, as Monterey County experienced one of the rainiest seasons it’s had in years. Growers are hopeful for a memorable vintage when they begin to harvest this fall. “We are definitely noticing the impacts of the rainy season,” Parker says. “The grapes are looking big and healthy, but we’ll see how things end up come fall.” WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM 31 Serving the industry with quality and service since 1900 Salinas Concrete & Building Materials 831.775.3500 | 400 Work St Monterey Peninsula Concrete & Building Materials 831.392.3700 | 1755 Del Monte Blvd 1986 2022 246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove I 831-372-6250 www.mumsfurniture.com Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm I Closed Sundays Voted Best Furniture Store in Monterey for Over10years! 1986 2022 246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove I 831-372-6250 www.mumsfurniture.com Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm I Closed Sundays Voted Best Furniture Store in Monterey for Over10years! 1986 2022 246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove I 831-372-6250 www.mumsfurniture.com Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm I Closed Sundays Voted Best Furniture Store in Monterey for Over10years! 1986 2022 246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove I 831-372-6250 www.mumsfurniture.com Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm I Closed Sundays Voted Best Furniture Store in Monterey for Over10years! 1986 2022 2 Hou Voted Best Fu 1986 2022 246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove I 831-372-6250 www.mumsfurniture.com Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5:30pm I Closed Sundays Voted Best Furniture Store in Monterey for Over10years! 1986 2022 24 Hour Voted Best Fur MumsPlace_1-3s_HAVEN23_DG.indd 1 8/2/23 1:24 PM 31_haven23.indd 1 8/3/23 2:25 PM
as an accent. When Amalia Scatena at Stationæry put a lobster roll on the menu, she sprinkled it with caviar. Others have added the roe to mundane sides like mashed potatoes. Perhaps the trendiest way to enjoy caviar strips the etiquette completely. Known as a bump, the pricey product is simply dolloped on the back of the hand–no further ornamentation necessary. “If you have good caviar, that’s the way you want to eat it,” Keane says, noting that the accouterments of traditional service were able to mask imperfections in the fish eggs. On the other hand, she points out that the different types and grades of caviar pair well with a range of ingredients, much like wine. So the experimentation has spread to chocolate, caramel and ice cream. “People are getting really creative with it,” observes Marai Bolourchi, president of Tsar Nicouli, a sturgeon ranch The breakout food item of this decade has been around for a few thousand years. Caviar has long been synonymous with exclusivity and occasion, claimed by nobility and marked by ceremony. Traditional service calls for buckwheat cakes, finely chopped onions and chives, hard-boiled egg, creme fraiche and other effects, doled out on mother of pearl. But a new generation of diners have tossed rules aside in favor of “Caviar with sour-cream-and-onionflavored Pringles,” says chef Jonathan Rodriguez of Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette with an assurance that the pairing works well. “You can have fun with it.” While some aficionados argue that Lays, with its mellow potato savor, is the best chip for caviar service, while others side with Pringles for their structure. At Stationæry in Carmel, potato chips provide a crackle to go with the pop of caviar. At Salt Wood in Marina, Rodriguez chose a tortilla-style wedge. Deborah Keane, owner of California Caviar Company, a Northern California sturgeon farm, likes to fill Bugles–the cone-shaped snack–with the roe. “Caviar is really good on kiwi,” she adds. Such frivolity would have been unthinkable until recently. But suddenly caviar is valued as much for its versatility as its elegance. Mixologists replace the pimento stuffing of a martini olive with roe. Chefs are even using the delicate eggs 32 The Best of Monterey Bay ® Haven 2023-2024 All in a Roe Caviar has become an everyday indulgence thanks to creative chefs and California farms. By Dave Faries Dave Faries nic coury Left: Caviar service at Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette in Marina blends tradition with a bit of whimsy, with chips as the foundation. Below: Why not put caviar on a cannoli? caviar_23.indd 1 8/1/23 4:13 PM
near Sacramento. “There are no boundaries with caviar.” So what’s going on? The growing popularity of caviar—as well as trout, salmon and other roe—can be explained in part by the enthusiasm to explore global flavors that began in the 1980s. The rise of fusion dishes has relaxed culinary traditions. But the biggest reason people are more willing to play with the coveted dish is its availability and reliability, thanks in part to California sturgeon farms committed to more sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods. In the past, roe harvested from wildcaught sturgeon was most prized, and the term “caviar” was applied only to product from the Caspian and Black seas. Due to overfishing, however, both the quantity and quality can suffer. In fact, uncertainty over the quality led to the caviar crisis of the early 2000s. A global ban on wild-caught sturgeon went into effect in 2011. The U.S. has banned the importation of beluga caviar. Meanwhile a few intrepid producers began sturgeon farming operations in Europe, Asia and in California (it is estimated that 80 percent of American caviar comes from the Sacramento area). When Keane began raising sturgeon in 2004, there were six farms in operation. Now there are some 2,000 active around the world. Today the caviar tag applies to eggs from North America’s white sturgeon, as well. “Back in the ’80s, no one thought California produced caviar of the quality coming from overseas,” Bolourchi points out. For that reason, Tsar Nicouli was founded in 1984 with a name that sounds Russian. Twenty years later, when Keane started California Caviar Company, however, such association was no longer necessary. “The consistency is next to none,” Rodriguez says of California Caviar’s Queen’s Reserve, the label preferred at Salt Wood. The roe melts on the palate, revealing as it does a nutty, creamy brine with just a notion of gaminess. Tsar Nichouli holds an EcoCert designation for environmental practices. WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM 33 Catalina Perez An Award-Winning Mortgage Loan Originator Catalina Perez’s exceptional performance has earned her prestigious awards, including recognition By The Scotsman Guide and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards for client satisfaction. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, seeking to refinance, or in need of expert mortgage advice, Catalina Perez is the trusted professional you can rely on. Her proven track record, industry recognition, and unwavering commitment to client success make her the ideal partner to guide you through every step of your mortgage journey. Choose Catalina Perez for unparalleled expertise and personalized assistance in achieving your financial goals. Whether you’re looking for your dream home or seeking the best mortgage solutions, Catalina is here to help you thrive. Catalina Perez Mortgage Loan Originator DRE#341394 NMLS#014595909 catalinaoriginator@gmail.com (831) 212-6888 SteinbeckRealEstate_2-3v_Haven23_KB.indd 1 8/3/23 2:42 PM 33_haven23.indd 1 8/3/23 2:43 PM
They use no growth hormones and no antibiotics on their fish. The feed is non-GMO. California Caviar Company is a no-kill operation committed to sustainability. Both Keane and Bolourchi say that level of consciousness is important to a new generation of consumers, further driving interest in roe. With current farming techniques, it’s possible to harvest when the eggs are at their peak in flavor and texture. “Millennials do their homework,” Keane says. “They want to be informed.” Caviar is only expected to grow in popularity. Last year sales topped $100 million and demand is expected to increase by almost 9 percent in 2023—and over the next few years, as well—according to a study by Market Data Forecast. Caviar has even become a TikTok phenomenon, with posts on the subject drawing millions of views. Keane expects California to lead in quality, comparing the farming industry to the state’s wineries in the 1970s, when California wines topped French wines in a Paris competition. “I think this should have been trending 10 years ago,” she says. California caviar can–and should–be treated with the same reverence as roe from the Caspian Sea. But greater availability thanks to farming methods also means that the dish has become more playful, an everyday indulgence. As Bolourchi of Tsar Nicoulai says, “this is an opportunity to play with your food.” ROBERT DANIELS More chefs are using caviar as an accent flavor for everything from mashed potatoes to a lobster roll, as served by Stationæry in Carmel on one seasonal menu. 34 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® HAVEN 2023-2024 WHERE MONTEREY COMES TO PLAY! Newly Renovated Lounge with Hand-Crafted Drink Specials. Just minutes from Downtown Monterey • 1,500 SQ. FT. OF GAMING • 3 CARD POKER • BLACKJACK • BACCARAT • TEXAS HOLD’EM WHERE MONTEREY COMES TO PLAY REINDOLLAR HILLCREST CARMEL PALM DEL MONTE BLVD MARINA 204 CARMEL AVENUE • MARINA, CA 831-384-0925 • www.CASINOMONTEREY.com REINDOLLAR HILLCREST CARMEL PALM DEL MONTE BLVD MARINA “More Bonuses. Higher Payouts. Better Baccarat.” 1-800-GAMBLER • GEGA-003846, GEGA-GEGA-003703, GEGA-000889 GEGA-000891 GEGA-002838 Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Why travel when you can play in your own backyard. THE MARINA CLUB CASINO ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL GUESTS AND TEAM MEMBERS AT ALL TIMES, WHILE PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. FULL BAR • 1,500 SQ. FT. OF GAMING • 3 CARD POKER • BLACKJACK • BACCARAT • TEXAS HOLD’EM WHERE MONTEREY COMES TO PLAY REINDOLLAR HILLCREST CARMEL PALM DEL MONTEBLVD MARINA 204 CARMEL AVENUE • MARINA, CA 831-384-0925 • www.CASINOMONTEREY.com REINDOLLAR HILLCREST CARMEL PALM DEL MONTE BLVD MARINA “More Bonuses. Higher Payouts. Better Baccarat.” 1-800-GAMBLER • GEGA-003846, GEGA-GEGA-003703, GEGA-000889 GEGA-000891 GEGA-002838 Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Why travel when you can play in your own backyard. THE MARINA CLUB CASINO ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ALL GUESTS AND TEAM MEMBERS AT ALL TIMES, WHILE PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. FULL BAR 204 Carmel Ave., Marina ✦ 831-384-0925 ✦ casinomonterey.com Please gamble responsibly 1-800-GAMBLER The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 MarinaClubCasino_1-2h_Haven_kb.indd 1 8/3/23 3:08 PM 34_haven23.indd 1 8/3/23 3:10 PM
F V R I 831.622.1000 ■ Vacation@CarmelRealtyCompany.com F E M I 831.622.1000 ■ EstateMgmt@CarmelRealtyCompany.com V B R E C : Carmel Pine Cone 2011-2015, 2017-2022 ■ Monterey County Weekly 2019-2022 ■ Monterey Herald 2018-2022 Immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle whether your stay is permanent or temporary. L V R ■ L T R ■ S E V Oceanfront Vacation Rental on the Famed Scenic Road B P M C | Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 F S E M & C S Downtown Carmel Vacation Penthouse Pebble Beach Estate Vacation Rental Dedicated Estate Management Team Customized Luxury Concierge Services Our Estate Management team is trusted by more than 50 estate owners across the Peninsula. F V R I 831.622.1000 ■ Vacation@CarmelRealtyCompany.com F E M I 831.622.1000 ■ EstateMgmt@CarmelRealtyCompany.com V B R E C : Carmel Pine Cone 2011-2015, 2017-2022 ■ Monterey County Weekly 2019-2022 ■ Monterey Herald 2018-2022 Immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle whether your stay is permanent or temporary. L V R ■ L T R ■ S E V Oceanfront Vacation Rental on the Famed Scenic Road B P M C | Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 F S E M & C S Downtown Carmel Vacation Penthouse Pebble Beach Estate Vacation Rental Dedicated Estate Management Team Customized Luxury Concierge Services Our Estate Management team is trusted by more than 50 estate owners across the Peninsula. F V R I 831.622.1000 ■ Vacation@CarmelRealtyCompany.com F E M I 831.622.1000 ■ EstateMgmt@CarmelRealtyCompany.com V B R E C : Carmel Pine Cone 2011-2015, 2017-2022 ■ Monterey County Weekly 2019-2022 ■ Monterey Herald 2018-2022 Immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle whether your stay is permanent or temporary. L V R ■ L T R ■ S E V Oceanfront Vacation Rental on the Famed Scenic Road B P M C | Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 F S E M & C S Downtown Carmel Vacation Penthouse Pebble Beach Estate Vacation Rental Dedicated Estate Management Team Customized Luxury Concierge Services Our Estate Management team is trusted by more than 50 estate owners across the Peninsula. F V R I 831.622.1000 ■ Vacation@CarmelRealtyCompany.com F E M I 831.622.1000 ■ EstateMgmt@CarmelRealtyCompany.com V B R E C : Carmel Pine Cone 2011-2015, 2017-2022 ■ Monterey County Weekly 2019-2022 ■ Monterey Herald 2018-2022 Immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle whether your stay is permanent or temporary. L V R ■ L T R ■ S E V Oceanfront Vacation Rental on the Famed Scenic Road B P M C | Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 F S E M & C S Downtown Carmel Vacation Penthouse Pebble Beach Estate Vacation Rental Dedicated Estate Management Team Customized Luxury Concierge Services Our Estate Management team is trusted by more than 50 estate owners across the Peninsula. F V R I 831.622.1000 ■ Vacation@CarmelRealtyCompany.com F E M I 831.622.1000 ■ EstateMgmt@CarmelRealtyCompany.com V B R E C : Carmel Pine Cone 2011-2015, 2017-2022 ■ Monterey County Weekly 2019-2022 ■ Monterey Herald 2018-2022 Immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle whether your stay is permanent or temporary. L V R ■ L T R ■ S E V Oceanfront Vacation Rental on the Famed Scenic Road B P M C | Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 F S E M & C S Downtown Carmel Vacation Penthouse Pebble Beach Estate Vacation Rental Dedicated Estate Management Team Customized Luxury Concierge Services Our Estate Management team is trusted by more than 50 estate owners across the Peninsula. F V R I 831.622.1000 ■ Vacation@CarmelRealtyCompany.com F E M I 831.622.1000 ■ EstateMgmt@CarmelRealtyCompany.com V B R E C : Carmel Pine Cone 2011-2015, 2017-2022 ■ Monterey County Weekly 2019-2022 ■ Monterey Herald 2018-2022 Immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle whether your stay is permanent or temporary. L V R ■ L T R ■ S E V Oceanfront Vacation Rental on the Famed Scenic Road B P M C | Monterey Herald Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 F S E M & C S Downtown Carmel Vacation Penthouse Pebble Beach Estate Vacation Rental Dedicated Estate Management Team Customized Luxury Concierge Services Our Estate Management team is trusted by more than 50 estate owners across the Peninsula. L CarmelRealty_FP_HAVEN23_KPR.indd 1 8/3/23 11:22 AM
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