shopping and services strong fishing industry remains, and after over 40 years Sea Harvest remains a local favorite market for buying fish and other seafood fresh out of Monterey Bay or sustainably caught from other regions. Don’t want to cook the seafood yourself? Both Sea Harvest markets have restaurants with staff ready to expertly prepare each dish. For a fine-dining experience only and a picturesque harbor view, visit Sea Harvest Restaurant in Moss Landing. Best Organic Produce Market Earthbound Farm 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 625-6219, earthboundfarm.com Much like John Steinbeck’s literary voice is Salinas Valley done good, Earthbound Farm is Carmel Valley done good. Thanks to a 2019 sale to ag giant Taylor Farms, Earthbound products can now be found all over. But a visit to the company’s Carmel Valley farmstand is like going back in time to when the organic farm, founded in 1984, was still just 2.5 acres farmed by local people. Sit outside in the sun and enjoy prepared salads, smoothies and more, or pick up produce to take home. Either way, it’s a delicious slice of local history. Best Wine Market Star Market 1275 S. Main St., Salinas (831) 422-3961, starmarket.com In Cannery Row Steinbeck makes frequent references to Lee Chong’s Market, which was the go-to place for Doc, Mack and his cronies. Think of Star Market as the present-day version. A family owned and fully independent local grocery store for a half-century, Star Market boasts a full inventory of everyday items along with the finest selection of wines and meats as voted on by Weekly readers. Victor Kong oversees the wine department, and is always quick to offer a suggestion (usually a local one), while Robert Harp oversees the butcher operation, which offers housemade marinades and custom cuts that Doc and the boys at the Palace Flophouse would surely appreciate. Best Selection Of Liquor Total Wine & More Sand Dollar Shopping Center, 808 Playa Ave., Sand City (831) 920-0154, totalwine.com Say there was a person so universally liked in a community that there was general consensus that someone should throw him a party. That’s where Total Wine & More comes in handy. Yes, the store is also great for quick purchases, but if you want to throw a bash so memorable it winds up in the literary annals, Total Wine & More is it—not only because they stock dozens of labels in every varietal, every spirit and every style of beer, but also because they can deliver. But note: You’ll have to go elsewhere for a bottle of Old Tennis Shoe. Best Hardware Store Pacific Grove Hardware 229 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 646-9144 It’s been said Steinbeck spent some of the happiest years of his life living in Pacific Grove—he lived in his family’s summer cottage at 147 Eleventh St. for a time. If he was alive today and still living in P.G., he’d probably get all his nails, screws, paints, tools and other items to spruce up the cottage from Pacific Grove Hardware. The small but mighty store features a knowledgeable staff that seemingly can answer all questions related to fixing things around the house and yard. It’s a big reason why readers vote for it year after year as their favorite hardware store. Steinbeck would approve. Best Lumberyard Hayward Lumber 429 Front St., Salinas, (831) 754-3300 1140 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove, (831) 373-1326 haywardlumber.com Before becoming a successful writer of short stories and novels, John Steinbeck tried his hand at construction. Lucky for us, he ditched the life of a laborer in order to introduce us to many memorable workers. Had he gone into the construction business mcweekly.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2023 57 Hayashi Wayland team members have joined CLA. Now offering greater opportunities to our team, our clients, and our communities. CPAs | CONSULTANTS | WEALTH ADVISORS We’ll get you there. CLAconnect.com ©2023 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Pacific Grove Hardware 229 Forest Avenue • 646-9144 •Locally Owned and Operated Open Mon-Sun 8am-5pm for your Home & Garden needs Excellent & Knowledgeable Customer Service Tool Rentals Paint Matching Knife Sharpening Key Duplication Free Local Delivery Celebrating 44Years! Take $5 off $25 or more regular item with this coupon - exp 11.30.23 Hardware Store Your Hometown for voting us Best Hardware Store! Thank you e 2009– 2023
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