34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com CHILL There is not just a story behind every cocktail on the Pearl Hour menu, almost every ingredient comes with a narrative, as well. For example, the blend of Uncle Nearest rye and Uncle Nearest 1884 whiskey used in the cocktail dubbed Smoke Signal come from a brand related to Nearest Green, the first Black master distiller (he taught some guy named Jack Daniel all about making whiskey). “These bottles represent what we do here,” says Pearl Hour owner Katie Blandin. She is devoted to artisanal products as well as herbs grown on site. “When you have good products, you don’t need many ingredients.” Only four make up Smoke Signal, the last being a sprig of rosemary flamed just before presentation. “It leaves a trail of smoke as you bring it to the table,” observes bartender David Salgado, who created the cocktail. Smoke Signal is rich with notations of honeyed oak and holiday spice, braced by an herbaceous bitter streak and that tingle of rosemary-hued smoke. It speaks of old ways and weary farms and the pause as night descends. Smoke Signal is new to the Pearl Hour menu, as is the Mariposa, one of Blandin’s creations inspired by fresh jasmine. “Once they start blooming, it’s intoxicating,” she says. The cocktail is also haunting—jasmine-infused mezcal creates a delicate, floral specter that wisps and vanishes in a puff of smoke. There are impressions of cured fruits that flit over the palate. And the whole leaves your senses chasing what was there—stories given life in a glass. Pearl Hour, 214 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 657-9947, pearlhour.com. Epic ’Tails Two new cocktails at Pearl Hour tell their own stories, as well as those of the ingredients. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DAVE FARIES Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink 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 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 ’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! 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 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 Indoor, Outdoor Dining & Take Out Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Easter Sunday Brunch March 31, 9am-2pm Reserve Now! 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 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 We Speak German… CARS! Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini-Cooper Using current modern technology our experienced staff will diagnose, maintain and repair your German car. Certified Monterey Bay Green Business 373.5355 249 DelaVina, Monterey www.ccrepairmonterey.com Pacific Grove Hardware 229 Forest Avenue • 646-9144 Locally Owned and Operated OPEN DAILY 8am-5pm Your Hometown Hardware Store take $5 OFF ANY $25 or more regular items With this ad. Exp 3/31/24 One discount per transaction BEST Hardware Store ’09-’23
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