www.montereycountyweekly.com APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 CHILL Joe Valencia is a seasoned bar veteran and director of food and beverage at The C Restaurant + Bar on Cannery Row. But he really didn’t need all of that experience to spot a trend. “We noticed everyone was ordering espresso martinis,” he says. “Let’s capitalize on that.” Smart move. According to data gathered by Nielsen IQ, the espresso martini broke the cocktail top 10 in 2022 and jumped to sixth a year ago. The bar’s lineup illustrates just why the cocktail has become so popular. While their classic version is smooth and easy-sipping, with a haunting wail of coffee, the espresso martini is capable of more. For instance, the New Age welcomes Bailey’s, chocolate liqueur and chocolate bitters to the party for a creamy sensation that mutes coffee’s bitter streak. South of the Border delivers a notion of citrus zest thanks to a dash of orange bitters that underscores the coffee while tequila and chili liqueur provide a raspy kick. The All Nighter zeroes back in on the coffee. “The idea is that it’s a little more robust,” explains The C bartender Luis Salinas. And with a double shot of espresso and a dollop of coffee liqueur, it is swarthy and stout. “If you’re a coffee drinker, that’s the one you go for,” he adds. Yet there is dimension to this version, as well—a plush, creamy foam and a gentle nip of citrus give it a bright, genteel edge. The bar has elevated the trendy cocktail. And that’s a great thing. The C Restaurant + Bar, Clement Monterey Hotel, 750 Cannery Row, Monterey. 3754800, thecrestaurantmonterey.com. Coffee Klatsch The bar at C Restaurant shakes up a trend with four distinct espresso martinis. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@mcweekly.com DAVE FARIES Indoor and outdoor dInIng and takeout Eat + Drink Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH May 12, 9am-2pm Reserve Now! 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com 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 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 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 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 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 ’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! 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 ♦ 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
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