www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 20-26, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 CHILL “Nobody wants an Old Fashioned for breakfast.” While absolutes can be troublesome—there may be someone out there who demands a 100proof jolt at 7am—it’s hard to dispute Joe Valencia’s assumption. After all, the director of food and beverage at The C Restaurant + Bar on Cannery Row is a hospitality veteran. But he also knows that in an era of cocktail innovation, conceding the morning hours to Bloody Marys and Mimosas is a missed opportunity. The C is one of a few establishments with a list of dedicated craft breakfast cocktails. Currently the options include three straight up, a couple on the rocks and a trio warmed by steamed milk. The Nutty Irishman is a forgotten classic that weaves bittersweet and mellow flavors with a sensation of freshly-cracked hazelnuts as espresso interacts with Frangelico liqueur. “That’s been around for a long time,” Valencia says of the play on Irish Coffee. “I just don’t think anyone makes it anymore.” If the caffeinated drink awakens the body, the brazen InterContinental Drift alerts the palate. A simple concoction of Don Julio blanco tequila, fresh lemon juice and a muddled kiwi, the spritely citrus dances across the senses like a liquid amuse bouche. But is the world ready for breakfast cocktails? Yes. “Especially on the weekends,” Valencia says. The C Restaurant + Bar, 750 Cannery Row (InterContinental The Clement Hotel), Monterey. 375-4500, thecrestaurant-monterey.com. First Call The C Restaurant’s breakfast cocktail menu brings meaning to ‘top of the morning.’ By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES Spanish Guitar by Cat Broz 5-8pm Thursdays & Fridays VALIDATED PARKING 136 OLIVIER ST. MONTEREY NEAR OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF (831) 644-9007 WWW.BENIHANA.COM OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL ♦ 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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