48 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL Is there a better remedy for a gray and dripping day than hot chocolate? Perhaps, but few others could be so cozy. And if you ask for a large version at Sweet Elena’s in Sand City, you get a load of comfort in return. While smaller orders come in mugs, the large is frothed and then poured into a bowl—actual two-fisted drinking, because it is nearly impossible to manage with one hand. The chocolate is rich and soothing, with just a touch of sweetness and an elusive haze of spice. Marshmallows would tip the balance of chocolate and sugar. So here you can get a dollop of whipped cream, like a pillow of cashmere. It’s nothing fancy—just warmth and a sense of reassurance in a bowl. If there is a secret, it’s that the crew at Sweet Elena’s make their own drinking chocolate, taking the small extra step. In the long history of chocolate drinks, dating back to the Olmec, Mayan and Aztec civilizations, hot chocolate as we know it is a relatively recent creation. It is said that Cortez brought the mixture of cocoa and water to Spain. But it wasn’t until the 1700s that chocolate met steaming milk. Unfortunately, the drink devolved into indifferent powder shaken from a pouch. This, however, is not a sappy coating of sugar. Instead, the sensation of chocolate is genteel. You want to sit with a Sweet Elena’s hot chocolate and allow it to console your mind on a dreary morning. It’s hard to top that. Sweet Elena’s Bakery & Cafe, 455 Olympia Ave., Sand City. 393-2063, sweetelenas.com. Warm Up A large hot chocolate at Sweet Elena’s is like an extra helping of comfort. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES ♦ 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 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Live Spanish Guitar Music, Thursday & Friday 5-8pm Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 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 Sun-Thurs 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-’24 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 ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! 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 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 ’24 Best Steak
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==