delicacies from the surf. The fare from the turf is equally superb, and the dogfriendly patio is an idyllic spot to enjoy a brunch or sunset dinner. The setting is matched by the taste and quality of the ingredients, many of which are locally sourced. It’s another unique gem. SWEET ELENA’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ 465 Olympic Ave., Sand City 393-2063, sweetelenas.com Sweet Elena’s founder Elena Salsedo Steele may have retired in 2022, but it’s still a bakery par excellence, and among other things, features what many consider the county’s best almond croissants. The reason the quality hasn’t fallen off is Salsedo Steele recruited a protegé, Katy Matias, and taught her everything she knows. And while it might not say much to be the best restaurant in tiny Sand City—it’s the only restaurant in Sand City that is not a chain franchise—Sweet Elena’s would shine no matter where it’s located. Its outdoor patio is different. The vibe is Sand City’s industrial area, with the blank back wall of Home Depot looming. But it faces south and is splashed with sun for hours every day (again, when it’s not shrouded). One can sense the ocean just to west of the Highway 1 din, but Olympic Avenue is a side street with virtually no traffic, apart from what is headed toward the bakery. It’s a place that deserves even more love than it gets, but for the locals who are regulars, they probably like it just fine as is. WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM 25 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM DINNER FROM 4PM DAILY CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING OVERLOOKING LOVERS POINT BEACH Experience one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most enchanting dining destinations. ’14 Voted Monterey County’s Best New Restaurant BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ BeachHouse_1-3s_ED24_GK.indd 1 4/17/24 3:45 PM Fisherman’s WharF’s neWest restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches and Cocktails with Great Views of Monterey Bay Open Daily at 11:30am At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 f P 25.indd 1 4/18/24 4:38 PM
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