What does anyone really mean when they use the phrase “dining scene”? We might as well ask why chicken became the go-to point of comparison for all unfamiliar foods. And yet, Monterey County is home to a rich and varied dining scene—one that is evolving and improving. What’s new? As the first of the 2023 wines are released, expectations for quality are high. New-ish is the interest in craft lager beers by local brewmasters. The style has been around for centuries. Yet small-batch breweries had been more interested in IPAs, sours and other styles until recently. What’s trendy? Almond croissants, for one. Just about every bakery offers them and they generally sell out. Mocktails are a recent phenomenon, as well, with many bartenders granting them the care of a mixologist. What hasn’t changed is our craving for fish tacos. And with so much fresh seafood available, it’s no wonder they remain a staple—whether fried, grilled or blackened. There are many dining experiences to be had in Monterey County. Did you realize, for example, that in an area spotted Duck hooked on Tacos 10 | Pastry Goes nuts 16 | nothing To see here 20 Making The scene 26 | Vintage year 32 | Cellar Dwellars 38 Don’t Mock It 42 | signature Dishes 46 | signature Drinks 58 Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Editor Sara Rubin Project Editor Dave Faries Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Erik Chalhoub, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Pope˛da, David Schmalz Photographer Daniel Dreifuss Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Photo by Daniel Dreifuss The table is set at Nicolás Cocina de Herencia in Carmel. The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2024. No portion may be reproduced. 831-394-5656. www.mcweekly.com. INSIDE known for its vistas, some of the best outdoor dining places offer nothing in the way of a view? With this guide we celebrate just a sliver of the dining scene. But we hope that in these pages you find some inspiration. -Dave Faries 8 The Best of Monterey Bay ® EAT + DRINK 2024-2025 SIGN UP TODAY: mcweekly.com/signup FRESH, LOCAL NEWS SERVED DAILY Arts Culture Food News and More DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY MCNOW_1-3v_ED24_kpr.indd 1 4/18/24 12:15 PM 8.indd 1 4/19/24 1:17 PM
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