www.montereycountynow.com FEBRUARY 20-26, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 CHILL Informed that the place was out of whipping cream, a guest at Del Monte Bar & Grill quickly changed her order. “That’s the best part,” she explained to the bartender. Most Irish coffees are indeed finished with a swirl of whipped cream. It’s not just decorative, but lends a plush extravagance to what is essentially a cup of coffee spiked with whiskey, a simple winter warmer. Yet the early editions of the cocktail featured cream—sometimes lightly frothed, but not beaten stiff—floated on the brew. Admittedly, a clear mug topped by whipped cream would make for a more appealing image. Otherwise, however, there’s nothing lost when it comes to the “Twice Irish Coffee” at the clubhouse grill. That’s because in addition to whiskey, the recipe includes a dose of Baileys Irish Cream for a rich sweetness with a soft touch of vanilla. The liqueur offers a genteel hand to the spicy oak, nutty grain and burnished citrus notes of Jameson’s—no need for added sugar. An even burn of alcohol sits well with the warmth and bitter edges of the coffee. It’s this sense of pause and comfort in a mug that first gained the affection of weary travelers. While there is some debate, the common origin story involves chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes Airport in neutral Ireland, first pouring the drink in 1943. In the ’50s a travel writer and bartender at The Buena Vista in San Francisco sought to recreate Irish coffee, or so the story goes. It’s a welcome warmup, whether with cream or Baileys. Del Monte Bar & Grill, 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey. 642-4684, pebblebeach.com. Cream Crop Del Monte Bar & Grill doubles up on Irish coffee, even when there’s no whipped cream. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES Locals’ Favorite: Weekly Specials & Patio Dining Tapas Happy Hour, 4:30–6pm | Dinner starting at 4:30pm Brunch Saturday & Sunday 9am–1:30pm | Open for Breakfast daily Reservations recommended 831-375-0176. estebanrestaurant.com Adjacent to Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa | 700 Munras Ave., Monterey 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 831-324-4282 110 Central Ave, Pacific Grove www.ilvecchiorestaurant.com Now ServiNg weekeNd BruNch 8am-11:30am Lunch 11:30am -2pm dinner 5pm-9pm 146 12TH STREET • PACIFIC GROVE TÉADA Direct from Sligo, the brilliant worldrenowned Irish band Téada performs lively traditional tunes with exciting musicianship and magical dancing. SUNDAY, MARCH 2 • 3PM Doors open at 2:30pm BRENDAN DUFFY TickeTs now available aT www.celTicsocieTy.org $30 advance / $35 door kids’ pricing available. For additional information, Call or text 831-224-3819 for more info. www.stmarysbythesea.org
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