www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 5-11, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 43 CHILL Why make a “billionaire” margarita? Because the ingredients are there. By any standard, the so-named cocktail at Jacks Monterey is exceptional—sweet and brisk, with impressions of citrus and blistered agave. It’s a margarita, but there is much more on account. Bartender Tuyet Vitacca starts with Patron El Cielo, a particularly smooth, fruit-forward tequila that also brings hints of cinnamon. Otherwise it’s a conventional preparation, with fresh-squeezed juice, Cointreau and agave. Yet there is something distinct about this margarita. From somewhere notions of toasted oak drift over the palate, along with vanilla, cured fruit and an elusive spice, friendly but with a bite. Meanwhile the squirt of lime, which can be piercing in its verbosity, is much more reticent. Vitacca tried four recipes before deciding to float Martell Blue Swift cognac over the top, a VSOP that breaks tradition with a finish in bourbon casks—and lends nuances that blend well with tequila. “A lot of people order it and say, ‘Wow, that’s different,’” she observes. “The cognac tones down the acidity.” The billionaire margarita at Jacks will stretch one’s credit a bit more, but it is not a gimmick cocktail. (Bars around the country have created cocktail attractions, ranging from $100 to $1,500—some baited with diamonds.) At $30, it’s simply a step up from the routine margarita. Billionaires live pretty well, after all. Jacks Monterey, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (844) 286-3081, portolahotel.com. Bank Shot It may cost a little more, but the billionaire margarita at Jacks is on the money. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES Voted BEST Appetizer/Small Plates ’24 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 Easter Sunday Brunch April 20, 9am-2pm 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 The Garden Song has moved to: 510 Lighthouse Ave. Suite #4 Pacific Grove GRAND OPENING! FIRST FRIDAY PACIFIC GROVE JUNE 6TH, 2025 Jim Lewin Bluegrass Band 6-8 pm for more info call: 831-656-9771 Store CloSing 40% gifts for the Holidays [everything goes] The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday off Sale e d e e d e Store CloSing 40% gifts for the Holidays [everything goes] The Garden Song 225 Forest Ave. Pacific Grove [across from Grove Market] 1-831-656-9771 11:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday off Sale e d e e d e SEASIDE’S FINEST THIN CRUST PIZZA SOURDOUGH PIZZA SALADS &CALZONES • • DRAFT BEER • • DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE 831-899-1762 DELIVERY AVAILABLE
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