www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 21-27, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL Tea drinking is often associated with an older set, the hot liquid poured into fine china that one must sip from with their pinky finger sticking out. But in reality, younger people are drinking tea at an increasing rate. Apparently, all that was needed was tapioca balls poured into it. The market for boba tea was estimated at $2.63 billion globally in 2024, and expected to grow to $4.78 billion by 2032. Social media influencers can’t get enough of the cold, sweet tea with the chewy texture of tapioca “bubbles.” At Chopstix in Seaside, brown sugar and jasmine are among the most popular flavors of boba tea. You’ll be handed a straw that is wider than your typical sipper. Even then, those little pearls that line the bottom of your cup may or may not fit through it—expect to eat your tea with a spoon. The Vietnamese restaurant has an extensive menu of flavors—in milk tea or slushy form—that can be paired with the pearls. It can be had with various fruit flavors and others that rise in popularity depending on the season— think peppermint and pumpkin spice. The origins of boba are disputed, even leading to a 10-year legal battle that settled in 2019. Most, however, agree that boba as we know it today was first concocted in 1980s Taiwan. And thanks in part to “Bobalife,” a viral song from a dozen years ago, boba is now a household name in the United States. Chopstix, 1868 Fremont Blvd., Seaside; 1244 Munras Ave., Monterey; 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite D-2A, Carmel; 624 Northridge Mall, Salinas. chopstixboba.com. Blowing Bubbles Tea with tapioca pearls is a winning combination for the social media star known as boba. By Erik Chalhoub SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com ERIK CHALHOUB WOODYSMONTEREYAIRPORT.COM MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT 200 FRED KANE DRIVE MONTEREY 831-373-1232 OPEN 9AM-9PM EVERY DAY CARMEL VALLEY ATHLETIC CLUB 27300 RANCHO SAN CARLOS RD CARMEL (831) 624-2737 OPEN WED-SUN LUNCH AND DINNER DEL MESA CARMEL 500 DEL MESA CARMEL CARMEL VALLEY 831-624-1854 OPEN WED-SUN LUNCH AND DINNER WOODY DON’T KNOW THE LABOR OF DAY... WOODY KNOWS THE LABOR OF LOVE IT’S IN HIS FOOD! STOP IN TODAY FOR THE FRESHEST LOCAL INGREDIENTS, GOURMET FOOD, & REASONABLE PRICES. Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino-a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 44 YEARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks , with Beautiful Harbor Views. THIN CRUST PIZZA SALADS & CALZONES TAKE-OUT TODAY SOURDOUGH PIZZA SEASIDE’S FINEST 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE PASTA & SUBS BEER ON TAP DESSERTS EAST COAST PIZZAS NY style, thin crust w/ butter & garlic. 14” has 6 slices. 18” has 8 slices. WEST COAST PIZZAS SF sourdough crust w/ garlic olive oil. 14” has 6 slices. 18” has 8 slices. STUFFED CALZONES Made from pizza dough, stuffed w/pizza sauce, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of basil. (Onions upon request). 831-899-1762 DELIVERY AVAILABLE DINE-IN TOO
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