www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 2-8, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL What should cross one’s mind when a bartender christens a cocktail in your honor? Boasting about it to friends—strangers, too—is an option. On the other hand, perhaps it says something about your drinking habits. Either way, the Faries-Schmalz Conundrum at Estéban Restaurant is a clever blend of cool, tropical bliss and titillating spice. Prepared from eight ingredients—10 if you count the rub on the rim—it is brisk and welcoming on the palate, with refreshing notes of pineapple, kiwi and lime that come across more easygoing than tart, as well as a soft whisper of banana. Ah, but there is a more mischievous side that emerges in hints of bittersweet grass and peppery herbs, a tingle of ginger here and a resinous bite there. The rub of salt and white pepper gives this kindling, and the embers linger. Longtime mixologist Anthony Vitacca layers all of this through Patron Silver tequila and Banhez mezcal, for a mild-mannered, fruity foundation with wafts of toasted agave. Velvet Falernum begins the spicy flare, aided by Green Chartreuse and Ancho Verde, which also toss an herbaceousness into the mix. There’s more, of course, but I will add that Schmalz recognizes former Weekly staff writer Dave Schmalz. The cocktail is one of nine new alcoholic creations on the Estéban spring menu, as well as three new mocktails. But this particular cocktail—well, it’s a crisp, fresh, earthy, flickering conundrum. Estéban Restaurant, 700 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-0176, estebanrestaurant.com. Name It The new spring cocktail list at Estéban includes one of particular interest. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES 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 Carmel Tasting Room San Carlos & 7th • 831.626.WINE (9463) Estate Winery & Tasting Room 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield SCHEIDVINEYARDS.COM Enjoyfriends. sips. Pouring daily from 12pm OCEAN AVE 7TH AVE 8TH AVE MISSION ST Carmel Plaza Sunset Community & Cultural Center SAN CARLOS ST DOLORES ST
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