www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 41 CHILL You can wager on The Puma (not a cat) or Right to Party (please invite us) or Emerging Market (note that this column does not offer investing advice). All are horses, and all are racing in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2. And for just $2, the chance to win can be yours, no fancy hat required. Monterey Bay Race Place operates regularly on race days, ThursdaysSundays, but mint juleps—with housemade simple syrup to sweeten the bourbon—are a special for the Kentucky Derby. (And of course you are welcome to wear your derby hat.) While most race days bring 50 to 75 people in the door, this famous horse race usually draws closer to 400. Some people stop by just to place a bet (doors open at 8am on May 2), while others make a day of it. As staff, Kelly Violini-Rodoni, CEO of the Monterey County Fair, cannot place bets herself, but she’s forthright about what her priorities would be: “How cool their name is or what color they are.” (Silent Tactic, Pavlovian and Further Ado are all in the running.) Most importantly, she notes, Derby Day is a chance to be part of a great American tradition at a price that won’t break the bank. “The guys there always tell me, you want to go for the popular horse, but if you go for the one with the worst odds, you can win the most money,” Violini says. “And for $2, you’re not going to be poor if you lose.” Monterey Bay Race Place is at the Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $12 admission; betting is cash only. (831) 372-5863, montereycountyfair.com. Dark Horse The bar at Monterey County Fairgrounds comes alive on race days, especially the Kentucky Derby. By Sara Rubin SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com 146 12TH STREET • PACIFIC GROVE Kalos Music inspired by maritime traditions of Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia and North America. Featuring Ryan McKasson on fiddle and viola, Eric McDonald on guitar, mandolin, and lead vocals, and Jeremiah McLane on accordion and piano. SUN. MAY 3•3PM Doors Open at 2:30pm AdvAnce tickets AvAilAble At www.celticsociety.org $30 Adv/35 door kids (12 and under) $12 Adv/15 door For more info call or text 831-224-3819 Mom deserves the best. Enjoy an unforgettable brunch buffet featuring Maine Lobster Benedict, fresh oysters, sushi, carving stations, and decadent house-made desserts The scenic C restaurant overlooks a spectacular waterfront setting on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Do you live an InterContinental life? 750 Cannery Row, Monterey 831.642.2013 www.ictheclementmonterey.com Blue meets blue at the C restaurant + bar Located next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium 750 Cannery Row Monterey, California 93940 831.375.4500 www.ictheclementmonterey.com The reimagined C restaurant overlooks a spectacular waterfront setting on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The C restaurant + bar, where every table o ers a blue water view. Serving breakfast and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Located at InterContinental The Clement Monterey, a 208 room hotel on historic Cannery Row. Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Sunday, May 10, 11am - 2pm news talk insight a community service of CSU Monterey Bay 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 11:30am Mon—Fri 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com (831) 643-9525 scan QR code for menu INDOOR + PATIO, DINE IN and TAKEOUT MONTEREY DINING DINNER, LUNCH, BRUNCH MAKE YOUR MOTHER’S DAY RESERVATIONS NOW! DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY (HOUR) DAILY 4-6PM LIVE MUSIC TUESDAYS 6-8PM
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