38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL Three things catch your attention when Ocean Strike arrives at the table. Few cocktails are so enchanting in appearance, reminiscent of the shimmering pale turquoise tidal lagoons of the Maldives. The exotic fantasy continues with each sip. Yet somewhere in the back of your mind, tapping at these reflections, are more practical notions—but more on that later. It’s an engaging cocktail, but also elusive and contemplative. A sip and it beckons with tropical splendor, tipping between orange zest, fresh lemon and a distant, indistinct floral impression. But it also shows you a bitter tone, with an herbaceousness that both complements the fruit and lends a hint of seaweed in the ocean breeze. Although the inviting hue suggests something light, the cocktail has a creamy presence. Ocean Strike begins with clarified gin, which not only mutes the bite of the spirit, but also gives it a richness. A measure of blue spirulina for color and a grassy note, italicus liqueur, a boost from citric acid and the cocktail is batched at Montrio, where it was created, and portioned to Tarpy’s Roadhouse and Rio Grill. The practicality results from the restaurant group Coastal Roots Hospitality. The owners had the cocktail created in celebration of their partnership with Monterey Bay FC. A dollar from each one sold goes to a local charity, starting with youth soccer nonprofits. So Ocean Strike may help the team in the future, even as it drives fans to drink in the present—which, as it turns out, is a good place to be. coastalrootshospitality.com. Sea Shore A cocktail at Montrio, Tarpy’s and Rio Grill can cause reverie and help fulfill dreams. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 BEST PIZZA ’98-’24 BEST PIZZA PLACE ’25 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’25 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. Now Serving Snake River Farms’ American Wagyu Prime Rib. 763 Wave St., Monterey | 831.373.3778 | thewhalingstation.com ’25 Best Steak Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’25 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates ’25 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY COUNTY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 4:30-6PM & 8-9PM 3-Course Early Menu, $59, 4:30-6pm Daily Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SALADS, SANDWICHES AND MORE 11:30AM MON-FRI, 10AM SAT & SUN melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS Daily 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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