40 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 16-22, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL A hollow impression of citrus poises over the palate—lime, certainly, but lingering at a distance that softens the fruit’s sharp bite. There is a waft of zest with a heft gently applied, and swirling whispers of banana. Such is the daiquiri at Crema. It’s nuanced, yet also balanced, fresh and easy to enjoy. The recipe is simple—just rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. But it tells you much about the cocktail menu. The spirit is distilled nearby, Humboldt Distillery organic rum. The gin used to make the Blue Crush cocktail is Gray Whale, with botanicals picked in Monterey County. Limes juiced in house are a theme, perking up the “Loverita,” the Paloma and other creations. When bartenders must stray for ingredients, the reason becomes clear. The notions of dried fruit and molasses from Appleton Estate Dark Rum, for instance, cozy up to grilled pineapple syrup in the Captain Fernando Ottero. These are beachy cocktails for Crema’s new location. But there are richer options, including espresso-based cocktails and a play on the classic Irish coffee. It’s not an extensive menu, but that allows focus—bright, fresh and breezy for the beachside setting, dark and caffeinated, reflecting Crema’s coffee lineup. Of course, Crema’s iterations were justifiably praised for the Bloody Mary and Ramos gin fizz, and both return. But the daiquiri is a good place to start—perfect, as the menu reminds us, “with sweeping ocean views.” Crema, 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-1300, cremapg.com. Bar Tour Crema’s new cocktail bar features deft, nuanced creations—and a couple of old favorites. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink 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 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 ’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 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 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 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 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 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 ♦ 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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