36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 1-7, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CHILL A haunting dread falls over your palate from the first sip. The cocktail is like a creaky old house on the cusp of darkness. You cannot help a sense of foreboding, creeping over the palate as bitter notes echo through the woods. And you cannot wait for the next sip. This is Cathy Ames’ Kiss, a new cocktail at Jacks Monterey inspired by the cunningly cruel antagonist in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Given the character, it’s a thoughtful creation—lacking in sweetness, but not in intrigue. Bulleit Rye lends a recognizable rasp, but the impulses that follow are more elusive. Under scorched wood and raw honey of the whiskey are suggestions of blackberry and dark chocolate that are vaguely plush and welcoming, like a promise. Yet there is something unsettling—a parched, herbaceous whisper that resonates, reminiscent of Ames’ sinister nature. This last is the work of absinthe, but keep in mind that her character is capable of charm—the role of blackberry liqueur and crème de cacao in the recipe. Bartender Tuyet Vitacca could have honored others from the novel, but few are so absorbing. Cathy Ames’ Kiss is timed for the streaming release of East of Eden on Netflix (Vitacca was inspired by the novel, not by the streaming service) on Oct. 1 and would work nicely as a precursor. In the struggle cast by Steinbeck over the wiles of free will, this cocktail is a charming evil you embrace. Jacks Monterey, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 649-4511, portolahotel.com. Take Ames An East of Eden-themed cocktail at Jacks is a welcome and a warning in one glass. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink 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 ’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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BAD BEAT JOKER JACKPOT PAYS UP TO $45,000 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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