www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 43 CHILL The combination should not be unexpected in a soda. Mint is a common refresher, after all. And celery… Don’t wince. Long before CocaCola, celery was the soft drink of choice. Not of all that many people, mind you, but the flavor has just enough of a following to keep Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray in deli and grocery shelves for well over a century. The folks at Oystertown, however, make a stronger case for celery sodas. Instead of relying on celery seed extract, they start with fresh stalks, pressing them for the juice. To this they add mint simple syrup and a splash of lemonade. The result is cool and inviting and much more natural. Where Dr. Brown’s has a peppery bite, Oystertown’s celery mint soda brings to mind bright summer days and simple pleasures. A gentle sensation of sweet grass drifts over the palate while fresh mint offers an aromatic nip. The addition of lemonade offers a faint impression of citrus that plays well with the soft salinity of sparkling water. Oystertown’s team finishes the soda to order. The color varies, depending on the stalks themselves. But the experience is the same. It’s as if you are splashing celery over your senses—only better. This is a soda for the waning days of the warming sun. Dr. Brown’s is suited to a crowded deli. Oystertown’s bright, refreshing soda wants to bask on the restaurant’s patio. They have taken celery soda to a new level. Oystertown, 281 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 312-8150, oystertownusa.com. Stalk In The celery mint soda at Oystertown is a refreshing reason to drink your vegetables. By Dave Faries SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DAVE FARIES ♦ 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 The Oven Pizzeria is here to help! Whether it’s a corporate event, family gathering, or a graduation party, we’ve got the perfect pizzas to please everyone. Choose from our classic East Coast thin crust or signature West Coast sourdough for that unique slice. Let us handle the meal, so you can enjoy the time. Craving Pizza? Catering made easy visit www.TheOvenOnBroadway.com for our menu Call us at 831-899-1762 to order! WOODY’S 4 Locations, 4 ways to Experience Chef Tim MONTEREY Open Daily 831.373.1232 9:00a-9:00p CARMEL VALLEY Wed’s - Sun’s 831.624.1854 Weekend Brunch, Lunch & Dinner CARMEL Open Daily 831.620.7371 Seasonal Hours WATSONVILLE Closed Tuesdays 831.722.7077 Lunch & Dinner ALL LOCATIONS FEEL PRIVATE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC We cook, you connect! WOODYSMONTEREYAIRPORT.COM Bringing back good-old hospitality to the 831 FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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