Posts from — May 2011

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here to tell you that salad heaven exists – and it comes with three different kinds of pudding and a gorgeous view. I ascended to vegetable Nirvana last week when I drove out to Balesteri’s at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch to make my acquaintance with what may be the longest salad bar in Monterey County. All 28 feet of it!

A salad bar so big, it won't fit into one picture.

This all-you-can-eat extravaganza brings it with over 65 farm-fresh items. You could eat at this salad bar every day of the year and never eat the same salad twice. Vegetarians can fill their plates with garbanzo beans, cucumbers, mushrooms, onions, two kinds of olives, pumpkin seeds, peas, and more – and many of the veggies are organic. Meat eaters can get their carnivore on with diced turkey, diced ham, albacore tuna, bacon bits and even more meat-tastic items. Since sometimes the best salads are the ones you don’t have to make, Balesteri’s also has many pre-prepared salads, including Chinese chicken salad, Italian sausage salad and a seafood salad with no defined nationality.

Seafood salads, pasta salads, beef salads...so many choices!

Being practiced in the art of salad bar hunting and gathering, I piled my plate high with three different kinds of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sunflower seeds, cucumbers and three different kinds of cheese (so much for that diet!). I grabbed a fluffy dinner roll to make sure I covered the grain food group, and carefully carried my precariously balanced meal back to my table, from which I could enjoy sweeping view of the green hills around Laguna Seca Golf Ranch.

Mom would approve of this lunch.

Clearly, Balesteri’s is getting its veggies straight from the source, because every piece of produce tasted like it had traveled straight from the field to my plate, with a brief stop to rinse off the dirt in between. Every bite was crisp and flavorful – and did I mention the three different kinds of cheese? And the sunflower seeds? This lunch salad felt like an indulgence. I thought my eyes had been bigger than my stomach, but faster than you can say “romaine!” my plate was clear.

My virtuous fruit-filled dessert.

Naturally, I returned to the salad bar for round two – dessert. The pudding looked delicious, but remembering that bikini season is almost upon us, I instead piled my dessert plate with luscious kiwi slices, pineapple cubes and watermelon bits. Every bite of fruit was so fresh and flavorful that I didn’t feel in the least deprived. But next time, chocolate pudding, it’s gonna be you and me.

Balesteri’s at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch
10520 York Road
Monterey, CA 93940
831-373-3701 x3

All Weekend

You will have a few chances this weekend to catch the science fiction production A Number at Circle Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea!  The story is told from a father and his sons and addresses tragic and dark issues in human cloning. Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Monte Verde St. and 8th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets $7-$35.

The Chris Robinson Brotherhood and special guest Howlin Rain will play on Saturday and Sunday nights at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur. Chris Robinson, formerly of the Black Crowes, will bring down the house with his folk and psychedelic styles. Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm, Highway One, Big Sur. $22.

Friday

The Don Pendergrass Trio will play tonight at Santa Lucia Cafe. The trio will perform smooth jazz and R&B hits using keys, bass and drums. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

Big Sur’s Henry Miller Library will feature a special presentation and screening of the The Wrecking Crew. “The Wrecking Crew” was the name given to a group of 20 to 30 studio musicians used in the LA recording industry during the ‘60s. The group created records with Elvis Presley, Herb Alpert, the Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Frank Sinatra, and the Monkees among many others. This documentary was made by Denny Tedesco (son of famous guitarist Tommy Tedesco) and includes interviews with many of the living members of the Wrecking Crew. 7:30, Highway One, Big Sur. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Circle Theatre in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea will feature a performance of Eurydice tonight. This modernized story comes from the Greek myth of Orpheus. The plot takes Eurydice on a journey through life and death and when she is reunited with her father in the Underworld she must choose between the land of the living or the dead. 7:30pm, Monte Verde St. and 8th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets $7-$35.

The Wharf Rats will be jamming tonight at Bullwacker’s! These locals will play covers of the greatest songs in blues, classic rock and southern rock! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Rex Wheeler will be back at London Bridge Pub tonight. Grab a beer and listen to his electric acoustic jams. 9pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Saturday

Don’t miss the Roger Eddy Duo at Santa Lucia Cafe tonight! The duo will slow things down with a little jazz and R&B. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

Rock out at the Sunset Center tonight with a special concert, Ricky Nelson Remembered. Ricky’s twin boys,  Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, will play a tribute to their father and play some of his classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s. 8pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets $39-$58.

Get wild at Bullwacker’s tonight with the Wild Turkeys! This energized group will play classic rock hits from the Black Crowes, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and more! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Head to Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur for a concert from Sparrows Gate! Their sound is an acoustic blend of southern rock and folk. Come early and enjoy dinner at the Redwood Grill Restaurant! 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. No cover.

A Band of Ninjas will once again grace the stage at London Bridge Pub tonight.  They will mix things up with a little bit of classic rock, country, pop and more! 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Sunday

Set out on a hike into the Redwood Canyon and along Garzas Creek with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. Visitors should expect to see tons of wildflowers, ferns, redwoods and an explosion of color! The hike is 3.3 miles and will last approximately 2-3 hours. Don’t forget good shoes, water and snacks! 9am, East Garzas Trailhead, Garland Ranch Regional Park, Carmel Valley.

Don’t miss Sunday Music by the River at Big Sur River Inn! Carmel Valley locals, The Cachagua Boys will play a little Cajun and folk flair on the patio this afternoon! 1pm-5pm, Highway One at Pheneger Creek, Big Sur. No cover.

Some of the best wine in Carmel Valley is poured at a location so unassuming from the outside that it’s almost undercover. Bernardus Lodge may be nestled amidst the grapevines, but to taste the magnificent end product made from those grapes, head two miles east to the Bernardus Winery tasting room, located in the former Bank of America building in Carmel Valley Village.

The undercover exterior of the Bernardus Winery tasting room.

While the exterior may be low-key, the luxe wood paneling throughout the interior makes the tasting room feel like a rich man’s wine cellar. Fittingly, the bulk of the wine is stored in the former bank vault.

The tasting room at Bernardus feels like a rich man's wine cellar.

The Bernardus tasting room is staffed with associates as generous and knowledgeable as they are hilarious. They’re also as interested as they are interesting; they engage with every customer in a way that makes tasters feel like they’re special rather than another anonymous wine drinker. In between the sips and the laughs, you’re sure to learn a lot about wine. Our tasting crew learned, for example, that the British call sauvignon blanc “savvy b” and that high-end pinot noirs tend to be bottled in fat Burgundy-style bottles.

Owner Ben Pon’s goal was to make wines that rival the finest traditional wines. With Burgundian-trained winemaker Dean DeKorth at the helm, the traditional characteristics really come to the forefront. The wines are flavorful and nuanced, with a surprisingly delicate quality to them.

The Bernardus Winery tasting room offers multiple tasting menus, depending on your interests. Generous pours ensure that you’ll be able to savor the wine and make an educated decision when you’re ready to purchase.

Bernardus Winery: wines worth savoring.

On some days, you may be lucky enough to try something that isn’t on the menu. Our group had the luck to sample the exquisite 2004 Estate Vineyard Swan Block Merlot and taste a sneak preview of a buttery not-yet-on-the-menu 2009 Chardonnay. Were they worth bringing home? Let’s just say our wallets were a little lighter and our car trunk a little heavier on the way out.

Bernardus Winery
5 West Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, California 93924 [map]
Phone: 831-298-8021

All Weekend

The Coastal Living Lounge at Cooking For Solutions 2010

Celebrate sustainable food and wine with the Monterey Bay Aquarium at Cooking for Solutions. Celebrity chefs known for their work promoting sustainable food will present demonstrations and host events throughout the weekend. The event will feature Chef of the Year Rick Moonen, Food Network star Robert Irvine, Iron Chef America commentator Alton Brown and more! These all-stars will be featured in several events including a gala, food and wine adventures, a special champagne breakfast and more! Friday-Sunday, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Click here for ticket information.

It’s a race weekend at the Mazada Raceway Laguna Seca! The Ferrari Challenge is a fun event not only for the drivers competing, but also to the enthusiasts who enjoy watching these fast vehicles. The races that comprise the Ferrari Challenge include the new Ferrari 458 Challenge (the fifth and latest generation of race-equipped challenge cars) and races from Corse Clienti. This exclusive department features racing among 599XX, FXX and F1 Clienti programs. Friday-Sunday, 1021 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas. Click here for ticket information.

Monterey Rock and Rod Festival

The Monterey County Fairgrounds will be kicking it old school at the 5th annual Monterey Rock & Rod Festival!  Classic cars as well as music from the ‘50s and ‘60s will be the focus of this weekend’s event. Bring the whole family to enjoy plenty of live entertainment, food and views of rare cars. Friday-Sunday, 2004 Fairground Rd., Monterey. Click here for ticket information.

The Evangenitals and Matt Denman will perform both Friday and Saturday nights at Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur!  The Evangenitals are a self-proclaimed “good time band” with a quirky folk and country style. Matt Denman also takes a country and alternative approach to his music. 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. No cover.

Enjoy all things artichoke at the 52nd Castroville Artichoke Festival! The event will include artichoke cooking demos, tours of artichoke farms, an artichoke parade, a farmers’ market, a race through the artichoke fields, a classic car show, live music, a wine exposition and of course artichokes prepared in every way imaginable! Saturday-Sunday, Castroville, CA. $10 for adults and $5 for senior, military and children.

Friday

Hang out at Santa Lucia Café tonight and listen to the Terry Shehorn Trio.  The trio will perform music from the ‘60s, ‘70s as well as R&B hits. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

2010’s Carmel Music Society Piano Competition winner, Irene Kim, will play a free concert tonight at Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Sunset Center. The young and talented artist will play works from Mozart, Schumann, Schubert and Prokofiev. 8pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free admission.

Acoustic rock group A Band of Ninjas will be back for another performance at Bullwacker’s! There will be a little something for everyone, blues, rock, ‘80s, metal, pop and more! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Rex Wheeler will play tonight at London Bridge Pub. Bring your friends to listen to his unique jams. 9pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Saturday

The Carmel Music Society will host its 35th annual Instrumental Competition tonight at the Sunset Center. The competition is open to all instrumentalists in California, Oregon and Washington for those ages 18-30. The eight finalists will compete throughout the day and the top three prize winners will perform their award winning piece at 8pm. 10am-10pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free admission.

Santa Lucia Café will be the place to be tonight as the Kenny Stahl Trio takes the stage. Their soothing jazz tones are the perfect soundtrack for an appetizer and glass of wine. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

Caryl Churchill’s science fiction production, A Number, officially opens tonight at Circle Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea!  The dark and tragic performance addresses human cloning and the theory of nature vs. nurture told through a father and his sons. 7:30pm, Monte Verde St. and 8th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets $7-$35.

Jose’s Underground Lounge will be the place to be tonight with a line-up of three rock bands! The Midnight Callers, The Parties and Time & Energy will take turns jamming to an audience tonight. 8pm, 638 Wave St., Monterey.

Get funky tonight at Bullwacker’s with Matt Masih & the Messengers! The 6-piece jam band plays down to earth lyrics inspired by funk, reggae and soul. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Blues and rock cover band  the Dumpster Dandies will perform tonight at London Bridge Pub! Don’t miss their rendition on all of your favorite rock n’ roll and blues favorites.  9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Sunday

Eurydice will take the stage today at Pacific Repertory’s Circle Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The play is based on the Greek myth of Orpheus which takes Eurydice to Hades where she is reunited with her father. Will she choose to stay in the Underworld or return to the land of the living? Don’t miss it! 2pm, Monte Verde St. and 8th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets $7-$35.

The Monterey Symphony will perform Concert Seven this afternoon at the Sunset Center. Music Director Max Bragado-Darman will conclude the season with a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. 3pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets $38-$78.

Henry Miller Library in Big Sur will host S. Carey, formerly of Bon Iver, tonight. Sean Carey debuted his solo album All We Grow, which sticks to a chamber pop and indie folk genre. His vocals and instrument choices create a soothing ambiance. 6pm, Highway 1, Big Sur. Tickets $25 plus fees.

When I spend time in a great outdoorsy spot like Big Sur, I want the kind of breakfast like my grandmother might have made. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant serves exactly that kind of food – that is, if my grandmother was a phenomenal chef serving up stick-to-your-ribs yummies to the loggers who lived here a century ago.

The postcard-perfect Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Restaurant

The restaurant, backed by pines and redwoods with flowers covering the front walls, looks like Grandfather’s house in the mountains in “Heidi.” I got a little choked up as I read the engraved board on the front step, laid in by the owners so long ago: “I and my wife are here in pursuit of happiness as we exist for good.” Pursuing my own dining happiness, I walked inside.

The interior is like Grandma's dining room, if Grandma's dining room was big enough to serve 30.

Deetjen’s is just as cozy on the inside as it looks on the outside. It’s like the restaurant was built by the ideal version of a country grandma. Every table is like sitting around the dining table at a rustic farmhouse, and the walls are decorated with plates, paintings and tchotchkes from around the world. Our waitress gave me a warm welcome, sat myself and my dining companion in front of a warm fireplace, and warmed our cups with some piping hot coffee.

A toasty fireplace and lovely views out the window. What could be better?

Locals joint? You betcha. On one side of me were two massage therapists from Esalen discussing their connection with the Goddess; on the other side was a chef from Post Ranch Inn and her family enjoying a one-day-delayed Mother’s Day brunch. Clearly, my hungry stomach was going to be in good hands!

Any plans I had for a low-cal breakfast flew out the window as soon as I locked eyes on the sourdough French toast on the menu. I convinced myself that my morning hike had pre-emptively burned all the calories I was about to consume, and threw caution to the wind. My dining buddy had made his choice even before he sat down, having heard his guy-pals rhapsodize about the eggs Benedict for months.

Eggs Benedict a la Deetjen's. My dining companion could not resist its tempting smells.

The eggs Benedict, it turns out, is all that and a side of hash browns. My pal began composing a sonnet singing its praises on the spot. The eggs were perfectly poached on top of a tasty slab of Canadian bacon. A generous helping of creamy, tangy Hollandaise sauce topped it off. The crispy, perfectly spiced potatoes on the side were a side order of awesomeness, so good I had to order a plate for myself.

I had planned to take a photo before digging in, but I couldn't stop myself from tasting the French toast before pulling out the camera.

I didn’t need a bite of my friend’s Benny, though; my French toast was a delight of crispy eggy goodness. I had been skeptical that good French toast could be made with sourdough bread as the base, but I was happy to eat my words – and the delicious breakfast in front of me. I’ve never had French toast so rich or crisp. The maple syrup, straight from Vermont, was a dark, thick and flavorful grade B – known to connoisseurs as “the stuff the Vermonters usually keep for themselves.”

When we got the bill, we thought the waitress had accidentally left something out. Only $30 for brunch? For two people? In Big Sur? It’s true – Deetjen’s brunch is as easy on the wallet as it is on the stomach. So order seconds, just to make sure you carbo-load for the day’s hike!

Deetjen’s Big Sur
48865 Highway One
Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-2377
http://www.deetjens.com

California's best campsite: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park campsite number 1. Photo by Mike Rainey.

The two campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur are consistently rated as two of the best on the West Coast. They’re also consistently booked up six months out. Fortunately for me, I visited the State Parks website right when someone else canceled their Sunday night reservation for spot #2, the “South Garden” site. (The next opening, as of this writing? October 4. Book now to avoid disappointment!)

The two amazing spots at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. This shot was taken in front of the porta-pottie with the best view in all of California.

We drove down to Big Sur early in the day, stopping along the way for a couple of side hikes. Once we arrived in Big Sur, we checked in at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The friendly park ranger gave us our official documents and check-in slip, and 20 minutes later we were at our site.

The Most Beautiful Campsites In California

How beautiful is this site? Let’s just say that if Peter Jackson is looking for somewhere outside of New Zealand to shoot The Hobbit, he should come here. No CGI required to make these views look magical! This perch, directly above McWay Falls, has panoramic views of Big Sur’s rocky coastline. (Because you’re directly above the falls, you can’t actually see them, but it’s a short 5-minute hike to get a gander at them.) You can see majestic mountains and beautiful blue ocean, listen to the thunder of McWay Falls and chirping birds, and smell the redwoods, the fresh clean air and a hint of sea spray. This video from 2009 gives a good sense of the campsites:

While site 1 may be closer to the water, site 2 has its own advantages. It’s surrounded by wild mustard flowers, which in turn lure in an amazing number of hummingbirds. I expected the hummingbirds to dart away as we set up camp, but we humans didn’t seem to bother them. They hovered amidst the flowers like little flying jewels.

The park bench has a wonderful view of the coast. Photo by Mike Rainey.

Not only are these campgrounds exquisite; they’re secluded. During the day you may have a few hikers dropping by to check out the view, and nearly every one will ask you how you scored such an amazing spot. But by sundown, the only people in the park will be you, whoever you brought with you, and the campers at the other site. You’ll feel like you’re the only people in the world, especially if your fellow campers are as quiet as our neighbors were.

The sunset view from the path down to the campsites. Photo by Mike Rainey.

As the stars filled the sky, we gathered around our campfire. We heard owls hooting and saw the occasional shadow of a bat flying by. The rumbling waterfall in the distance was like Nature’s white-noise machine as we tucked in for the night; the sound was occasionally punctuated by barking sea lions (if you’ve never heard one, it’s like a duck trying to imitate a dog) and the crash of surf against the rocks.

Sunset view from Site #1. It doesn't get any better than this!

Camping and sleeping late are not normally things that go hand in hand, but the campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns allow for a gentle awakening. We’d expected to awake to the direct laser of the sun’s rays at dawn, but the hill behind the campsite shaded us for hours. We woke up slowly to the sound of squawking birds. The sun didn’t touch our tent until about 9am.

Morning view of McWay Falls. The campsites are up and to the right of the falls.

Camping at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: The Nitty-Gritty

If you’re considering taking the leap from car camping to raw, hike-in camping, these campsites are the perfect intermediate step. At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, there’s no on-site showers, camp store or wi-fi to get between you and a full-on nature experience. If you find you can’t do without any of those things, however, you can head 12 miles north to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, which is loaded with all those amenities.

The Campsites

Though the two campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are listed as unimproved environmental campsites, they have a few of the perks of improved campsites, including a fire pit, a picnic table, a metal storage box and adjacent trash bins and porta-potties. Unlike improved campsites, however, there’s no running water or RV hookups, the sites have not been leveled, and there’s no adjacent parking.

Currently, the plants that surround site 2 have begun to move into the site, as can be seen in the photo below. A 10’ by 10’ tent was a tight squeeze; next time we come (oh, yes, there will be a next time) we’ll bring something smaller.

The vegetation is thick around the camping areas in site number 2.

Travel Light; You’ll Carry Everything In!

All gear must be carried in either from the parking lot (roughly ½ mile away down a gradual slope) or from a spot at the top of the fire road (about 300 very steep yards downhill). This is a big incentive to pack light in order to minimize the back-and-forth, and to stay for longer than an overnight.

The Location

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is 12 miles south of the village of Big Sur, roughly a 20-minute drive. Translation: there will be no quick runs to the corner market to get the firewood, toothpaste or anything else you forgot. You’re only 4 miles north of Esalen, home of amazing hot springs perched on a cliff 50 feet above the ocean. The hot springs are open to the public with a reservation from 1am to 3am every day.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Highway One, 37 miles south of Rio Road in Big Sur
Reserve your campsite at the ReserveAmerica website.

All Weekend

The 18th annual Carmel Art Festival takes place this weekend at Devendorf Park in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This four-day festival will be full of gallery events, lectures, receptions, live musical performances, demonstrations at 43 art galleries and the Plein Air Painting Competition. The Plein Air Competition will begin Thursday; artists will be out and about in Monterey County capturing local scenery by pastel, water color and oils.

Now is your chance to buy your own original piece of artwork! Paintings from the Plein Air Competition and the “Quick Draw” Competition will be on display and for sale on Saturday and Sunday.  Devendorf Park, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free admission.

Come on down to the Salinas Valley Fair and enjoy this old-fashioned fair complete with a carnival, bull riding, 4-H exhibits, live music and much more! The theme this year is “Harvesting our Heritage,” and will include live performances from Gloriana, Curtis and Luckey and the Lost Boys. 11am-10pm, King City. $8 for adults, $6 for youth (ages 6-17) and free for seniors and children under 5.

The circus is coming to town! The American Crown Circus & Circo Osorio will be on at the Monterey County Fairgrounds Friday-Monday performing two shows a night at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Bring the entire family to experience the thrill of the high flying flyers, wire walkers, motorcycle riders of the Globe of Death and don’t forget the circus clowns! $16 for adults (12 and older), two children are admitted free per every paying adult.

Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice will hit Circle Theatre this weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The play takes a modern twist on the Greek myth of Orpheus. The story takes newlywed Eurydice to Hades where she is reunited with her father. Find out whether or not she chooses to stay in the Underworld or return to the land of the living! Previews will be held on Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2pm. The show will officially open on Saturday at 7:30pm and on Sunday at 2pm. Monte Verde St. and 8th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets range $7-$35.

Big Sur’s 3rd annual camping and music event, Hipnic III, will take place this Friday and Saturday. The Campground Stage and Tavern Stage (upstairs) at Fernwood Resort will be packed with entertainment from artists including the Mother Hips, Nicki Bluhm, Sean Hayes, Big Eagle, Sea of Bees, Sweet Chariot and many more! 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. Tickets are available for Friday and Saturday without camping passes.

The Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea will host a free flower show all weekend long!  Visions 2011: California on the Cutting Edge holds a nationally judged competition in flower arrangement, horticulture, photography, conservation and educational exhibits. Lectures are also available with an outstanding lineup of speakers including Charlotte Moss, Rick Darke and Marie-Francoise Déprez. 10am-4pm, San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free admission.

Friday

Take a seat and wind down with the Dino Vera & Tamas Marius Duo tonight at Santa Lucia Café.  The duo will perform jazz and R&B with keys and saxaphone in hand. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

Indie rock band Royal Bear will play tonight at Jose’s Underground Lounge. Their original and catchy lyrics are sure to be a crowd pleaser. 8pm, 638 Wave St., Monterey.

Blind Pass will play a gig tonight on the patio at Bullwacker’s! Gear up to hear them play all the great covers from artists including Sublime, Weezer, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Relax tonight at London Bridge Pub with Rex Wheeler. Rex will play what he is most known for, electric acoustic. 9pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Saturday

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is going on today at Quail Lodge in Carmel! This year’s theme is “A Century of Racing at Isle of Man” which will showcase the finest motorcycles from the past, present and future. There will be a spectacular display of classic sports and racing bikes lined up on the pristine lawn of the driving range at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. The event will also have live entertainment and a fantastic BBQ lunch made with local ingredients. 10:30am-3pm, 8205 Valley Greens Dr, Carmel. Tickets are $65 per person and $15 for children (ages 12 and under). Tickets include admission to the event and lunch.

Who doesn’t like a good Frank Sinatra cover? Come fly away at Santa Lucia Café tonight as they host the John Michael Duo who will play a tribute to the great Frank Sinatra. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

Don’t miss an eventful night at Henry Miller Library in Big Sur! The night will begin and end with a musical performance from the Gabe Rosenn Band with guest Big John Hurt. Between performances, the night will feature a movie screening of Hot Tubs followed by a Q&A from the movie’s director, Gabe Rosenn. The film is a warm-hearted look at the hot tub scene in Santa Barbara during the ’70s. 7:30pm-11pm, Highway 1, Big Sur. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

The Carmel Mission Basilica will be the stage for The Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra and Cantiamo! tonight. The concert will feature George Frideric Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Concerto Grosso in B flat Major. Conductor Dr. John Anderson will also give an “Insights from the Conductor” lecture at 7:30pm, before the concert. 8:30pm, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students.

Local favorites, Cheeky Spanks will get the party started tonight at Bullwacker’s! Step back in time with Jill Childers, John Sherry, Jimmy Rossi and Kirk Edwards as they cover popular jams from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and more! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Get ready to rock out at Jose’s Underground Lounge! Psychedelic rock band the Flaming Telepaths will perform tonight. 9pm, 638 Wave St., Monterey.

Local singer-songwriter duo Trusting Lucy will perform tonight at London Bridge Pub! Witness Linda and Lisa’s incredible harmony and on-stage energy. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Sunday

Join the Del Monte Farmers’ Market today for their opening festivities! The event will include complimentary coffee and cake from Whole Foods, live music and a Zumba demonstration! 8am-12pm, Del Monte Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey. Free admission.

Head out to Kahn Ranch with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District this morning. Kahn Ranch is tucked in the southeastern section of Garland Ranch Park. Hikers will enjoy breathtaking views of a waterfall and be surrounded by spring flowers. The hike is 3.7 miles and is expected to take 2-3 hours. Be sure to bring water, snacks, lunch and good hiking shoes. 9:30am, Kahn Ranch parking lot, Carmel. Call 831-659-6065 to reserve.

Step back in time and enjoy Monterey’s historic treasures and beautiful springtime gardens. This special docent-guided Monterey House & Garden Tour will take visitors to eight different historic homes and gardens. 11am-4pm, Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. Tickets are $25 (cash or check only) and are available at the Monterey Public Library, (831) 646-5601.

Photo Credit: Eric Stern

Bring the family to Monster Truck Jam today at Salinas‘ Sports Complex! There will be plenty of entertainment as well as several food and souvenir vendors! 12pm-5pm. 1034 N. Main St., Salinas. Tickets start at $20.

All Weekend

Friday

Oldtown Salinas will host its monthly First Fridays Arts Walk tonight from 5pm-8pm. Enjoy live local entertainment from Deep Treble, Rebecca Park, J.M Barrie & the Lost Boys and more!  First Fridays will also celebrate May’s National Salad Month! 5pm-8pm, Oldtown Salinas. Free admission.

Head on down to Big Sur and check out Rhett Miller (lead singer of the Old 97’s) at Henry Miller Library! Come see why Rolling Stone Magazine gave Rhett’s most recent solo album four stars, calling it “his strongest solo set ever.” Another singer-songwriter, Robert Francis, will open the show with a set featuring original music with an American rock vibe. Doors open at 6:30pm, show begins at 7:30pm. Henry Miller Library, Hwy 1, Big Sur. Tickets $25.

The Terry Shehorn Trio will play live tonight at Santa Lucia Café.  The trio will perform music influenced by the ’60s, ’70s and R&B. 7pm-10pm, 484 Washington Street, Monterey. No cover.

A Band of Ninjas will rock out tonight at Bullwacker’s! The group will mix it up with ’80s rock, blues and pop. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Don’t miss Rex Wheeler’s electric acoustic tone at London Bridge Pub tonight! Bring your friends! 9pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Saturday

Enjoy an early Saturday morning hike with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District. Hikers will take the Palo Colorado Trail leading to Inspiration Point and will go through coastal chaparral, Monterey pines and ancient oaks. On the 5.5 mile hike spectators will be treated with sweeping views of the Carmel Bay and Santa Lucia mountains. Be sure to bring water, snacks and good hiking shoes. 9am, Palo Corona Barn, Carmel. Call 831-659-6065 to reserve.

Celebrate your Mom a day early at the Del Monte Center during “Celebrate Mama!” Over forty family-friendly businesses and organizations will showcase their best products and services. Several games, crafts and raffles will take place throughout the day. Come early; the first 250 Moms will receive a free goody bag! 10am-3pm, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey. Free admission.

Today is Open House out at The Farm in Salinas! Bring the kids and meet The Farm’s new animals or go out on a hayride around the property. There will also be a puppet show at 11am and 11:30am. 11am, Spreckels exit off of Hwy 68, Salinas. Free admission.

The Monterey Museum of Art will hold an interview style discussion with artist Mari Kloeppel.  At the end of the session the audience will be able to ask a few questions of their own and take a peek at her exhibit, MontereyNow: Mari Kloeppel. 3pm, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey. Free with museum admission.

The Sunset Center will hold a rare musical reunion tonight with former folk rock band mates Al Stewart and Peter White. Al Stewart is best known for his platinum album, Year of the Cat. This reunion is sure to be a good time!  8pm, San Carlos St. and Ninth Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets start at$95 (proceeds to benefit Tyler Heart Institute at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula ).

Central Valley band Lance Canales & the Flood will perform tonight at Jose’s Underground Lounge. The group is known for their unique folk and blues styles with a Native American twist. 8:30pm, 638 Wave St., Monterey.

Bullwacker’s will be the place to be tonight when Chicago Fire and John “Broadway” Tucker take the stage! Come out and enjoy their take on blues, soul and R&B on the patio. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Folk Yeah! presents Persephone’s Bees tonight at Fernwood Tavern! Angelina Moysov and her group will give a rockin’ pop rock performance to crowd of those 21 and older. 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. Advance tickets are $10.

Trained opera singer John Michael will grace a crowd tonight at London Bridge Pub. The Irish native will play music in his unique blend of acoustic, alternative and classical opera. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. No cover.

Sunday

Don’t forget, today is Mother’s Day! Celebrate that mother figure in your life by treating her to one of the many Mother’s Day brunches in Monterey County!

Salinas’ National Steinbeck Museum will be holding a special Mother’s Day brunch with activities for the whole family including a family portrait! Brunch will serve delicious items including fresh carved turkey, scrambled eggs, French toast, salads and desserts. Seating is limited; call (831) 775-4735 to reserve. 10:30am-2:30pm, 1 Main Street, Salinas. $18.95 for adults and $10.95 for children 12 and under.

MY Museum is celebrating Mother’s Day by offering Moms in Monterey County half price admission with a purchase of a children’s ticket. The museum will also be hosting several craft demonstrations throughout the day. 12pm-5pm, 425 Washington St., Monterey.

When a new tasting room opens in Monterey County, it’s as exciting to me as the first day of school was back when I was a little kid. What will the tasting room look like? Will the tasting room associate be friendly? And – most importantly – how good is the wine?

On a recent Saturday, I stopped in at Caraccioli Cellars in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which just opened on January 21. Caraccioli Cellars has managed to nail it right out of the gate with their first vintage, serving up distinctive Burgundian-Chablis-style wines in an atmosphere that’s unique among Carmel tasting rooms.

The tasting bar at Caraccioli Cellars. Scott Caraccioli stands behind the tasting bar.

Scott Caraccioli, who was pouring on the day I tasted, said that he went to great lengths to create the distinctive ambiance of the Si Tyler-designed tasting room. Caraccioli worked with the town government in order to ensure that it would be exactly as he envisioned it. Every detail is perfect, right down to the catchy logo on every wine glass.

Both glasses were supposed to be filled equally for this photo, but my tasting buddy could not restrain himself.

The room, designed to look like a wine cellar, balances warm modernist elements such as the enormous single-piece wooden slab used as the tasting bar with rococo touches such as the cushy armchairs in the front window. It feels like a nightclub that’s almost, but not quite, too cool for me to hang out in.

Scott is young, excited and just as cool as his tasting room. He knows a lot about wine and is enthusiastic about sharing his wisdom and Caraccioli’s story. The Caraccioli family has successfully grown produce outside Gonzales for many years. In 2006, they expanded into viticulture. Their delectable wines prove that this was a brilliant move.

Scott can tell you anything you want to know about his delicious wines.

The tasting led off with two sparkling wines, a brut cuvee and a brut rosé. Caraccioli Cellars may be the only tasting room in Monterey County that offers up two bubblies on its menu. Starting with two separate sparklers makes the entire experience feel like a glamorous special occasion. The wines themselves are worthy of black tie.

Sparkling brut rose at Caraccioli Cellars

Most wineries in Monterey County have a repertoire that’s heavy on the reds. Caraccioli has bucked the trend with a tasting menu that offers almost all white wines. The three still wines on the tasting menu include two high-minerality chardonnays and an exquisite pinot noir, all of which pair well with Caraccioli’s carefully edited menu of small plates.

Any of these wines would make a great gift to take home to friends — especially the kind of friends who like to share their wines. The temptation to keep the wine for yourself will be nigh-irresistible. Better buy an extra bottle!

Caraccioli Cellars
Dolores between Ocean and 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea
831-622-7722

If you’re looking for more information on wine tasting in Monterey County, don’t miss our information on Wine in Monterey County, including exclusive tasting itineraries!

The 2011 Big Sur International Marathon ran a new and unusual route. Due to issues on Highway One, runners ran an out-and-back course that involved a turnaround at Rocky Creek Bridge and a run through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This was the first (and may be the only) time the race route has gone through beautiful Point Lobos.

We got some great shots in the park, as well as along the rest of the course. Check out the photos, and read one team’s inspirational story of perseverence.

A rarity: the Big Sur International Marathon start line and Carmel's famous Boar Crossing sign in the same shot.

5K runners cross the starting line.

Jonah and the Whale Watchers: one of many bands providing entertainment along the route.

Costumed runners wave on their last leg of their run.

A runner races through Point Lobos toward Mile 24.

Runners are framed by exquisite scenery at Point Lobos.

These runners look thrilled to be passing the mile 24 marker.

Intense runners in Point Lobos.

More happy runners heading for the last two miles.

A long line of runners travel past Carmel River State Beach on their way to the finish line.

Runners race down the next-to-last hill.

There are thousands of inspiring stories at the Big Sur International Marathon. We met a group with one of those stories in the middle of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

In 2009, Ann Schrader, Brenda Smart, Rosemary Rovick, Robin Brody and Diana Valenzuela signed up for their first attempt at the Big Sur 9-Miler. After only three miles, they were forced by health issues to drop out of the event. Once again in 2010, they signed up for the Big Sur 9-Miler. That year, they got to the six-mile marker before they reluctantly had to give up.

In 2011, the team signed up once again to walk the 9-Miler. We met them at Point Lobos, where they were just sitting down to take a break. “I think we’re going to make it this year,” said Rosemary, as the team waved off the official car that had been trailing the 9-Milers, offering assistance. They were kind enough to pose for a photo.

The team rests at Point Lobos. Bottom row: Ann Schrader of Pacific Grove and Rosemary Rovick of Watsonville. Middle row: Diana Valenzuela of Salinas and Brenda Smart of Chualar. In back: L. Robin Brody of Seaside

We worked out way back to Rio Road over the next two hours, taking photos along the way. Just a few scant feet from the finish line, we ran into them again! They took a short break so we could take this photo.

From left to right: Ann Schrader of Pacific Grove, Brenda Smart of Chualar, Rosemary Rovick of Watsonville. L. Robin Brody of Seaside and Diana Valenzuela of Salinas.

Congratulations to Ann, Brenda, Rosemary, Robin and Diana for their first year crossing the finish line at the Big Sur International Marathon! Your story of perseverance is a true inspiration.

We have over 100 more photos of the 2011 Big Sur International Marathon. Did you run any of the events? Take a look at our photo set and see if any of the photos are of you!