THE 2018 GOLDEN PINE CONES
SINCE 2008, we’ve been asking you — our
readers — for your opinions on the best of everything
Carmel-by-the-Sea and its surroundings have to offer, and you’ve
responded. This year was no exception. About 1,200 of you gave us
your thoughts about who does a swell job of fixing everything from a
tire that’s gone flat to a Rolex with a scratched crystal.
Not only that, but you recommended the finest of sips and bites and
the most beautiful place to walk off all the calories.
You also told us where the best place to get your hair done, a
facial or a mani-pedi, and what music and events are most worth
attending to show off your new look. In all, you shared your
collective wisdom and refined tastes across more than 150
categories, offering a bit of love to local doctors, lawyers,
plumbers and educators along the way.
So now, please pour yourself a glass of wine (plenty of
recommendations await), settle in and read all about this year’s
Golden Pine Cone recipients. We promise there will be no long
speeches, and are relatively certain the Russians haven’t hacked the
voting.
FOOD and WINE AWARDS
• Best Neighborhood Market
• Best
Butcher
• Best
Deli
Bruno’s Market & Delicatessen — NE Junipero and Sixth –
6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily - (831) 624-3821
With all the items you might need from the market — a loaf of bread
from a local bakery, a head of lettuce grown a short distance away,
the best hot sauce or some gourmet ice cream — Bruno’s Market is
everything a corner store should be, and more, with name brands and
basics, house-made and made-to-order. It’s the ideal spot to stop in
for prime steaks to cook for a special occasion, fruit juice for the
kids, or a sandwich made exactly as you like it. Also voted best
butcher, Bruno’s Market’s meat counter carries top-grade beef,
choice cuts of pork and other prime meats, and will custom cut meat
when needed. The back counter is always busy with customers ordering
their generously sized sandwiches and salads for lunch on the go or
a picnic in the park, too. Carmelites always appreciate being able
to walk a few blocks to Bruno’s and find exactly what they need.
• Best Fruits and
Vegetables
Farmers Markets — oldmonterey.org - montereybayfarmers.org -
everyonesharvest.org - westcoastfarmersmarkets.org -
cipponerifamilyfarms.blogspot.com
Why even bother shopping for produce at the grocery store, when any
one of the main Monterey Peninsula farmers markets has better,
fresher goods practically every day of the week? Pine Cone readers
know the best fruits and vegetables are found at their local farmers
markets — and there are plenty. The largest market takes over
Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey on Tuesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. (4
to 7 p.m. in winter), while Monterey Peninsula College hosts a
popular market on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Monterey
Fairgrounds opens Gate 8 on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific
Grove presents a modest Monday afternoon market on Central Avenue
from 4 to 7 p.m. Seasonal markets take place at The Barnyard at the
mouth of the valley on Tuesday mornings and at Del Monte Center in
Monterey on Sunday mornings from May through September. Other small
markets are held on Thursdays on Sixth Avenue in downtown Carmel
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in Carmel Valley Village on Sundays from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The newest addition takes place on recently
revamped Broadway Avenue in Seaside, where a market is held in the
600 block on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Best Seafood
Market
Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurant — 100 The
Crossroads, and 598 Foam St., Monterey - open daily - (831) 626-3626
and (831) 646-0547
A stone’s throw from the Pacific, Sea Harvest market started in 1982
and added restaurants soon after. The markets in Monterey and at the
Crossroads boast the best in fresh seafood daily, from locally
famous Dungeness crab and sand dabs, to halibut, sushi-grade tuna,
locally caught squid, and a wide range of other shellfish and bounty
from the sea. Whether you are served at one of the market
restaurants or take your fish home to prepare yourself, Sea
Harvest’s knowledgeable staff is there to help you select the best
and freshest choices — and offer tips on how to prepare them.
• Best Bakery
Lafayette — The Barnyard Shopping Village – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday - (831) 915-6286
For five years, customers at Lafayette have been treated to the
delicious breads, delicate pastries, beautiful petit fours, flaky
croissants, savory quiches and other baked delights prepared daily
by the Vial family and their staff, who seek to bring a bit of Paris
to Carmel. Lafayette offers espresso drinks, coffee and sandwiches,
as well, and many fans describe it as the best French bakery and
café outside of Paris.
• Best Catering
Company
Aqua Terra Culinary — (831) 657-9790 - aquaterraculinary.com
Offering corporate catering, as well as preparing seasonal and
sustainable dishes for private events for all occasions, Aqua Terra
Culinary was started by executive chef Dory Ford and focuses on
farm-to-table cuisine that’s innovative as well as accessible. Ford
and his team turn out bright and beautiful dishes, and regardless of
size and type, the firm “has the experience, locations, staff and
acumen to professionally cater for events of any size and scope.”
Pine Cone readers have enjoyed Aqua Terra Culinary’s inventive
cuisine and lovely staff at events throughout the Peninsula and have
chosen the caterer as a winner again this year.
• Best Wine Store
Surf N Sand — NE Junipero and Sixth - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday - (831)
624-1805 - surfnsandliquors.com
Store owner Ryan Sanchez has worked tirelessly and built a lot of
solid relationships with producers and distributors to transform his
family’s general store from a spot for picking up chewing gum and
sunblock to the very well-stocked and reasonably priced liquor store
it is today. Its shelves and walls are filled with a wide range of
wines, some hard to find, many produced right here in Monterey
County, and Sanchez takes care to stock a good selection of
half-bottles, too — perfect for a beach picnic or a hike. All that
work helped Sanchez and Surf N Sand unseat longtime Best Wine Store
winner Nielsen Bros. Market this year.
• Best Monterey
County Chardonnay
• Best
Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc
• My
Favorite Monterey County Wine
Bernardus — 5 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley - 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. daily - (831) 298-8021 - bernardus.com
Bernardus Pon launched his namesake winery in Cachagua in 1989, and
while he started with the goal of creating a red wine that would
rival the best of Bordeaux, the Chardonnays, Pinots and other wines
Bernardus produces have also garnered praise from near and far.
Nearest of all, Pine Cone readers selected its Chardonnay and
Sauvignon Blanc as their favorites of those varietals again this
year. Vineyard manager Matt Shea cultivates Bordeaux and Burgundy
grapes at the winery’s estate vineyards in Cachagua and Carmel
Valley, and winemaker Dean DeKorth and his team work hard to produce
the wines that keep fans coming back. This year, Bernardus — a
generous supporter of local charitable events and which has a Carmel
Valley Village tasting room that’s always busy — also adds My
Favorite Monterey County Wine to the feathers in its cap.
• Best Monterey
County Rosé
• Best
Monterey County Pinot Noir
Dawn’s Dream Winery — NW San Carlos and Seventh – noon to 6
p.m. Monday through Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through
Sunday - (831) 659-2649 - dawnsdreamwinery.com
“Rosé all day,” “Yes way, rosé” and other pink-hued phrases have
entered the lingo of wine drinkers everywhere. In Monterey County,
more than a dozen wineries produce a version of this still
underappreciated, versatile, delicious, dry pink wine, and once
again, Dawn’s Dream has emerged as the favorite among local rosés
this year. Owned by Dawn Galante, the winery produces a rosé of
Pinot Noir that offers bright citrus notes and juicy hints of fresh
berries. It’s dry and crisp, while still being layered with flavor,
making it ideal for any occasion. Winemaker Greg Vita also crafts
four different highly regarded pinots for Dawn’s Dream, and this
year, Pine Cone readers decided his were the best of all — a huge
accolade in a county that grows and produces more pinot noir than
anywhere else in the state. Adding to the draw of Dawn’s Dream, the
winery is socially conscious, too, as Galante founded it with a
mission of supporting charities.
• Best Monterey
County Cabernet Sauvignon
Scheid Vineyards — SE San Carlos and Seventh – noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday – (831)
626-WINE (9463) – www.scheidvineyards.com
Having grown grapes locally for more than 45 years, Scheid has a
significant legacy here — and a lot of superlative wines to the
family’s name. This year, Pine Cone readers selected its cabernet
sauvignons (the winery produces three) as the best. The 2015 Scheid
cab is “intense and focused, with aromas of dark berries and plum,”
and is drinkable now but could age another five to 10 years, while
the 2015 Kurt’s Vineyard estate wine is more opulent. The 2014
Appassimento is crafted in a northern Italian styles reflective of
that country’s Amarone, and “displays a lavish richness that is
almost port-like.”
• Best Monterey
County Merlot
Galante Vineyards — Dolores between Ocean and Seventh – noon
to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through
Sunday - (831) 624-3800 – galantevineyards.com
Galante Vineyards clearly captured voters’ hearts again this year.
The tasting room — the first to open in downtown Carmel, in 2004 —
is warm and hospitable, while Galante’s red wines seem to always
strike the balance of substantial fruit and underlying subtlety.
Jack Galante has always focused on growing the finest grapes
possible in his Cachagua vineyard and letting the fruit express
itself in the wines — efforts that have been rewarded with praise
and support from Pine Cone readers, who the love winery’s Double M
blend of half Malbec and half merlot. Galante also offers several
straight merlots from its library, including a 1996 vintage that’s
amazingly intact after 22 years and sells for $150 per bottle, given
its scarcity. Merlots from 2002, 2003 and 2005 are also available in
very limited numbers, too, and are sure to please any fan of this
particular Bordeaux varietal.
• Best Tasting Room
Folktale Winery — 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley –
noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday
through Sunday - (831) 293-7500 – folktalewinery.com
Founded by Greg Ahn in 2015, Folktale Winery took over the vineyards
and winery of Chateau Julien and transformed it into one of the most
beautiful and fun places to taste wine. Guests are often greeted
with a glass of Folktale’s sparkling wine and can select their
flights, or buy wine by the glass or bottle, while sipping in any of
the winery’s comfortable rooms or outside in the valley sunshine.
The winery also has a full kitchen that turns out great food to
share with friends while tasting, and as the only winery in Carmel
Valley with a tasting room on site, visitors can take a full tour,
too. Folktale hosts concerts on its grounds and stages events in its
large barrel room, giving locals even more reason to visit, and to
name it their favorite tasting room this year.
• Best Place for a
Beer
Alvarado Street Brewery — 426 Alvarado St., Monterey – 11:30
a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday - (831) 655-2337 - alvaradostreetbrewery.com
When it opened in a former movie theater that had been shuttered for
years, Alvarado Street Brewery quickly became the go-to place for
great beer and fun food. Since then, it’s continued to evolve, with
increasingly interesting, sophisticated — and even lighthearted —
beers, created and guided by co-owner and head brewer J.C. Hill. The
draft lineup always includes a range to suit every taste, and
flights are available for those who’d like to explore what Alvarado
Street has to offer. The kitchen, meanwhile, turns out sophisticated
and tasty pub food to enjoy in the restaurant or out back in the
beer garden. Alvarado Street also opened a full production facility
and taproom in Salinas a couple of years ago, and its owners are
working on a new restaurant and brewery, Yeast of Eden, set to open
in Carmel Plaza later this year.
• Best Cocktails
Montrio Bistro — 414 Calle Principal, Monterey – Dinner
nightly from 4:30 p.m. – (831) 648-8880 – montrio.com
The bar at Montrio is never a bad place to be, considering the
ever-changing selection of compelling cocktails concocted there.
Executive mixologist Anthony Vitacca is always coming up with new
drinks, allowing Montrio to offer cocktails with a level of
sophistication and creativity not found at many restaurants. The
liquor selections are solid, as well, for those who favor a
high-quality Scotch neat or Bourbon on the rocks. The cocktails
always have great names, too, like the gin-based and savory In Spain
in the Membrane, Fairies Wear Boots featuring Redemption rye, the If
You’re Not Into Yoga rum cocktail, and Lipstick & Leather, with
strawberry- and rhubarb-infused gin.
• Best Family
Restaurant
Rosine’s Restaurant — 434 Alvarado St., Monterey – 8 a.m. to
9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and
Saturday - (831) 375-1400 - rosinesmonterey.com
Rosine’s has a fun and lively, family-friendly atmosphere with
cheerful service and a menu that caters to fans of unique dishes as
well as those who favor the tried and true. Since the Culcasi family
opened their restaurant doors at the Del Monte Center in 1980,
Rosine’s has consistently been the top destination for anyone
seeking a quality meal. A growing, loyal customer base prompted
their move to Alvarado Street in 1986, where Rosine’s has been a
downtown Monterey institution ever since, feeding locals and
visitors alike. Featured on the Food Network, this third generation
operated restaurant also boasts their famous award-winning towering
cakes and decadent pies that fill a large dessert case by the door,
allowing customers to plan their feasting accordingly.
• Best French
Restaurant
L’Escargot — Mission south of Fourth – Dinner nightly from 5
p.m. - (831) 620-1942 - www.escargotcarmel.com
Founded 60 years ago by Yvan Nopert and his mother and uncle,
L’Escargot is Carmel’s longest-running restaurant. Two decades ago,
the family sold it to chef/owner Kerry Loutas, who carries on its
traditional French cuisine while adding his own creative touches.
The restaurant’s caramelized onion and goat cheese tart appetizer
and Monterey Bay sand dabs are longtime favorites, and it’s one of
the few places where frog legs and sweetbreads can be found on the
menu. Loutas creates a few specials for the evening, as well.
L’Escargot’s $39 three-course prix fixe is a great deal, as are Wino
Wednesdays, when every bottle on the list is half-price. Tucked back
off the street, it’s a favorite of locals, and with its long history
here, some wish its walls could talk, while others are glad they
can’t!
• Best Chinese
Restaurant
Tommy’s Wok — Mission between Ocean and Seventh – 11:30 a.m.
to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday - (831)
624-8518 - www.tommyswokcarmel.com
Bustling Tommy’s Wok is the only place to find Chinese food in
Carmel-by-the-Sea, but its reputation and delicious, fresh food draw
people from all over the Peninsula to town. The dishes paraded out
of its tiny kitchen are bright, fresh, aromatic and satisfying in
the ways that only really good Chinese food can be, and it’s a
perennial favorite among Pine Cone readers, having taken the crown
each year since the Golden Pine Cones started in 2008. Tommy’s
serves up a menu of Szechuan, Hunan and Mandarin specialties, and is
as popular for takeout as it is for dining in.
• Best Indian
Restaurant
Aabha — The Barnyard Shopping Village, and 414 Alvarado St.,
Monterey – 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. daily - (831)
250-5940 and (831) 641-7924 - aabhaindian.com
Executive chef and proprietor Bhupender Singh’s food is as warm as
he is. Everyone who walks into his new restaurants, which opened in
the Barnyard shopping center at the mouth of Carmel Valley almost
two years ago and more recently in downtown Monterey, feels welcome,
and Singh’s delicious Indian food never disappoints. The lunch
buffet is unbeatable for value and quality, and the dinner menu
offers a wide range of dishes, including many vegetarian and vegan
options. Singh’s passion for cooking came from watching his mother
and helping her in the kitchen. He’s “passionate about creating
authentic Indian food and bringing Indian delicacy to the table.”
Aabha’s website also allows for online orders to go, making it a
good choice for dining in or takeout.
• Best Italian
Restaurant
La Balena — Junipero Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues –
noon to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday - (831)
250-6295 - labalenacarmel.com
Delicious antipasti (including a fabulous dish of pan-friend
cauliflower with currants and pine nuts, and another featuring
grilled octopus), freshly made pastas with rich sauces, and decadent
main courses — the fried chicken is a must, at least once — are
staples at La Balena, as is the diverse wine list, heavily weighted
with Italian wines. Owned by Emanuele and Anna Bartolini, La Balena
is popular with Pine Cone readers, as well as visitors who return
every time they’re in town. An intimate dining room, dog-friendly al
fresco dining in front and in the picturesque back garden patio add
to La Balena’s draw, and the Bartolinis work hard to ensure it
continues to flourish.
• Best
Japanese/Sushi Restaurant
Crystal Fish — 514 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey – 11:30 a.m. to
2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays - (831) 649-3474 –
crystalfishmonterey.com
A longtime favorite of locals, Crystal Fish Sushi was started by
chef-owner Tamotsu Suzuki in 2005, and since then, he’s had a
talented team serving the freshest sushi and sashimi at the always
busy restaurant, which often has crowds waiting at the door. The
sushi is worth the wait, as Suzuki, a Tokyo native, was trained as a
chef in Japan and ensures all of his sushi chefs are trained in the
same traditions. Specials often feature live scallops and other
delicacies not found at many Japanese restaurants, and the fish is
always fresh, sourced from local fishermen and markets. For those
who don’t care for sushi, the menu has plenty of interesting fusion
dishes, too.
• Best
Mediterranean Restaurant
Dametra Cafe — Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
daily - (831) 622-7766 - dametracafe.com
People flock to Dametra not just for great food, but for the lively
atmosphere and the impromptu musical performances that can often be
heard a block or two away. Friends Faisal Nimri and Bashar Sneeh
were brought together by their love of music — both play the
traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument, the oud — and their
desire to create restaurants that feel like home to all who walk
through the door, strangers and friends alike. Hence, their Dametra
Café, which offers Greek, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan, Turkish,
French, Israeli and Lebanese dishes — always has a line out the
door. Nimri, from Jordan, and Sneeh, from Syria, continue to build
their following by displaying their inimitable hospitality, which
fans can also experience at their newer restaurants, Mediterranean
and PortaBella, a block away, and at their fast-food version,
Dametra Fresh Mediterranean, at Del Monte Center in Monterey.
• Best Thai
Restaurant
Zab Zab Thai — 401 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey – 11 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - (831) 747-2225 -
zabzabmonterey.com
“Zab” means “delicious, spicy and hot” in northeast Thailand, and
chef/owner Prapaporn Sujun, who goes by Pui, spent more than a
decade learning how to create the best Thai, Chinese, Japanese,
seafood and fusion dishes for her customers. Several years ago, she
achieved her dream of opening a restaurant of her own with the help
of her aunt, Ratana Voranoot, who has nearly 40 years of experience
in the business herself. Look for delicious and satisfying noodle
dishes and soups, curries, appetizers, and lunch specials at ZabZab.
• Best Mexican
Restaurant
Baja Cantina — 7166 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley –
11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - (831) 625-2252 -
carmelcantina.com
Some people go just for the margaritas and the band on the outdoor
deck, while others prefer to explore some of the unusual offerings
on the extensive list of tequilas. But most who flock to Pat and
Gina Phinny’s cantina appreciate the broad and unexpected menu of
fresh Mexican fare served with flair. Fresh fish tacos, organic
garden tamales and mole enchiladas are just a few of the many
favorites. Baja Cantina is more than a Mexican restaurant — it’s a
place where friends meet and strangers become friends, especially at
its always busy bar. Baja is particularly popular among car buffs,
since much of the proprietor’s extensive collection of memorabilia
is proudly on display there. The restaurant regularly hosts events
catering to car fans, including its Hot Chili Nights on Thursdays in
the summertime. With its U-shaped bar, lounge furniture by the
fireplace and several televisions, Baja is also a great spot to grab
a beer and watch the game or a Formula 1 race.
• Best Restaurant
for Seafood
Passionfish — 701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove – 5
to 9 p.m. daily - (831) 655-3311 - passionfish.net
Founded by Ted and Cindy Walter, Passionfish is well known for its
focus on sustainable seafood and its accessible, affordable wine
list. The Walters strive to get their fish, meats and produce from
sustainable sources whenever possible, and seek out opportunities to
educate people about environmental choices in eating and drinking.
“And we believe in the simple power of pleasure; in food, wine and
company, coming together at the table,” they say. Expect to find
intriguing and creative flavors combined with the freshest seafood
at Passionfish, a frequent favorite of locals and visitors, alike.
• Best Restaurant
for Vegetarians
Basil Seasonal Dining — San Carlos between Ocean and Seventh
– 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to
10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday -
(831) 626-8226 - basilcarmel.com
Carmel’s first certified green restaurant, Basil offers a menu based
on locally grown and seasonal produce — which is why it’s such a
great spot for vegetarians. Now owned solely by Denis Boaro, who
also owns Gusto’s in Seaside, Basil has a new chef and recently
introduced weekend brunch. Fresh salads, vegetarian lasagna, roasted
vegetables, numerous vegetarian side dishes and other creations make
it a good spot for those who abstain from seafood, poultry and
meats. Omnivores like it, too, for its fresh seafood dishes and
other meats. Because Basil’s dining room is so tiny, reservations
are recommended for customers who prefer to eat indoors, but the
restaurant has charming, heated outdoor seating, too, tucked back in
the courtyard off of San Carlos Street.
• Best Chef
• Best
Place to Take Clients
• Best
Outdoor Dining
• Best
Restaurant for Steaks
• Best
Desserts
Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse/Todd Fisher — SE Seventh and
Dolores – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily - (831) 293-7600 -
7Dsteakhouse.com
When Seventh & Dolores — called 7D for short — opened in Carmel,
it filled a niche, offering a lively, modern, cosmopolitan ambiance
and a creative, abundant menu. Winner of Best New Restaurant in the
Golden Pine Cones last year, 7D went on to take the most awards this
year, noted for executive chef Todd Fisher, whose over-the-top
culinary style is well known on the Peninsula, its sophisticated
air, and its brand-new outdoor seating area, comfortable with fire
pits and spacious chairs that are perfect for a date or a gathering
of friends. Since its opening, the folk at 7D have prided themselves
on serving choice steaks, including several dry-aged selections
available in traditional steakhouse style with a variety of sauces,
and the tartare is one of the best around. Adding to all of that,
the desserts are lovely to look at and delicious to eat, ensuring a
spectacular experience from beginning to end.
• Best BBQ
Little Chicken House — 1193 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove –
Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. – (831) 655-1704
The small spot on Forest Ave. smells deliciously of smoked meats and
poultry, and provides the convenience of a drive-through window, as
well (a good thing, as indoor seating is limited). In addition to
the main event — tender brisket, succulent ribs and rotisserie
chickens speared in neat rows — there are sauces and homemade sides.
Mashed potatoes, potato salad, mac-and-cheese and cole slaw are just
some of the offerings you can find there. Who needs a colonel when
you can get a full bird right here?
• Best Ice Cream
Revival Ice Cream – 463 Alvarado St., Monterey – Weekdays
from noon to 9 p.m., open ’til 10 p.m.weekends; May through Sept.
Weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. and open ’til 11 p.m. weekends - (831)
747-2113 - revivalicecream.com
Pine Cone readers are still sweet on this spot, and agree it’s worth
the drive to Monterey. Maybe it’s the locally sourced and organic
ingredients, like the honey and honeycomb in “The Bees Knees,” or
fresh eucalyptus leaves in the signature mint, eucalyptus and fudge.
Dairy-free sorbets await the lactose-averse and they’ve got cakes
that will put a pleasant chill into any special occasion. And, the
place sweetens the deal by donating 20 percent of sales of its
spiffy reusable pint containers of ice cream to local charities,
including Hospice Giving Foundation and MEarth.
• Best Sandwich or
Burger
r.g. Burgers — 201 The Crossroads, Carmel, and 570 Munras
Ave., Monterey (next to Trader Joe’s) – Lunch and dinner daily -
(831) 626-8054, (831) 372-4930 - rgburgers.com
These “real good” burgers are always juicy, and there are so many
choices, you might need a few minutes with the menu — or multiple
visits. Start with a grown-up beer or relive childhood with a
Tootsie Pop float of chocolate ice cream and orange soda. If your
cardiologist is looking, order a veggie burger with steamed broccoli
and a fresh side salad (or not — what’s the cardiologist doing there
anyway?). Otherwise, try the Cheesy Mac burger, a burger with bacon,
or one with pastrami. A side of fries or some chili round out a
deliciously decadent indulgence. There are plenty of other
sandwiches and wings to choose from, too. Luckily, the Monterey
location is within walking distance of the Sports Center.
• Best Breakfast
Katy’s Place — Mission between Fifth and Sixth, Carmel –
Breakfast and lunch daily, closes at noon on Wednesdays - (831)
624-0199 - katysplacecarmel.com
“The most precious ingredient that goes into every meal at Katy’s
Place is ... Love.” That’s what the website says, and Carmelites
agree, year after year. Twenty kinds of Benedicts include an ode to
Ireland, with homemade corned beef hash; one from Russia with love,
with caviar and smoked salmon; and a Windy City tribute with pulled
pork and spicy Hollandaise. You can also choose between Belgian
waffles or Grandma Amanda’s Peanut Butter Pancakes. There are
blintzes rolled up with fresh berries and gluten-free specialties
for those who prefer them. If you’ve got a big day ahead, house
specials include traditional biscuits and gravy, and huevos
rancheros to spice up your morning. And they’re just getting warmed
up. You know, like the maple syrup.
• Best Coffee
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. — Roasting facility at 212
Mid Valley Center, Carmel Valley, with retail locations on Ocean
Avenue in Carmel, Mid Valley Shopping Center, The Barnyard, The
Crossroads, Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove, and on Washington in
downtown Monterey - Hours vary by location, but generally open
starting at 6 and 7 a.m. – See carmelcoffeeroasters.com for
locations, hours and contact phone numbers
The certified organic roaster by California Certified Organic
Farmers has been in business since 1994, with one mission: “to
provide serious handcrafted coffee, using the finest Arabica beans,
delivered very fresh to discerning customers.” Roast Master Tina
Muia and her staff slow-roast organic coffee beans daily, churning
out Carmel Foglifter — which works as advertised — and 14 other
varieties and blends including Fair Trade Ethiopian, organic
Guatemala and organic Sumatra. Owners Dean & Janet McAthie “get”
coffee culture, too. Every location is designed for relaxation and
convivial pleasure. Baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and
there are plenty of locally made snacks to nosh on. Sip in the shop
or take home a bag o’beans — or do both.
• Best Coffeehouse
Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Co. — South side of Ocean,
between San Carlos and Dolores, in the Las Tiendas building – 7 a.m.
to 2 p.m. daily; call for winter hours (831) 626-2095 –
carmelcoffee.com
Late local cartoonist Gus Arriola created Carmel Coffee House’s
logo, a caffeinated beatnik sea otter (also named Gus) in 2008. The
furry little guy’s been sipping happily ever since, and why not? The
airy Las Tiendas location with its pet-friendly patio is a great
place to start the day, perhaps with a copy of the police log and
some friendly conversation. Linger over a cup of Ocean Avenue blend
or get a jump start with some espresso. All the beans are roasted
on-site, in small batches, and are available by the pound to take
home. No word on whether that patio is also otter-friendly, but one
never knows.
• Best Pizza
Gianni’s – 725 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey – Dinner Monday
through Wednesday, Lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday -
(831) 626-5454 – giannispizzamonterey.com
Since 1974, the Costa family has been running this popular spot to
split a pie, have some lasagna, or chow down on an Italian sub. With
28 possible toppings, there’s sure to be a combination that suits
your mood. Or, order one of the house specials, like BBQ Chicken
pizza with red onion and fresh cilantro; the Super Veggie, or
Gianni’s special with cheese, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms black
olives, bell peppers and fresh Italian sausage. There’s beer, wine
and a full bar to help you wash things down, and for dessert, have a
cannoli or one of 24 different varieties of gelato. It’s been more
than 40 years — they must be doing something right.
• Best Buffet
Crazy Horse — 1425 Munras Ave., Monterey, in the Red Lion
Hotel (formerly Bay Park) – Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily -
(831) 649-4771 - crazyhorserestaurant.com
For a moment, step away from the trendy Brussels sprout-laden,
kale-infested salad bars that inhabit some establishments. The
buffet at Crazy Horse in the Red Lion Hotel hasn’t changed much, at
least since Pluto was still a planet and the clambake was still the
Crosby. And that’s wonderful. Sure, there’s salad, and plenty of it
— greens, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and more than a dozen dressing
choices — but this is a place to make a real meal. Pile on warm
chicken breast and a bit of cheese, indulge in the tuna macaroni
salad, and even put a dollop of whipped honey butter on your sweet
potato. Did we mention it comes with an adorable little cup of ice
cream or sorbet at the end? ’Cause it does.
• Best Wine List
• Best
Happy Hour
• Best
Restaurant for a Special Occasion
The Sardine Factory — 701 Wave St., Monterey – Dinner
nightly, Lounge Menu nightly, Happy Hours from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and
9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly - (831) 373-3775 -
sardinefactory.com
Happy 50th birthday to this Monterey landmark, which even
out-of-town movie buffs may recognize from its moment in “Play Misty
for Me,” Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut. Allow yourself plenty
of time to peruse the wine list — with more than 1,600 labels and
12,000 bottles, you can get anything from a $9 glass of French rosé
to a bottle of one of the wine cellar’s “treasures,” which can set
you back almost $1,000. Not aiming that high? Try the lounge, where
you can enjoy happy hour not once, but twice every evening, with
signature drinks for $7, draft beers for $5.75 and up, and a few
wines by the glass for $5. There are yummy snacks for $6 apiece,
including a basket of house-made French fries or sweet potato fries;
truffle sea salt popcorn with pecorino romano butter, and fresh
tomato bruschetta. And although the whole restaurant is a great
place to celebrate, for optimum effect you’ll want to reserve a
table in the Conservatory or book the whole wine cellar for your
private party.
• Best Brunch
• Best
Piano Bar
Mission Ranch — 26270 Dolores St., Carmel - Piano bar Monday
through Saturday, Dinner nightly from 5 p.m., Sunday jazz brunch 10
a.m. to 1:30 p.m., - (831) 625-9040 - missionranchcarmel.com
It’s Sunday morning and you want someone else to make your brunch.
Who better than the Mission Ranch, (aka Clint’s place)? The spread
here offers an amazing variety of choices. Start with a salad. Or go
straight for a beef burrito with mole sauce, classic eggs Benedict
or put something healthy-ish together at the hot oatmeal bar. At the
chef’s table you’ll find ham baked with pineapple and roast prime
rib of beef. Round out the meal and prepare for your power nap with
a slice of pie, a few cookies or some chocolate mousse. On other
nights of the week, drop into the piano bar to listen to great local
performers from 5 to 8 p.m., and join in the fun by singing along,
starting at 9 p.m.
• Best New
Restaurant
Stationæry — San Carlos Square, on San Carlos and between
Fifth and Sixth – Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, afternoon
snacks from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – info@thestationaery.com,
www.thestationaery.com
Stationæry opened in the spot formerly occupied by Club Jalapeno at
the end of August, and immediately caught our readers’ attention —
and palates. Charming, sleek and modern, the restaurant encourages
Carmelites to start the day with a very important meal of things
like avocado and egg toast on country bread, a bowl of sausage and
gravy, or a ham-and-egg sandwich with Dijon béchamel. Later in the
day, you can get your quinoa fix (puffed quinoa, no less) in a
salad, pass the pasta with spaghetti with pork sausage and broccoli
rabe, or have a thoroughly modern patty melt with crispy shallots
and cheddar on brioche.
• Most Romantic
Restaurant
Casanova — Fifth Avenue between Mission and San Carlos,
Carmel – Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch - (831) 625-0501 -
casanovacarmel.com
Ah, romance. It’s part of the essence of Bohemia, n’est-ce pas? Just
think of sitting around Vincent van Gogh’s table (no, really — it
was the artist’s table), available for private parties, and the
Georis family has a romance-laden spot in a town that’s hosted the
lascivious and the loquacious, but most of all, the lovelorn and
love-lost. And Casanova, that famous womanizer, once engineered a
prison break involving a spike, hidden in a Bible, further secreted
under a giant plate of pasta. (Not sure how one would explain
fettuccini a la scripture, but OK.) He probably would have fit right
in here. An amorous feast might include oysters, beef tartare,
olives and fat, satisfying pappardelle. Sweet desserts and beverages
abound — the wine list is dizzying.
• Most Dog-Friendly
Restaurant
• Most
Dog-Friendly Hotel
Cypress Inn – Lincoln and Seventh, Carmel – Lunch and
dinner daily, tea Saturday (reservations required), Sunday brunch -
(831) 620-7454 - cypress-inn.com or
carmelterrys.com
The best thing about having drinks with your dog is that he won’t
shame you, or post an unflattering photo of you on Facebook later,
so go ahead and order your pal a Muttini during Yappy Hour and get
yourself a classic cocktail. Doris Day’s inn is a natural watering
hole for the four-legged set, and in addition to drinks inspired by
Cary Grant, Ronald Reagan and Kirk Douglas, among others, you can
have a delicious meal. Offerings at Terry’s Restaurant and Lounge
(named for Day’s late son, Terry Melchior) include rich,
truffle-scented ravioli, as well as locals’ favorites like sand dabs
and Castroville artichokes. After dinner, your pal gets his own
blankets to enjoy a warm evening in the room. Enjoy!
• Best Restaurant
in Carmel
• Best
Bartender
Grasing’s Coastal Cuisine, Ira Comello — At Sixth and
Mission - Open daily for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sunday -
(831) 624-6562 - gratings.com
After working in some of the world’s finest restaurants, chef Kurt
Grasing founded one of his own in 1998 when he opened Grasing’s.
Using fresh local ingredients and boasting an atmosphere of modest
elegance, the restaurant serves food that is simple but stylish, and
bursting with texture and flavors. The menu includes favorites like
pepper-seared ahi tuna, herb-crusted sea bass and grilled Portobello
mushroom, while the wine list showcases some of California’s
wineries, as well as those from distant places around the world. And
just as they did in 2016, our readers chose Ira Comello as Best
Bartender. A self-proclaimed “social chemist,” Comello combines
product knowledge and the ability to craft a good cocktail with an
attention to customer service. He also makes everyone feel right at
home. “I like to anticipate what our guests need,” he explains.
• Best Restaurant
Service
Lucia at Bernardus Lodge — 415 W. Carmel Valley Road - Open
daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on Saturday and
Sunday - (831) 658-3595 -
bernarduslodge.com, opentable.com
Infused with the “beauty and artistry” of Carmel Valley, Lucia at
Bernardus Lodge offers a French-inspired menu that changes with the
seasons. With chef Cal Stamenov at the helm, the restaurant’s menu
features distinctive entrees like hand-cut tagliatelle, grilled
jidori chicken, Portobello Wellington and Sonoma duck breast. While
the food draws raves, so does the restaurant’s staff, which adds a
warm and personal touch, and makes everybody feel right at home from
the moment they’re seated to when they step back out into the
beautifully landscaped grounds.
• Best Restaurant
in Big Sur
Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn — On Highway 1, 27 miles south
of Carmel - Open daily for lunch and dinner - (831) 667-2800 -
postranchinn.com
With expansive views of the Big Sur coastline that will leave you
speechless, Sierra Mar has an almost unfair advantage over other
restaurants. But it’s far more than just another pretty place, with
food that dazzles the senses. With Elizabeth Murray as executive
chef, Sierra Mar offers a three-course, prix-fixe lunch, and a
four-course, prix-fixe dinner. The menu changes daily, with dinner
entrees like carrot cavatelli, seared king salmon and roasted duck
breast. The restaurant is also famous for its wine cellar, which
includes more than 2,600 selections.
• Best Restaurant
in Carmel Valley
Cafe Rustica — 10 Del Fino Place – Open Tuesday through
Sunday for lunch and dinner, with a limited afternoon menu - (831)
659-4444 - caferusticavillage.com
While there’s something for every taste at Cafe Rustica, the Carmel
Valley gem truly excels when it comes to pasta and pizza. The menu
includes enticing options like butternut squash ravioli, wood oven
baked rigatoni and capellini with grilled shrimp, along with
thin-crust pizzas that stray from the conventional, like the
Flammekueche, which comes with diced prosciutto, onions, fresh thyme
and crème fraîche; Jose’s Pizza Verde, which includes tomatillo
sauce, chicken, corn, feta cheese, Monterey jack cheese, parmesan,
cherry tomatoes and cilantro; and the BBQ Chicken, which features
hickory-smoked BBQ sauce, Monterey jack cheese, thinly sliced red
onions, fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts.
• Best Restaurant
in Monterey
Montrio Bistro — 414 Calle Principal, Monterey – Dinner
nightly – (831) 648-8880 – montrio.com
Located inside a historic firehouse, Montrio has won numerous
national and regional awards for its food and wine since opening its
doors in 1995. Embracing sustainable and environmentally sensitive
practices, and emphasizing organic food, the restaurant offers a
creative mix of European- and American-influenced comfort food. With
classic favorites like the Ultimate American Burger, and inventive
entrees like Organic Sweet Potato-Pecan Ravioli, Montrio lives up to
its laurels.
• Best Restaurant
in Pebble Beach
Roy’s at the Inn at Spanish Bay — 2700 17 Mile Drive –
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily – (800) 877-0597 - pebblebeach.com
Serving up a wonderfully eclectic menu of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine,
celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi has made this restaurant a favorite
among locals and visitors alike. It’s also the perfect place for a
bite or refreshment after a round of golf, and as an added bonus,
you can hear a bagpiper play at sunset. The menu is filled with
mouth-watering entrees like North Shore-style pork chops with kimchi
mashed potatoes; a roasted island-style Jidori half chicken with
coconut mashed potato and red curry sauce; and Roy’s
teriyaki-grilled swordfish, which comes with truffle cauliflower and
lemongrass mango sauce.
• Best Restaurant
in Pacific Grove
Passionfish — 701 Lighthouse Ave. - Open daily for dinner -
(831) 655-3311 - passionfish.net
Passionfish is widely recognized for its impressive and
ever-changing menu of sustainable seafood. Located in the heart of
downtown Pacific Grove, the restaurant serves up an irresistible
array of appetizers and entrees from the sea, including smoked trout
ceviche tostaditas with cashew pesto and spicy salsa brava;
Dungeness crab salad with avocado and a spicy ginger vinaigrette;
local rockfish with a jicama-mint salad; and sea scallops with
tomato-truffle butter and savory rice custard.
• Best Restaurant
in Seaside
Gusto’s — 1901 Fremont Blvd., Seaside – Open daily for lunch
and dinner - (831) 899-5825 - gustopizzeriapasta.com
Owner and general manager Denis Boaro learned to cook from his
grandfather, who owned a restaurant in a small town called San
Zenone degli Ezzelini in northern Italy. Today, he serves pizza and
pasta in his own restaurant, which has earned a devoted following
for its delicious flavors and upbeat atmosphere. With an emphasis on
fresh, local and organic ingredients, Boaro and his staff offer a
generous variety of classic Italian favorites.
RECREATION AND THE ARTS AWARDS
• Best Local Artist
Will Bullas — willbullas.com
The president of the nonprofit Carmel Art Association and a gifted
illustrator with an impressive resume, Will Bullas finds humor just
about everywhere. The Carmel Valley resident seeks creative
inspiration in every witty play on words, and he’s a master at using
animals to poke fun at humans. Some of his more memorable subjects
include a dog sipping a glass of wine, a gorilla trying on a pair of
sunglasses, a pig dressed in a Roman toga.
• Best Photo
Gallery
Weston Gallery — On Sixth between Dolores and Lincoln - 10:30
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday - (831) 624-4453 -
westongallery.com
It’s hard to imagine there’s a more famous family in fine art
photography than the Westons, whose patriarch, Edward Weston, is
considered one of its pioneers. Two of his sons, Cole and Brett
Weston, followed in his footsteps, and established themselves as
world class artists. Today, their works — and those by masters like
Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock and Imogene Cunningham — can be
found at Weston Gallery, along with images by a new generation of
photographers who are pushing the limits of their art form.
• Best Sculpture
Gallery
Steven Whyte — Su Vecino Court on Dolores between Fifth and
Sixth - (831) 620-1917 -stevenwhytesculptor.com
Widely recognized for his larger-then-life bronze sculptures that
adorn many public spaces in England and the United States, Steven
Whyte is an institution in town, where each year he creates a
mystery sculpture of a famous figure in Devendorf Park during the
annual Carmel Art Festival. He can also be found throughout the year
in his studio/gallery on Dolores, greeting the public and working on
his next piece.
• Best Art Gallery
Carmel Art Association — West side of Dolores between Fifth
and Sixth - open daily - (831) 624-6176 - carmelart.org
Founded in 1927, the Carmel Art Association is one of America’s
oldest nonprofit art galleries. Representing more than 100
contemporary artists, the downtown gallery presents monthly shows
that call attention to the rich creative talent that exists here on
the Monterey Peninsula. Located in the heart of downtown, the
gallery also hosts meet-the-artist receptions, films, lectures and
concerts.
• Best Local
Theater Company
PacRep Theatre — Monte Verde and Eighth - (831) 622-0100 -
www.pacrep.org
Founded by Stephen Moorer as GroveMont Theatre in 1982, PacRep
Theatre presents an array of theatrical productions and events
throughout the year, including the annual Carmel Shakespeare
Festival. With the Golden Bough Playhouse and Forest Theater
providing stages for plays and musicals “that engage, excite,
educate and inspire,” PacRep celebrates “the transforming power of
the creative spirit.” The theater company is also known for its
ever-changing rock ’n’ roll tribute concerts and its School of
Dramatic Arts, which introduces kids to the joys of live theater.
• Best Concert
Venue
Sunset Center — San Carlos between Eighth and Ninth - (831)
620-2048 - sunsetcenter.org
Beginning its life as a school in 1926, Sunset Center is a is now a
state-of-the-art performing arts center that attracts world-class
talent. Owned by the city and operated by a nonprofit group, Sunset
offering a dynamic and diverse schedule of entertainment. The
2018-19 lineup includes shows by Burt Bacharach, Emmylou Harris,
Pilobolus, Second City and many others. The center also provides a
home for the Marjorie Evans Gallery, the Carmel Yoga Center, the
Arts Council for Monterey County, and the Center for Photographic
Art.
• Best Place to
Relax and Listen to Music
Folktale Winery — 8940 Carmel Valley Road - (831) 293-7500 -
folktalewinery.com
Founded as Chateau Julien Wine Estate in 1982, Folktale Winery &
Vineyards not only features a 5-acre organic vineyard and a state
-of-the-art winemaking operation, but showcases musicians from near
and far. The winery provide a stage for up-and-coming local
singer-songwriters like Taylor Rae, Razzvio and Austin Metreyeon,
and hosts concerts for out-of-town acts — particularly those with an
affection for country music.
• Best Local Music
Group (classical)
Monterey Symphony — (831) 646-8511 - montereysymphony.org
Led by conductor and music director Max Bragado-Darman, the Monterey
Symphony is the only all-professional orchestra based on the
Monterey Peninsula. Committed to preserving the legacy of classical
music through performances and education, the symphony will play six
concerts this season between October and May, celebrating the music
of the genre’s greatest composers and calling attention to some of
its most exciting contemporary performers.
• Best Local Music
Group (rock, jazz and pop)
The Money Band — moneyband.org
Led by singer Zoe Alexander, the Money Band serves up a high-energy
mix of dance-oriented pop and rock favorites that will turn any
gathering into a party. From Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” to
Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” the group’s massive set list specializes
in No. 1 hits, spanning the genres and the decades.
• Best Place to
Take Visitors
Point Lobos State Reserve — pointlobos.org
Considered by many to be the crown jewel of California’s state
parks, Point Lobos State Reserve is famous for its rugged coastline,
windswept cypress groves and its ancient forest of Monterey pines.
It’s also home to one of the richest marine environments on earth —
every weekend, scuba divers descend on the reserve and nearby
Monastery Beach to explore the mysterious world that lives beneath
the waves. For those who prefer land to sea, the park’s many trails
offer easy access to scenic vistas and idyllic picnic spots along
the coast.
• Best
Family-Friendly Activity
Monterey Bay Aquarium — 886 Cannery Row in Monterey - 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. every day - (831) 648-4800 - montereybayaquarium.org
If you’ve ever been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it’s easy to
understand why the world-class attraction, in the heart of historic
Cannery Row, is this year’s winner of the Best Family Friendly
Activity. More than 35,000 creatures representing more than 550
species are contained in 34 galleries. With nearly 200 exhibits in
all, the aquarium calls itself “a window to the wonders of the
ocean.”
• Best Local
Festival
Carmel Bach Festival — NW Corner of 10th and Mission -
(831) 624-1521 - bachfestival.org
Celebrating classical music for more than 80 years, the Carmel Bach
Festival began in 1935 as a four-day series of concerts at the
Sunset School Auditorium and Carmel Mission Basilica. But the
festival over the years grew to two weeks of concerts, recitals,
master classes, lectures and rehearsals, and now, under the
leadership of Music Director and Conductor Paul Goodwin and
Executive Director Steve Friedlander, the organization offers
“innovative artistic programming.”
• Best
Church-Sponsored Festival
Jewish Food Festival — 5716 Carmel Valley Road – (831)
624-2015 – carmelbethisrael.org
For 30 years, the Annual Jewish Food Festival has been put on by
Congregation Beth Israel Carmel’s entire congregation. The festival,
which features traditional Jewish food, music and crafts, is a
must-attend event. Contemplate this: an egg cream has neither eggs
or nor cream. Discuss, at least until the 2019 event on Aug. 25 from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Best Place to
Watch a Sunset
• Best
Place to Walk a Dog
• Best
Beach
Carmel Beach — Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road - free parking
along Scenic is permitted from 6 a.m. to midnight - ci.carmel.ca.us
The water isn’t as warm as Maui, but the scenery on Carmel Beach is
arguably as pretty, and you won’t have to fight droves of other sun
seekers for a space to throw your towel down. Whether it’s dipping
your toes in the water, watching a sunset or playing fetch with
Spot, Carmel Beach is hard to beat, and it’s the winner of three
Golden Pine Cone categories this year.
• Best Hiking Trail
• My
Favorite Park
Garland Ranch Regional Park — 700 W. Carmel Valley Road,
Carmel Valley - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily - mprpd.org
The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, the government agency
that maintains Garland Ranch Regional Park calls it the “granddaddy”
of its properties, and it was the first of the district’s parkland
acquisitions. Garland Park, as locals call it, was purchased in 1975
from William Garland II, who generously gifted a portion of the cost
by reducing the purchase price to below fair market value. With
its myriad hiking trails and breathtaking natural scenery, Garland
is this year’s winners for Best Hiking Trail and My Favorite Spot.
• Best Fitness/Health Center
Carmel Valley Athletic Club — 27300 Rancho San Carlos Road,
Carmel Valley - Mon. to Fri., 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sat. and
Sun., 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. - (831) 624-2737 - cvaconline.com
Called Carmel Valley Racquet Club 50 years ago, the Carmel Valley
Athletic Club prides itself on its active community of members.
Apart from tennis, weightlifting, cardio, CVAC offers numerous
classes ranging from Pilates to aqua aerobics to hot yoga. It also
offers a youth program that includes swimming and a junior tennis
academy. “CVAC is not just an athletic club, it is a community,” it
celebrates.
• Best Martial Arts
Studio
American Karate — 182 Country Club Gate, Pacific Grove -
(831) 372-5425 - americankaratemonterey.com
American Karate in Pacific Grove said it strives to develop the
body, mind and spirit through rigorous training. The karate studio,
which has classes for budding martial artists as young as 3-1/2
years old, offers kinder karate, beginning, intermediate and
advanced programs and cardio kickboxing. It’s also open Sundays from
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. for Community Yoga, a class led by Hannah, one
of American Karate’s teachers.
• Best
Yoga Studio
Seaside Yoga Sanctuary — 300 Grand Ave., Pacific Grove; Ocean
Avenue and Mission Street, Carmel – Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 8
p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and
Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. - (831) 899-9642 –
seasideyogasanctuary.com
Offering classes for all levels of yoga enthusiasts, Seaside Yoga
Sanctuary — which recently relocated — has an experienced and
well-trained team of instructors. The sanctuary says that yoga
postures are taught in a safe, supportive manner, incorporating
basic principles of alignment. “Through the practice of yoga we can
gain flexibility, strength, breath and body awareness. From that
awareness, a new healthy lifestyle can be achieved,” according to
Seaside Yoga Sanctuary. Namaste.
• Best Golf Course
Pebble Beach Golf Links —1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach -
Hours vary by season - (831) 622-8723 - pebblebeach.com
Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the famed Pebble Beach
Golf Links hugs the rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas,
cliff-side fairways and sloping greens.
Since 1919, the exquisite beauty and unique dynamics of the famed
course have challenged and thrilled golfers and spectators. The
course has also been the site of golf’s most prestigious
tournaments, including the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and
the U.S. Open Championship next year.
• Best Museum
Monterey Museum of Art — 559 Pacific St., Monterey – Thursday
through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Wednesday - (831)
372-5477 - montereyart.org
Located across from Monterey’s historic Colton Hall in Monterey,
the Monterey Museum of Art features galleries devoted to
exhibitions of American and early Californian painting, photography
and contemporary art. Its current exhibitions include “The New
Domestics: Finding Beauty in the Mundane,” “Salon Jane: The Ethereal
Zone,” and “Into the Light: California Women Painters.” The Museum
store includes creative and unusual cards, jewelry, and gifts
by local artists, in addition to a selection of books of regional
interest.
• Best Inn/B&B
Carmel Garden Inn — Fourth Avenue and Torres Street – (831)
624-6926 - carmelgardeninn.com
Only a few blocks from some of the best shopping and dining spots on
the Monterey Peninsula, management of the Carmel Garden Inn like to
say that each of its rooms is special and has a different
personality. Whether you decide to stay in The Patio Suites, The
Rosita or the Torres Rooms, they’re all “designed to complement the
serenity and charm of Carmel while affording a feeling of privacy
and intimacy not usually found at other properties.” Originally
built in 1949 as apartments called the Rosita Lodge, the Carmel
Garden Inn retains the charm of its original design.
• Best Hotel
Bernardus Lodge & Spa — 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel
Valley – (831) 658-3400 - www.bernarduslodge.com
Originally built by winery owner Bernardus Pon in 1999, Bernardus
Lodge underwent a major renovation after being sold five years ago,
with significant updates to its rooms, restaurant and bar, lobby and
spa. Retaining its luxurious yet relaxed feel, the lodge is highly
praised for its top-notch service, comfortable and spacious rooms,
stellar cuisine under the guidance of longtime executive chef Cal
Stamenov and his team, and beautiful spa, where guests can take
advantage of a wide range of services in a relaxing and sublime
setting. There’s plenty to do, too, including picking up a game of
bocce or croquet in the grassy courtyard, or just enjoying the
richly gardened grounds. Pine Cone readers know that if they want a
staycation, or their favorite friends or family members are coming
to town and need somewhere to stay, Bernardus Lodge is the best
choice.
RETAIL AWARDS
• Best Florist
Twigery — Seventh, between Lincoln and Dolores – 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Saturday – (831) 626-8944 – twigery.com.
Considered a visionary artist renowned for his artistic expression
and diversity of design, master floral designer Michael Merritt
believes “beauty is not primarily planned; it is the phenomenon that
occurs at the moment when all relationships are perceived to be
harmonious.” While he employs a wide variety of various materials,
Merritt also appreciates the beauty in a single bloom. His work has
been showcased internationally in exhibitions, grand events and
periodicals, yet Merritt also enjoys creating his floral artistry
through Twigery, the frequently award-winning floral boutique he and
his wife Cheryl have owned and operated since 2009.
• Best Furniture Shop
Mum’s Place — 246 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove – 10 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday – (831) 372-6250 -
mumsfurniture.com.
Wandering among the classic, traditional, transitional, country
French and contemporary collections at Mum’s Place, clients can
customize their choices with more than 80 furniture lines and some
5,000 fabrics. The award-winning furniture store is an enclave of
fine home furnishings, where the showroom is laden — but not
overloaded — with a diversity of furniture, accessories and objets
d’art staged in vignettes to inspire imagination. Even if clients
don’t find what they want, they just might want what they find.
Since 1986, Mum’s has been dedicated to bringing in the latest
designs on the market, in great variety to please a wide variety of
tastes and budgets.
• Best Golf Shop
Pebble Beach Pro Shop — 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach –
6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily – (831) 622-8723 – pebblebeach.com
Since merchandise is a tangible part of the Pebble Beach experience
guests can take home, the Pro Shop endeavors to provide the best
products at the highest quality befitting the Pebble Beach brand.
Since the Pro Shop is often the introduction to a guest’s Pebble
Beach golf experience, its staff works to ensure it lives up to
everyone’s dreams and imaginings. The mission of the Pebble Beach
Pro Shop is to provide products and services guests are not likely
to find elsewhere. For tourists who have never held a golf club, or
avid golfers who want to add to their collection, the Pebble Beach
Pro Shop balances the new and exciting with proven brands.
• Best Hardware Store
Carmel Ace Hardware, Forest Hill Ace Hardware, Pacific Grove
Hardware — 290 Crossroads Blvd., 1146 Forest Ave., Pacific
Grove, 229 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, 401 Mid Valley Center, Carmel
Valley – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5p.m.
Sunday – (831) 293-8050, (831) 372-3284, (831) 372-646-9144 -
acehardware.com
Surely it is the specialized service of independently owned stores
that reminds customers, “Ace is the place with the helpful hardware
folks.” Maybe it’s because each Ace Hardware store is a member of
the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the business,
giving customers a sense of shopping local with the backing of big
business. Perhaps it is that Ace Hardware employees are trained to
say, “Helping you is the most important thing we have to do today”
that won them a Golden Pine Cone. It’s what they promise and what
they deliver.
• Best Housewares Store
Prim’s Carmel — 546 Carmel Rancho Blvd. – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday – (831) 620-1251 –
primscarmel.com
Prim’s opened in late 2012, creating a fresh venue in a landmark
location, increasing the hardware, housewares and paint sections of
the store, developing the patio, home furniture, bedding and gift
departments, and bringing in new vendors. What they didn’t change
was the customer service. Maybe it wasn’t their motto that brought
home the award as Best Housewares Store — “We stand out from the
competition because we deliver the products you can’t get anywhere
else. We not only offer the best products but the best value for
you” — but the fact that they mean it.
• Best
Craft-Knitting-Quilting Shop
Monarch Knitting — 529 Central Ave., Suite 4, Pacific Grove –
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
– (831) 647-9276 – monarchknitting.com
Monarch Knitting creates community. The shop welcomes you in to a
fresh, well-lit atmosphere with cubbies of colorful skeins of yarn,
and a really cool farm-style table, where you’ll feel like you can
get right to work and where you’ll feel right at home. It evokes a
community of craftspeople, where someone will show you what you need
and how to work with it. Its name is a nod to the butterfly
sanctuary for which the town is known, but this place has knit
together another kind of sanctuary. So much more than a yarn store;
it’s a place where you can take lessons, participate in projects,
buy beautiful yarn and belong.
• Best Pet Store
The Raw Connection — 26200 Carmel Rancho Blvd. – 9 a.m. to 7
p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday – (831)
626-7555 – therawconnection.com
Sarah Adams sees a raw-food diet as a healthy way to indulge a pet.
Her focus is to help people transition their dog or cat to eat raw
food as they were intended, as opposed to dry grains from a bag. In
2006, she opened The Raw Connection with what she considers the
“largest display of raw food in the country.” The store sells
healthy, tasty treats; handmade, carefully created toys, and an
array of collars, harnesses and leashes designed to protect the neck
and spine. The facility also has three treatment rooms for
chiropractic care, reiki energy healing, and acupuncture, plus
training and agility classes. Talk about pampered pets.
• Best Garden Shop
Griggs Nursery — 9220 Carmel Valley Rd. – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday – (831) 626-0680 - griggsnursery.com
The key to success for this family-owned business seems to be
customer service and a wide diversity of products, enabling Griggs
Nursery to give people what they want and need. They hand-select
their plants, most of which they grow on a 5-acre parcel on Schulte
Road, and then bring to the nursery. For 18 years, Griggs Nursery
has been thriving in its Carmel Valley location, where customers
have been watching the current generation of Griggs kids grow up
among the plants. “We know what works here, so we can grow the
variety and quality we want for our customers,” the family says.
“It’s an investment in our community.”
• Best
Camping/Skiing/Surfing Store
REI — 145 General Stilwell Drive, Marina – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– (831) 883-8048 – rei.com/stores/marina
Its mission statement says REI is dedicated to inspiring, educating
and outfitting for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.
Founded in Seattle in 1938, the retail chain carries apparel,
footwear and gear for a wide range of outdoor and fitness
activities. By now, even the acronym evokes as vivid a sense of the
great outdoors as what it stands for, “Recreational Equipment, Inc.”
Once you walk through the store’s dramatic entrance, you’re already
on an outdoor adventure. Whether you are a novice or expert outdoor
enthusiast, the membership-optional store likely has something for
you.
• Best Place to Buy
Athletic Wear
The Treadmill — 111 Crossroads Blvd. – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday – (831) 624-4112 –
thetreadmill.com
In 1983, the founders began with a vision to develop a store that
would anchor the running community like a starting line. They named
it The Treadmill, but featured a wider array of fitness products,
both high-tech and low-maintenance, and imagined it would become a
hub for both weekenders and warriors. Janice and Chris Cleary, and
Cathy and Mike Hirst are coming up on seven years since they bought
The Treadmill and set their sights on selling athletic and
athleisure wear. Seeing the store as a reflection of this community
where they live, they endeavor to provide what folks need to be
active or adventurous on the Peninsula. Today, the store remains a
community center, focused on supporting the Big Sur Land Trust, the
Ventana Wilderness Alliance and the people who come through the
door.
• Best Pharmacy
Carmel Drug Store — Ocean between Dolores and San Carlos –
Pharmacy 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; Store 8 a.m. to 10
p.m. daily – (831) 624-3819 – carmeldrugstore.com
Known for offering quality products and service, this drugstore
might just be the most convenient stop in town. Carmel’s classic
family pharmacy has been independently owned and serving the
community since 1910. There’s a reason it’s lasted so long. Located
in the heart of Carmel, the narrow storefront is chock-full of
everything you might need or maybe forgot on your way into town. The
back of the shop looks like the old-fashioned pharmacy it is, yet it
provides state-of-the-art products. The front of the store offers
greeting cards and postcards, magazines and books by local authors.
It has hair accessories and hygiene products, perfume and makeup,
candy and scented candles. The only thing missing is a soda
fountain.
• Best Children’s
Clothing Store/Boutique
Zearly Carmel — 161 Crossroads Blvd. – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
daily – (831) 250-7933
In establishing Zearly in 2013, architect Heather Aldi sought to
create a space that would support and encourage the local community
of mothers, children and the people who cherish them. “Moms need a
moment of grace,” she said. “Parenting is not easy, so we need the
chance to come to a fun place with special things.” Aldi’s
inspiration for the name Zearly came from a favorite family phrase.
When her own small children awoke before dawn, she would exclaim,
“Z’early — It’s early — Go back to bed.” Two years ago, Aldi moved
the children’s clothing boutique from its original Carmel location
into The Crossroads, where the store has thrived. The award-winning
boutique offers heirloom-quality toys and gifts, classically styled
clothing with a modern twist and a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers
and their little inspirations. “We seek local craftsmen,” said Aldi,
“who create wonderful products for children — beautiful clothing,
gorgeous stuffed animals, dream catchers from Big Sur, and knitted
apparel by local artists. There is always something fun at Zearly.”
• Best Men’s Store
Khaki’s of Carmel — Carmel Plaza on Ocean – 9:30 a.m. to 6
p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday - (831)
625-8106 – khakisofcarmel.com
Khaki’s of Carmel is the award-winning pursuit and passion of Jim
and Connie Ockert, who met in high school, later married, and
combined creative and entrepreneurial talents to raise a family and
grow a business. Both continue to thrive. The store is a respected
purveyor of contemporary European and American menswear that sells
clothing the old-fashioned way; up close and personal.
The essence of Khaki’s lies in the touching — some of the finest
fabrics in the world; the trying — to see if it becomes you before
it becomes yours; the tailoring — including custom fits and
made-to-measure apparel; and the tradition — of providing the
ultimate in customer service.
• Best Men’s Shoe Store
Hedi’s Shoes — Ocean and Mission; additional locations in the
Barnyard, Del Monte Center and 330 Alvarado St., Monterey – (831)
583-8000– hedi.com
Comfort has never looked — or felt — so good. When Haydar Movahedi
opened his shoe store more than 20 years ago, European comfort shoes
was an emerging category. “Hedi,” whose stores have always been
about comfort, managed to cobble together comfort, quality,
convenience, and cool, paired with customer service from experienced
staff who understand fit, form and function. Consider brands
Pikolinos, Ecco, Clarks, Børn, Mephisto and more.
•
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique
GBG — Mission and Seventh – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily – (831)
626-3368
Girl Boy Girl has enjoyed more than 27 years of styling women in
fashions that are considered not trendy, but current. Drawing from
more than 60 contemporary designers, all thoughtfully selected for
the store, GBG specializes in comfortable clothing for women of all
sizes and shapes, ages and aesthetics. Customers seek established
designers and a large selection of cashmere, and denim, designed to
fit and flatter. GBG’s seasoned staff always enjoys styling
long-time clients and new guests.
• Best Women’s
Accessories
Augustina’s Designer Boutique — San Carlos and Sixth – 10
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily – (831) 624-9901 –
augustinasdesignerboutique.com
Two years ago, after 25 years in business, owner Tracy Delaney Odle
redesigned her store to introduce an “elevated luxury goods
boutique” to Carmel. Established in 1987, Augustina’s invites
customers to relax in an elegant setting, customized with clients in
mind. Odle, whose mother owned the legendary Signatures stores in
Carmel, presents an exceptional roster of designers, among them
Jimmy Choo, Aquazzura, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera,
Giambattista Valli, Michael Kors, Max Mara, Roberto Cavalli, Lela
Rose, and Nancy Gonzalez.
Augustina’s stylists offer personalized service, featuring the
finest in designer fashions and accessories from around the world.
• Best Women’s Shoe
Store
Lloyd’s Shoes — Ocean and Dolores – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily –
(831) 625-1382 – lloydsshoes.com
Lloyd’s Shoes, a long-time Ocean Avenue attraction, aims to offer
something for every shopper, whether it’s the trendiest style of the
season or the absolute best travel shoe, always in the interest of
style, comfort, function and quality. Tess Calhoon tucks into her
desk adjacent the stockroom, among floor-to-ceiling shelving of
shoeboxes, neatly stacked. When it’s raining, you’ll find her in her
favorite weatherproof Aquatalia olive-suede booties. Calhoon works
with her father, Jeff Greenberg, to run the popular shoe store,
which celebrates its 38th anniversary and another Golden Pine Cone
this year.
• Best Place to Buy
Designer Clothes
Debra C — 129 Crossroads Blvd. – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday
through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday – (831) 624-9400 –
debrac.com.
Debra Couch established her exclusive store in Beverly Hills and
then, in 2011, opened a second store at The Crossroads, quickly
garnering a loyal clientele and a collection of awards. Couch, a
woman who makes fashion look effortless, says it is — or should be.
Particularly if you shop at her boutique of European designer
apparel for women. Whether you’re looking at Valentino, Missoni,
Bogner or her private label, she says, it’s all about the way it’s
put together. “We’re high end, so the apparel endures. You can do
the same look next year, or add a new piece and mix it up.”
• Best Leather Goods
Store
Augustina’s — Ocean at Mission & San Carlos – 10 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday – (831)
624-2403 – augustinaleathers.com.
Augustina’s is an exclusive leather goods boutique, known for
representing the largest selection of Remy leathers in California.
“We offer custom leathers, crafted in the United States, for men and
women,” said owner Tracy Delaney Odle, “in any size, any color. We
specialize in jackets, vests, coats, pants and skirts, as well as
beautiful handmade leather belts in exotic skins — gator, lizard,
ostrich and horn back.” Established in 1987, this family-owned,
family-run business endeavors to create a Carmel experience clients
and guests will remember and return to.
• Best Vintage Clothing
Store
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop — 26388 Carmel Rancho Blvd. –
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday – (831) 626-8480 –
yellowbrickroadbenefitshop.org
Not everyone believed a place called Yellow Brick Road, reselling
retired goods, would thrive in an upscale community. But Shirin
Snyder saw the affluence as an asset, a resource for quality
castoffs that would attract a large and loyal following. She was
right. Wife of the Rev. John Snyder, pastor of Carmel Presbyterian
Church, Shirin sought a way to extend a wider outreach in the
community. Her plan was to create a benefit shop that would give
some people a chance to give, others a chance to buy bargains, and
those in need, a chance to receive. There is no place like home to
start giving. People volunteer at Yellow Brick Road like it’s a
calling, creating a sense of community in the benefit shop.
Customers shop the place like members of a club.
• Best Jewelry Store
Fourtané Jewelers — Ocean and Lincoln – 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday – (831) 624-4684 –
fourtane.com
One of the country’s leading providers of estate jewelry and watches
from the modern era to centuries back, Fourtané Jewelers is
particularly renowned as an authorized Rolex retail store,
specializing in vintage Rolexes. Sandy and John Bonifas, who
purchased Fourtané Jewelers in the 1980s, have maintained the
intimate, friendly and personalized atmosphere customers appreciated
since its inception in 1950. “Our parameters for buying any piece
are that it has to be pretty, be well made, and offer good value,”
John Bonifas has said. “Integrity in any business is important.”
• Best Shopping Center
Carmel Plaza — Ocean & Mission– 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (831) 624-0138 -
carmelplaza.com
The property once housed a neighborhood movie theater and soda
fountain. But in 1959, architect Olaf Dahlstrand was hired to design
the Carmel Plaza shopping center in keeping with the character of
Carmel. Today, the Aspen-meets-Bavarian architecture complements the
lifestyle offerings of the Monterey Peninsula’s “premier shopping
and dining destination.” In addition to landmarks like the Cheese
Shop and the newer Carmel Honey Company, the Plaza has become a
haven for wine tasting and soon the new Yeast of Eden brewery. Those
who enjoy a luxury lifestyle can visit Tiffany & Co., Kate
Spade, Bottega Veneta, and Khaki’s of Carmel. If you work up an
appetite after an afternoon of shopping, tide yourself over with a
sip of something from Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar, or dine at
Flying Fish Grill, which offers East/West fusion cuisine.
• Best Antique Shop
Wittpenn’s Antiques — San Carlos Ave. between Seventh and
Eighth streets - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Closed Wednesdays - (831)
624-1336 - wittpennsantiques.com
This place warrants wandering. And patience. And attention to
detail. At Wittpenn’s Antiques, there is so much to see and
something for everyone to discover. Owned by Chip and Kathy
Wittpenn, this treasure trove is a short stroll from Ocean Avenue,
near Sunset Center. Just the windows of this little gem feature
enough eye-catching collectibles to keep shoppers occupied for a
while. Browse a wide selection of antiques and specialty items,
including sterling silver, Victorian furniture, books, globes,
clocks, music instruments, desks, Quimper, China, porcelain, Early
American, Renaissance Revival, Louis Phillipe items and much more.
• Best Bookstore
River House Books — 208 Crossroads Blvd. - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday - (831) 626-2665 -
riverhousebookscarmel.com
Yes, Virginia, there is still a bookstore in town. At River House
Books, you can wander the shelves and browse the books, feeling the
smooth paper between your fingers as you turn the pages and smell
the ink. There’s something encouraging about holding a brand-new
book and anticipating what you’ll find inside. Choose from a wide
selection of new and classic works in the humanities and sciences,
bestselling fiction and nonfiction, children’s favorites,
young-adult literature, travel, foreign and domestic magazines and
newspapers, plus gift-worthy art, architecture, cooking, gardening
and much more.
• Best Car Dealer
Lexus Monterey Peninsula — 1721 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside –
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831) 393-3030 -
lexusmontereypeninsula.com
If you use Google reviews to gauge a business, you’ll notice Lexus
Monterey Peninsula’s outstanding marks. With a local reputation for
personalized customer service, the Seaside dealership offers a fleet
of preowned and new vehicles, such as the 2018 Lexus RX 450h, and
full service for your existing vehicle. Lexus is so well regarded as
a brand that at Car Week this year, it celebrated its 21st year as a
sponsor of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
• Best Gas Station
Lemos 76 — 544 Carmel Rancho Blvd. - (831) 624-2925 –
lemos76.com
Need a smog check, propane or just a tank of gas? Lemos 76 — a
regular Golden Pine Cone recipient — can help you with that and
more. For nearly 60 years, the service station has been a trusted
stop for fuel and vehicle maintainence in Carmel. In fact, you can
pump gas 24/7 at Lemos 76. Family owned and operated, the service
station also offers free wifi while you’re waiting for your vehicle,
and touts its “dog friendly policy.” What more could you want?
• Best Car Wash
El Estero Car Wash — 590 Fremont St., Monterey – Winter
hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily - (831) 373-1801 - elesterocarwash.com
For more than 6 decades, El Estero Car Wash has been soaping,
scrubbing, rinsing and waxing Monterey Peninsula residents’
vehicles. Locally owned and operated, El Estero believes that
everything begins and ends with its customers, and its friendly and
experienced staff are focused on ensuring that all their needs are
met. And guess what, El Estero Car Wash recycles 70 percent of the
water it uses. How cool is that?
• Best Place for Brides
to Shop
Epiphany Boutique — Mission between Fifth and Sixth - 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. daily - (831) 626-7700 - epiphany-boutique.com
About to celebrate its 10th anniversary, bridal shop Epiphany
Boutique’s goal “is to make women feel beautiful,” says Epiphany
owner Christine Dilullo, who opened her first boutique in Illinois
at only 22 years old. Lots of moving around led Dilullo and her
husband to Carmel more than a decade ago. “I have always loved the
idea of having my own little boutique — that’s how it all started,
after all,” she explained. “It is magical. It is like having your
own little world where you can create anything you want.”
• Best Gift Shop
Carmel Bay Company — Lincoln at Ocean Ave - 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. daily - (831) 624-3868 – carmelbaycompany.com
With an eclectic assortment of home furnishings, clothing, art and
other items, Carmel Bay Company not only makes it fun to shop for
the father-in-law who has everything, it’s a great place to browse.
The shop, which opened in 1972, also offers a collection of
hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, including sideboards,
tables and wine cabinets.
• Best Candy Shop
Lula’s Chocolates — Court of the Fountains, NW Mission Street
between Ocean and Seventh – (831) 624-5852; 244 Crossroads Blvd., –
(831) 626-3327. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5
p.m. Sunday, both locations – lulas.com
Several employees of The Carmel Pine Cone — for research purposes
only, of course — regularly consume Lula’s Chocolates’ Sea Salt
Caramels. They’re glad to report that they’re delicious every time.
Besides what is probably Lula’s signature chocolate, its stores in
two locations in Carmel also offer many other premium candies, such
as truffles, butter crèmes and toffees.
SERVICES AND HEALTH
CARE AWARDS
• Best Real Estate Company
•
Best Place to Work
Carmel Realty — Dolores, south of Seventh, and three
other locations - Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831)
622-1000 — carmelrealtycompany.com
Carmel’s oldest real estate company was founded in 1913 — before the
incorporation of the city — and has been owned and operated for four
generations by the Mitchell family, which traces its longevity to
principles of integrity, work ethic, teamwork, collaboration,
communication and customer service. In addition to a long history of
great service handling high-end properties in the Monterey
Peninsula’s best neighborhoods, the company gives amply to the
community, supporting a wide and diverse group of charities. Carmel
Realty is a dual winner of Golden Pine Cones for the second year in
a row. Readers also chose this iconic company as Best Real Estate
Company and Best Place to Work in 2017.
• Best Place to
Volunteer
SPCA for Monterey County — 1002 Monterey-Salinas Hwy - Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (office); Monday through Friday, 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for
adoptions - (831) 373-2631 — spcamc.org
What could be more rewarding than volunteering time to a beloved
nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, protecting and loving
animals? SPCA for Monterey County, founded in 1905, offers multiple,
low-cost services to the public, including spay and neutering,
vaccination and microchips, engraved pet tags, pet-friendly
listings, puppy and dog training, humane trap rentals, wildlife
rescue, and free, expert advice. Approximately 300 volunteers donate
thousands of hours each year, providing essential support to animals
in need. Volunteer opportunities include administrative support,
animal care, community outreach, foster friends, hug a pet, Pet
Meals on Wheels, veterinary clinic, and wildlife rescue and
rehabilitation, among many others.
• Best Place to Get
Married
Carmel Mission — 3080 Rio Road - 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
to Friday for visitors, in addition to scheduled Masses - (831)
624-1271 – carmelmission.org
Nothing elevates a blessed day quite like saying your vows at a
venue known as the home of a bona fide Catholic saint. Father
Junipero Serra, the “Apostle of California,” founded and oversaw the
construction of the Mission, was interred there after his death in
1784, and was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015, adding a special
significance to the famous edifice, which in recent years has been
aesthetically restored. “The church seeks to help you prepare you
for the great day of your wedding as well as helping you with
spiritual, psychological and practical things that will make your
wedding day a Sacrament that will last a lifetime!” according to the
Mission’s website.
• Best Place to Get
Married (non-church)
Lovers Point Park — 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove -
(831) 648-3130 (P.G. Recreation Dept.) – cityofpacificgrove.org
For sheer natural beauty, few places in the world can rival Lovers
Point as a romantic backdrop for a wedding, with sparkling waves
rushing into magenta-draped cliffs, barking seals, playful otters,
soaring seabirds, all adjacent to a cove cuddling one of
California’s coziest beaches. Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat
in the early 19th century, when the location originally was called
Lovers of Jesus Point. Today this spectacular location remains a
must-see attraction for world travelers, particularly when Pacific
Grove’s famous ice plant is in brilliant purple-and pink-bloom along
Ocean View Blvd., typically around Mother’s Day.
• Best Retirement
Community
Del Mesa Carmel — 500 Del Mesa — (831) 624-1853 – Front desk
hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily - delmesacarmel.org
This vibrant community is well known on the Monterey Peninsula for
safe, comfortable living in one of the most picturesque locales in
California. A 24-hour security gate protects Del Mesa, which sits
high on a plateau in the Santa Lucia Mountains and provides
breathtaking views of Point Lobos and the Carmel River Valley for
independent residents in 289 condominium homes. But an equally
appealing attribute is the social component of Del Mesa, which
offers a fitness center with and indoor pool and spa, a workshop for
arts and crafts, garden plots, and a lively lawn bowling club, among
many other activities.
• Best Electrician
Cate Electrical Co. — Dolores and Seventh - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday - (831) 624-5361 - Office hours are 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. daily - cateelectrical.com
What a shock — Cate Electric is the winner once again of the Golden
Pine Cone as “Best Electrician,” an accolade the company also earned
in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Michael
Cate and Janine Cate Boone are at the helm of this family business
that was founded in 1960 and has been committed to serving the
community ever since. Cate’s crew of certified electricians
specializes in everything from service calls, to home remodels, to
landscape lighting, both residential and commercial.
•
Best Plumber
A & R Plumbing — 1720 Contra Costa St., Sand City - 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 24-hour emergency service - (831)
394-7221 - aandrplumbinginc.com
This small-town plumbing business was christened in 1974 by close
friends Greg Aeschliman and Kelly Roper, who say they constructed
their dream from a foundation that included enthusiasm and
dedication, along with a mutual respect for one another and their
families. Over the years, A & R evolved from its modest
beginnings into the large, full-service plumbing business it is
today — without sacrificing that small-town, family-oriented
philosophy of customer service. Services include new homes and
remodel projects, repairs and replacement of water, sewer, and gas
lines, high-pressure water jet drain cleaning, water heater repair
and replacements, appliance installations, replacement of sinks,
bathtubs and showers, and many others.
• Best Architect
Adam Jeselnick — Junipero and Fourth, Suite 3 - (831)
620-5164 - adamjeselnick.com
As a student at the University of Notre Dame, Adam Jeselnick studied
classical architecture and traditional urbanism in Rome, then gained
contemporary inspiration from travels around the world. He worked
for Perlman Architects in Scottsdale, Ariz., contributing to a broad
spectrum of projects, then spent several years as the senior project
manager for Troon Golf before relocating to the Monterey Peninsula.
Jeselnick and his wife, Laura, say they discovered their “inevitable
place” — Carmel-by-the-Sea — in pursuit of their shared love for the
arts and sustainability. In Carmel, he joined Carver and Schicketanz
Architects, where he managed custom rental projects until 2013, when
he started his own firm, Adam Jeselnick Architect, with a focus on
residential design, local and small business
growth, sustainability and adaptive reuse.
• Best General
Contractor
Stocker and Allaire — 21 Mandeville Court, Monterey – Call
for hours - (831) 375-1890 - stockerallaire.com
Trusted on the Monterey Peninsula since 1983, Stocker and Allaire’s
projects have included restorations of some of the wonderful old
Pebble Beach estates, construction of custom homes on some very
difficult and interesting sites, and fabrication of the exhibits at
the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The common thread in all of this
company’s projects is working closely with clients to identify their
needs, and then seeing that those needs are met. “Our clients are
our business, and our work comes from their referrals,” the company
assures on its website. “With that in mind, good client relations
and satisfaction is a goal we strive for.”
• Best
Landscaper-Gardening Service
Mission Landscaping — Pacific Grove – (831) 373-8293 -
missionlandscaping.com
This trusted company has serviced the Monterey and San Francisco Bay
areas for four decades with a dedication to providing custom design
and quality installations to enhance our unique area and satisfy the
most discriminating client.
Mission Landscaping’s expert staff includes talented carpenters,
masons, irrigation specialists and gardeners.
Specialties include masonry, fire pits, water features, driveways,
railings, tile work, and other diverse projects, making the company
a perennial favorite of our readers.
• Best Real Estate
Lender
Blue Adobe Mortgage — 26625 Carmel Center Place, Suite
100, Carmel - (831) 626-2112 - blueadobemortgage.com
The staff at Blue Adobe guarantees commitment to enriching your life
by providing the financial resources you need for home ownership,
whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a real estate investor,
refinancing for improvements, or purchasing your dream home. Blue
Adobe’s mortgage bankers and experienced loan consultants live, work
and participate in the communities they serve to help its residents
and business people make sense of their mortgage plans. “Purchasing
a home should be exciting and joyful, not scary and confusing, and
that’s where our team comes in,” the website states. “Call us dream
makers, call us loan officers, call us at 4 a.m. when you’re in a
panic. We’re here to help fulfill your dream of home ownership and
keep you smiling the whole way.”
• Best Title Company
Chicago Title — 26609 Carmel Center Place – Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831) 625-5676 - chicagotitlerene.com
This national company boasts 170 years of underwriting experience,
and features a centralized team of industry experts that provides
commercial and industrial developers, builders, lenders, attorneys,
and other real estate professionals with reliable, integrated,
high-liability services. Chicago Title has built a reputation for
efficiency in processing the most complex real estate transactions,
and can assist you with every phase of your transaction or
development. Visit the website for a menagerie of resources.
• Best Personal Bank
Chase Bank — San Carlos and 6th - (831) 625-2400 - 26378
Carmel Rancho Lane - (831-624-8224 - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ATM open 24 hours - chase.com
Carmel has two convenient locations for one of the oldest financial
institutions in the United States, with a history that dates back
more than 200 years. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boasts assets of $2.6
trillion, with a presence in more than100 markets, and over 250,000
employees. The company, which serves millions of consumers, is a
leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and
small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction
processing, and asset management. Chase also has left a footprint
with global philanthropy with a stated mission to enable more people
to contribute and share in the rewards of a growing economy.
•
Best Business Bank
Monterey County Bank — Multiple locations, including
3785 Via Nona Marie, Suite 100, Carmel - (831) 625-2345 -
montereycountybank.com
The oldest locally owned and locally managed bank in Monterey County
opened its doors in May 1977, specializing in all aspects of
business banking, including being the No. 1 Small Business
Administration lender in Monterey County. The bank also offers very
competitive commercial lending products, outstanding merchant credit
card services, and personal attention to its clients. And, there’s
also a convenience factor: Monterey County Bank has branches in
Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Salinas. The company motto might
help explain why Monterey County Bank is beloved by readers, who
have made this company a repeat winner of the Golden Pine Cone: “We
don’t open accounts — we start relationships.”
• Best Investment
House/Adviser
Monterey Private Wealth Management — 2340 Garden Road,
#202, Monterey – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831)
372-3426 - montereyprivatewealth.com
Partners Steve Merrell, Ken Petersen, Gary Alt and Cristofer
Cabanillas together have more than 70 years of combined experience
in helping clients gauge risk, stay ahead of inflation, and protect
their assets for the next generation. The stated mission of this
company includes operating with complete transparency, avoiding
conflicts of interest, and disclosing all details, fees and
expenses. Clients’ interests always come first at Monterey Private
Wealth Management, which might explain why this dynamic company has
become a perennial winner of the coveted Golden Pine Cone.
• Best Veterinarian
Carmel Valley Veterinary Hospital — 13738 Center St,
Carmel Valley - Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday,
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday - (831)
659-2286 - carmelvalleyvet.com
At this full-service veterinary practice, the stated focus is to
provide your pet with the best possible care from professionals who
will love your pet the same way you do. “At Carmel Valley Veterinary
Hospital, you’ll find caring and compassionate people who prioritize
your pet’s health and wellbeing,” the website promises. Under the
supervision of veterinarians James Holt and Lisa Boczar, services
include diagnostics, surgical, vaccinations and wellness,
integrative medicine, and emergency care.
•
Best Pet Boarding
Casa de Amigos Animal Hotel — 715 Foam, Monterey - Daily
7-7 p.m. - (831) 373-0482 - casadeamigosanimalhotel.com
If you need a getaway — or if one of your furry, four-legged friends
needs one — the Peninsula’s five-star destination is Casa de Amigos,
a multi-time champion of the Golden Pine Cone competition. Owned and
overseen by Dr. Ben Wilson, it’s no coincidence that this pet hotel
is next door to its sister company, the highly regarded Monterey
Animal Hospital.
Casa de Amigos has undergone extensive changes in recent years, with
facility upgrades, new services, increased staffing, and extended
hours, all to support the original mission: to make every animal’s
stay as comfortable and fun as possible.
• Best Pet Care
Suds ’N Scissors — 223 Crossroads Blvd. - Daily 9-5 p.m.
- (831) 624-4697 - sudsandscissorsinc.com
This iconic business has been a Carmel tradition for over 65 years,
providing your beloved family member with TLC and elegant grooming
in a spa-like environment.
Suds ‘N Scissors is owned and operated by Todd Harris, who
previously owned Country Club Kennels, Santa Cruz Animal care, and
Tatoha Trainers. He also has been a professional all-breed dog show
handler since the age of 16, and a member of Del Monte Kennel Club
for 30 years, serving as treasurer for that organization for the
past 15.
Services include multiple types of shampoos, nail buffing, flea
medications, tooth brushing, and baths, among many others. Mobile
grooming services also are available.
• Best Car Repair Shop
Tom’s Monterey Auto Repair — 870 Abrego, Monterey - 8 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday - (831) 372-5854 - tomsauto.biz
Is your car sputtering, stalling, steering as if it has a mind of
its own? Maybe it does. Listen to your vehicle’s cry for help and
make it healthy again at Tom’s Monterey Auto Repair, which offers a
full spectrum of service. Tom’s handles all types of maintenance and
service, from quick lube (with 14 items inspected) to full lubes,
oil and filter services (over 100 items inspected), brake,
suspension, and steering repair (including 4-wheel alignment),
transmission servicing (both standard and automatic), air
conditioning and heater repairs, cooling system repairs, smog
inspection, electrical problems, and much more. Find out why that
pesky “check engine” light is trying to get your attention at the
shop recommended by our readers as the best place around to have
your car checked out.
• Best Auto Body Shop
Gene’s Import Auto Body — 531 Shasta St., Sand City –
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831) 899-0343 -
genesimportautobody.com
Customer satisfaction is the acid test for any small business, and
Gene’s Import Auto Body reports that more than 85 percent of its
business comes from word-of-mouth advertising from people who have
trusted their vehicles to this iconic Sand City company in the past.
This family-owned business was founded in 1979 — nearly four decades
ago — providing the Monterey Peninsula with the highest level of
professional service and quality repairs at a reasonable price,
always upholding factory standards and never sacrificing quality for
a quick repair. Gene’s highly trained staff is experienced in
Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Bentley, Ferrari and
Audi, among other foreign-made cars, as well as domestic vehicles.
• Best Dry Cleaners
Carmel Cleaners — Junipero and Third – Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. - (831)
624-3616
This multiple-time winner of the Golden Pine Cone award is revered
for its courteous and competent service for virtually every kind of
dry cleaning need, including skilled alterations and garment repais.
Owner Deok Chong’s mantra for more than 30 years has been “Good
clothes deserve good care.” Specialties include the preservation of
wedding gowns, prom dresses, and other treasured garments — just one
of many characteristics that have made Carmel Cleaners one of the
most-trusted establishments in town.
• Best Travel Agent
Pacific Grove Travel — 593 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific
Grove – Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. - (831) 373-0631 or (800) 648-1808 - pgtravel.com
Travel has changed and evolved during the four decades that Pacific
Grove Travel has been serving people on the Monterey Peninsula, and
Joe Shammas’ beloved agency has changed with the times. Since
opening its doors in 1979, Shammas and his staff have built a solid
reputation for good service at fair prices, provided by a friendly,
helpful, highly trained staff. This full-service travel agency
handles bookings for all major cruise lines, tour operators, hotels
and car rentals. Group tours are a specialty for this company, a
perennial champion among our readers.
• Best Hair Salon
March Hare — Mission and 5th, Carmel-by-the-Sea - 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Tuesday through Saturday - (831) 624-3024 -
www.marchharesaloncarmel.com
MaryAnna Wagner Stahl, founder of March Hare, brings nearly five
decades of salon experience to this legendary Carmel business as an
entrepreneur, pioneer AVEDA educator, certified aromatherapist,
hairstylist, and make-up artist. Celebrating its 33rd year of
providing the artistry and science of hair to Carmel, March Hare
specializes in cut and style (including an aromatic AVEDA scalp
massage to enhance your experience and scalp health), coloring,
highlighting, and make-up, among other services. The highly trained,
client-oriented staff also is happy to provide consultation for your
wedding or event, ensuring that your special day is filled with
pampering and creative expertise.
• Best Nail Salon
Nails Spa by the Sea — Seventh and Monte Verde - Call
for appointment - (831) 625-2623 - nailsspabythesea.com
A Golden Pine Cone winner yet again, Nails Spa by the Sea is
celebrated by readers for its affection for clients, who are
pampered with the highest-quality nail treatments in a nurturing
atmosphere. In addition to the salon classics — manicures and
pedicures — Nails Spa by the Sea offers massage and waxing. Discover
how enjoyable an hour of your day can be at Nails by the Sea, a
traditional destination in Carmel. Or a gift card may be the perfect
“special something” for a lady in your life.
• Best Spa
Spa at Pebble Beach — 1518 Cypress Dr., Pebble Beach - Daily
8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (facilities) & 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(services) - 1-866-993-6947 -
pebblebeach.com/the-spa-at-pebble-beach
The Spa at Pebble Beach is one of 60 spas in the world to receive
Forbes’s Five-Star Award — and now a Golden Pine Cone, too. The Spa
at Pebble Beach offers 15 massage rooms, 5 facial rooms, a
full-service salon, a flotation wrap suite, an outdoor pool, a
conservatory and a sanctuary with a warming fire pit. Whether you’re
enjoying a signature treatment, a day package, or just a facial, you
are bound to leave feeling more balanced and refreshed. There are
specialized treatments for golfers which may be why this is a local
favorite. And there’s a juice bar for a healthy drink while you
enjoy your treatment.
•
Best Dentist
Bradford Carl — 26485 Carmel Rancho Blvd. #3 - Monday
through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. -
(831) 624-2111 - bradfordcarl.com
Dr. Carl, a repeat winner of the Golden Pine Cone, has treated
patients here for more than three decades with a team that takes
pride in providing patients with the information they need to make
decisions about their oral health needs. His office offers cleanings
and prevention, cosmetic dentistry, treatment of periodontal
diseases, and restorations. “When you visit our office, your smile
is our top priority,” the doctor says. “Our entire team is dedicated
to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you
deserve.”
•
Best Dermatologist
• Best Skin Care
Roya Javid — 757 Pacific Street, Suite C3, Monterey – Monday
through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. -
831-293-8458 - coastalvalleydermatology.com
“We strive for excellence in patient care.” Dr. Javid is a repeat
winner of the Golden Pine Cone and this year for both best
dermatologist and best skin care. Dr. Javid’s practice, Coastal
Valley Dermatology, offers both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
They offer micrographic Mohs surgery, a specialized microscopically
controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer. Dr.
Javid is particularly pleased with the number of referrals she
receives from existing patients.
•
Best Ophthalmologist
Leland Rosenblum — Monterey Bay Eye Center, 21 Upper
Ragsdale Drive, Suite 200, Monterey - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. - (831) 375-2020 - montereybayeyecenter.com
A multi-year winner of the Golden Pine Cone, Dr. Rosenblum has been
in private practice at Monterey Bay Eye Center since 1994. He has
clinical interests in cataract surgery, glaucoma and diabetic
retinopathy treatment and a variety of other procedures. This
third-generation physician was the first ophthalmologist in Monterey
County to implant the ReSTOR® intraocular lens. Dr. Rosenblum is a
Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology and serves on the Board of
Directors for the California Academy of Ophthalmology. Just for fun,
Dr. Rosenblum is also an avid cyclist.
•
Best Orthopedist
Christopher E. Clevenger — 980 Cass St., Monterey – Monday
through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831) 648-3361
In lieu of our normal writeup, Dr. Clevenger asked if we would use
this personal note to his patients: Thank you for trusting me with
your health care over the past 20 years. It has been a pleasure to
have been able to help so many of you. I carry only fond memories
with me as I leave to start the next chapter in my career in Santa
Rosa.
• Best Pediatrician
Pierre LaMothe — Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group,
2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, #210, Monterey - Monday through Friday, 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. closed 12:30-2:00 pm; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon -
(831) 333-0999 - mppmg.com
Dr. LaMothe was born in Carmel, and is a Robert Louis Stevenson
graduate. He has been practicing pediatrics for 31 years at Monterey
Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group. His hobbies are golfing, hiking,
gardening and cooking.
• Best Plastic Surgeon
Douglas Sunde — 856 Munras Ave., Monterey – Mon. through
Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (831) 372-0200 - drsunde.com
Dr. Sunde is our readers’ choice once again, thanks to a passion for
his profession and a zeal for maintaining up-to-date techniques. The
doctor specializes in plastic surgery and provides individualized,
state-of-the-art cosmetic and reconstructive treatments, with
personal attention to the needs of each patient. A native of
suburban Chicago, Dr. Sunde was an Eagle Scout, a National Merit
Scholar, and valedictorian of his high school class before pursuing
higher education at Stanford, where he graduated with distinction,
and UC San Francisco Medical School, where he was part of the
medical honor society for leadership and academic excellence in
medical scholarship. He’s been practicing in Monterey since 1994.
“Superb patient care is my specialty.”
• Best Chiropractor
Aaron Gaily — 1299 Pacific, Monterey - Monday, Wednesday and
Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. - (831)
657-0191 - chiropractormontereyca.com
Born on the Monterey Peninsula and raised in Carmel Valley, Dr.
Gaily was a 1995 graduate of Carmel High, where he was a standout in
water sports.
He launched his chiropractic practice in Monterey in 2003, the same
year he became head coach of the Carmel High water polo team, a post
he held through the 2016 season. “Being a chiropractor is one of the
most rewarding things,” he says. “We get to watch people reduce or
eliminate their pain, and get back to healthy living, day in and day
out. It’s a lot of fun coming to work every day and watching
people’s lives change.”
• Best Estate Planning
Attorney
Kyle Krasa — 704-D Forest Ave., Pacific Grove - Call for an
appointment - (831) 920-0205 – krasalaw.com
Talk about local roots! Kyle Krasa’s grandfather, Karel A. Krasa,
taught Czech at the Defense Language Institute while his
grandmother, Zdena, worked at a Monterey cannery. His mother, Joan,
taught for nearly 30 years at Bay View Elementary in Monterey, and
his father, Peter, was an elementary school administrator and
principal. As a student at UC Davis School of Law, Kyle already had
his heart set on a career in estate planning, elder law/Medicaid
planning, probate/estate administration, and asset protection. He
brings a passion for those specialties to a practice that clearly is
appreciated by his clientele. Outside the office, Krasa leads an
active life that includes playing ice hockey, hiking, cycling,
swimming, golf, classic cars, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers,
of which he is a proud shareholder.
• Best Lawyer if You
Need to Sue Somebody
Andy Swartz — 550 Hartnell, Suite A-1, Monterey - Call for an
appointment - (831) 373-3235 or (800) 624-9911 - ssklaw.com
If there’s a wrong that needs to be righted in the legal arena, the
man to call, according to readers, is Andrew Swartz, a repeat winner
of the Golden Pine Cone. He has practiced law in Monterey since
1973, specializing in a broad spectrum of civil litigation for
plaintiffs and defendants, ranging from personal injury to
defamation, and has won multiple high-profile cases. Swartz holds
degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of
Santa Clara School of Law. He says, “Much thanks to my two partners
as well as the other members of our local bar association who make
the practice of law enjoyable for me. I also want to thank the
incredible staff at Spiering, Swartz & Kennedy.”
• Best Defense Attorney
Larry Biegel — 2801 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Suite A,
Monterey - (831) 525-4080 - biegellaw.com
Biegel, a multi-time honoree by readers as winner of the Golden Pine
Cone, has successfully tried criminal cases involving major felonies
(including a death penalty case), civil actions involving complex
business issues, and personal injury cases. He’s a past president of
the Monterey County Bar Association, and was the 2006 winner of the
Lewis L. Fenton Award, which recognized his outstanding jury trial
skills. His wife, Cristina, is a partner in the firm. If you’re in a
legal mess, our readers recommend Biegel as the attorney to call.
• Best Insurance Agent
Matt Little Jr., Carmel Insurance — San Carlos and Eighth -
Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 p.m. - (831) 624-1234
The family legacy of Matt Little dates back three generations in
Carmel. Robert Little opened Carmel Insurance Agency, Inc. in 1948,
when he began delivering quality solutions in the areas of
commercial, personal health and life insurance. In 1968 the agency
became a corporation, with son Matt Little taking the reins as
president. Today Matt works alongside his daughter, Amy, and son
Matt Jr., serving markets in California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona,
Texas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Hawaii. They take
pride in providing outstanding personalized customer service, which,
no doubt, is the reason this family business has won the Golden Pine
Cone award again and again.
• Best Shoe Repair
Federico’s Drive-In Shoe Service — 542 Abrego St., Monterey –
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - (831) 649-3322 –
federicoshoes.com
Since 1939, Federico’s Drive-In Shoe Service in Old Monterey has
brought old world craftsmanship and the art of shoe repair to the
Monterey Peninsula, instilling new life into all kinds of footwear
with repairs, polishes, shining, dyeing and more. You just don’t
find businesses like this one anymore, but, thankfully, Federico’s
continues to thrive. This outstanding, family-run operation takes
great pride in its quality work and customer service, earning and
maintaining the affection of a community that has made Federico’s a
multi-time winner of a Golden Pine Cone.
•
Best School
All Saints’ Day School — 8060 Carmel Valley Road - (831)
624-9171 - asds.org
All Saints’ Day School is an Episcopal school in Carmel Valley for
students pre-school to eighth grade, founded in 1961. According to
the California Association of Independent Schools, “An All Saints’
education has always been distinguished by the excellence of the
academic program, the focus on service to the community, and the
emphasis on the education of the whole child, as shown by the strong
curricular and co-curricular offerings, including music, visual and
performing arts, physical education, technology and character
education.”
• Best Teacher
Bill Schrier, Carmel High School — 3600 Ocean Ave. —
831-624-1821 - carmelunified.org/Page/1931
Schrier was previously a pilot, Naval officer, and a lawyer, and now
he’s a high school teacher with a Golden Pine Cone. “I became a
teacher at 45 after having a career as a lawyer and this is far and
away the most rewarding job I have had. I look forward to going to
work every day and I just love being around the students and my
colleagues.” He teaches AP Government and Politics, AP Human
Geography, and coaches the mock trial team, which won a world title
in 2016.
• Best Principal
Ryan Peterson, Tularcitos & River schools — 33 Ford
Rd., Carmel Valley – (831) 620-8195 - carmelunified.org/tularcitos
Mr. Peterson was a math teacher and assistant principal in the Palo
Alto Unified School District for nine years before he joined the
Carmel Unified School District in the 2008-2009 school year as the
assistant principal at Carmel Middle School. “Those leadership roles
pushed me to become a better educator.” The classroom experience
provided him with insights of the qualities that a teacher should
have. “We are teaching students how to problem-solve and think and
helping to foster their creativity, and we are teaching them how to
be people of character.” And on winning and going to work every day,
“It’s a privilege and an honor to be principal at such an amazing
school with such fantastic staff, parents and students.”
• My Favorite Nonprofit
Dance Kids of Monterey County — Sunset Center, Cottage #17,
San Carlos Street at 10th Ave., Carmel-By-The-Sea – Monday through
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.- (831) 622-9008 - dancekids.org
Dance Kids of Monterey County was started in 1993 to provide ongoing
performance opportunities in dance and theater arts to the youth of
Monterey County. The troupe is well-known for its performance of the
Nutcracker, playing for its 25th consecutive year this December.
Part of their mission is with the Community Partnership for Youth,
which is a prevention program providing positive alternatives to
gangs, drugs, and violence while reinforcing individual strengths.
Founder Carol Richmond says, “It is an honor to be chosen for this
award considering the many worthy non-profits on the Monterey
Peninsula.”
For previous years' winners click here: 2017,
2016,
2015,
2014,
2013,
2012,
2011,
2010,
2009,
2008
