L-R: Jonathan Roberts (The Pig Wizard), Mary Font (Mrs. Delish), Luciano Pellegrini (Valentino). Photo courtesy of Interface Visual
Nothing like drinking for a cause, I always say.
I can’t believe I said that! But seriously, there are charity events and there are Charity Events.
Clambake for a Cure is definitely the latter.
I may have been lured by the possibility of seeing celebs (though I wouldn’t recognize a PGA Pro if bopped on the head with a putter), but I did meet a ballerina-turned-yogini, a documentary filmmaker, marketing mavens Leslie McClure and Wendy Brickman, “Chef Whisperer” Dorothy Maras-Ildiz, and Susan Curtis of Jocelyn Lonen Winery, the event founder.
Curtis, who lost her husband to a brain tumor in 2004, has transmuted some of her grief into the Golf & Grapes Foundation and this lovely annual event, which raises money for research.
The setting: Gilbert’s on Fisherman’s Wharf, overlooking the bay, the boats, and twinkling city lights. Celebrity chefs showed off their stuff, and numerous wineries poured their special vintages.
Photo Courtesy of Interface Visual
While the intrepid Wayne Capili of Interface Visual snapped photos, I joined newfound friends on the deck, where—in between awesome appetizers—we tried to decide which we preferred: Scheid’s sparkling “Isabelle” (a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes) or Gruet’s Extra Dry Brut (aromatic notes of peach and marzipan, with a hint of honeysuckle).
We tried one, and then we tried the other. Both were fabulous. And then we had to try the first one again, to compare it with the second. And then we had to… well, needless to say, we never did get around to sampling the many other fine wines represented.
We capped off the evening with bonbons and delectable mini-chocolate cupcakes with Bailey’s Irish Cream frosting (courtesy of Mrs. Delish), washed down with—well, what else?—more champagne.
Was it the Scheid or the Gruet? Not exactly sure… but I will happily return next year to find out.
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“Beyond Ballet” is their tag line, and they’ve been called “sexy, fun, warm, and awe-inspiring.”
The ever-popular, ever-daring Smuin Ballet performs at Carmel’s Sunset Center March 2 at 8pm and March 3 at 2pm.
The program features a world premiere by choreographer Ma Cong of the Tulsa Ballet, whose French Twist was a smash success in the company’s 2009-2010 season, and three pieces choreographed by Michael Smuin:
• Tango Palace: a seductive fantasy of passion, possession, jealousy, loss, and love. A feverish vision of desire through dance, Tango Palace examines both the complexities of the human heart, and the inventiveness of tango itself.
• The Eternal Idol: in this sensuous pas de deux set to Chopin’s lush Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Rodin’s famous sculpture of a nude couple locked in an embrace comes to life on stage.
• Stabat Mater: an eloquent expression of grief and loss set to Dvorak’s choral work, this ballet was Michael Smuin’s response to September 11th. It has been called “a powerful response to a national tragedy,” and one of the most beautiful ballets in his remarkable career.
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Don't Fence Me In
Cowboy songs and poetry, yodeling, western swing fiddle, Tex-Mex polkas, Northern Plains pow-wow drum and song… get ready for a very lively evening at California State University Monterey Bay on Wednesday, February 29.
Featuring the music and oral culture of the American West, the event is part of a national tour sponsored by the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the nation’s oldest folk arts organization. The acts include:
- Wylie & the Wild West: cowboy songs and High Plains yodeling
- Paul Zarzyski: rodeo poet
- Los Texmaniacs: Tex-Mex Conjunto
- The Quebe Sisters Band: Western swing and Texas fiddling
- North Bear: Pow-Wow drum and song
Tickets start at just $10 (CSUMB students and children under 12) and are available online and at the World Theater box office.
P.S. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Monterey, don’t fiddle around. Call Ashley, our country music loving receptionist, at (831) 233-7970.
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The Breakfast Club tabletop
I asked the gang for a list of their favorite breakfast spots, and they scrambled to answer:
Rhiannon McCraner said everything is good at Holly’s Lighthouse Cafe in Pacific Grove, and Chris Navarro recommended “the huevos rancheros at Rondita’s.” After fruitlessly searching Google, I realized that his wife is named Rhonda. Very funny, Chris.
Then our faithful property inspector Howard Hartman chimed in. Now, Howard knows a lot about breakfast spots (playing golf or racquet ball five mornings a week, the man needs his nourishment!).
Here are a few of his favorites:
- Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop, Carmel Valley: “The steel cut oatmeal.”
- First Awakenings, Pacific Grove: “Huge blue germ pancake with blueberry compote.” I told him I thought “blue germ” sounded a bit unsavory, and in between forwarding funny emails on his iPhone (how else would we know that rubber bands last longer when refrigerated?) he responded, “U have to try new things!”
- Best Western Hotel, Del Monte Beach, Monterey: “Best breakfast views on the Peninsula. The potato skillet with vegetables—but no cheese, please.” (Howard is vegan-ish.)
- Porter’s Grill, Poppy Hills Golf Course, Pebble Beach: “Good food and great golf course views.”
- The Breakfast Club, Seaside: “Omelet with fruit on the side.”
He said he had more, but he had to go to breakfast.
Property manager Frank Gallagher (our version of Don Draper, but without the martinis and cigarettes), seconds Howard’s vote for The Breakfast Club, adding that the coffee is good—and that his kids love the Mickey Mouse pancakes.
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A chance to eat delicious seafood, imbibe fine wines, and mingle with PGA Tour Players and celebrities after the second round of the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach?
And it’s for a good cause?
Count us in.
The third annual “Clambake for a Cure,” February 10th on Fisherman’s Wharf, will feature a strolling dinner prepared by celebrity chefs, award-winning wines, entertainment, dancing, and an auction of rare items—all to benefit brain tumor research and treatment.
Celebrity Chefs include:
- Luciano Pellegrini, Valentino, Las Vegas
- Casey Thompson, Star of Bravo’s “Top Chef”
- Mark Ayers, CLM & Pebble Beach Food & Wine
- Tom Snyder, Esteban, Monterey
- Tim Woods & Marc Jones, Carmel Valley Ranch
- Brian Meier and Steve Salle, Del Monte Meat & Ports Seafood
- Mary Font, Mrs. Delish’s Cupcake Boutique
- Baum & Blume Catering, Carmel Valley
- Dory Ford, Point Pinos Grill & AQUA TERRA Culinary
- Erika McDonnell, FlouRish Organic Breads
- Arnufo Martinez, Gilbert’s Seafood
- Kevin Phillips, Albalonetti Bar & Grill
And because seafood pairs so well with wine:
- Jocelyn Lonen Winery, Napa
- Elkhorn Peak Cellars, Napa
- Ventana Vineyards, Monterey
- Morgan Wines, Santa Lucia Highlands
- Hahn Estates, Santa Lucia Highlands
- Oh Wines, Monterey
- Heller Estates, Carmel Valley
- Chateau Marie Antoinette, Monterey
- Kristilynn Wines, Monterey
- Scheid Vineyards, Monterey
- Judd’s Hill, Napa
- Elizabeth Spencer Wines, Rutherford
- Clos la Chance Winery, San Martin
- Delicato Family Vineyards, Lodi
When: Friday, February 10 from 4 pm – 9 pm
Where: The Marina View Lounge, 30 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Cost: $125 per person
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Quite a bit! On February 2nd the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will rock the halls of Carmel’s beautiful Sunset Center. Come join the party as this sizzling group keeps the spirit of New Orleans alive.
Speaking of spirit, the irrepressible Joan Rivers hits the stage on Friday, February 10 at 8 pm. Adults only, please… with Joan, nothing’s off limits!
Looking for a quiet retreat after all that music and comedy? May we present the newest property in our inventory: SEASHELL COTTAGE, a charming 3 bedroom/2 bath bungalow that reflects the Carmel cottages of yesteryear.
You’ll love the two fireplaces (one in the master), the flowering garden, and the cheerful sun room.
And if you’re in the mood to perform, there’s an upright Steinway in the living room.
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Tiger Woods is returning to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the first time in 10 years.
He’s coming back…but is he back?
That’s the question of the day. It’s been two years since he’s won a tournament on the PGA Tour, but everyone knows that when he’s on, Woods has the talent to win at just about any golf course in the world.
And judging from his performances at the end of 2011, there’s plenty of evidence that the king of the golf galaxy just might be getting his mojo back.
Tournament ticket sales are through the roof since the Woods announcement, but we still have a few accommodations available in Pebble Beach for the AT&T week, Feb. 6-12.
Looking for Pebble Beach without the price tag? We have one bedrooms starting at $1,065/week and two bedroom ocean view condos from $2,668.
Email our resident golfer/reservationist Kyle Burritt, or give him a call at 831 233-7972.
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This is it, folks. The center of the Golf Universe: the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Feb. 6-12.
Since 1937, this mix of four parts professional golfers to one part show business and sports celebrities has been one of the top golfing events of the year.
The first three days are played simultaneously over three courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. Teams rotate each of the three days, with the final round played on the fourth day at Pebble Beach.
Celebs playing along with the pros this year include Huey Lewis, Ray Romano and Bill Murray (last year’s winner).
Assuming you are not two-time champion Dustin Johnson, there are several ways to participate in this epic tournament.
On Monday, Feb. 6, for as low as $10, you can watch one of your favorite golfers play practice rounds at Spyglass or Pebble Beach. And it goes up from there:
- Good Any One Day Package • $75 One admission 2/6 – 2/12. Includes “Cover Stories,” a coffee table book showcasing the unique artwork on tournament souvenir program covers dating back to the first Crosby, with a foreword by Clint Eastwood.
- Tuesday 2/7 Practice Round Ticket • $20 ($30 after 2/4)
- Wednesday 2/8 Practice Round Ticket • $20 ($30 after 2/4)
- Tournament Rounds: 2/9 – 2/12 • $50 ($60 after 2/4) Choose from Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday: valid at all three courses with grandstand seating (space available).
- Season Badges: 2/6 – 2/12 • $125 ($150 after 2/4) Grounds admission to all 3 courses. Valid for all 7 days, Monday-Sunday.
- Any-Day Ticket Book • $425 ($600 after 2/4) Ten coupons, exchangeable at the gate on any one day for a daily ticket.
The following have limited availability and must be purchased in advance and shipped (not available at the gates):
- Champions Club Tournament Rounds 2/9 – 2/12 • $450/day or $1600/weekly View all the action from the Champions Club overlooking the 15th green. Luxurious spectator experience with cafe style seating, sumptuous breakfast/luncheon buffets, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, full bar, etc.
- Partners Package • $350 Two season badges – valid for all seven days at all three courses. Includes two golf caps, two souvenir programs, one tournament poster, one sleeve of logo golf balls, and one discount coupon for AT&T logo merchandise purchased at the pro shops during the tournament.
- Executive Booster Package • $2400 12 season badges with Grey Goose Lounge access (between Pebble Beach holes #6 and #8) Thurs. – Sun. Package includes three any-day ticket books (30 daily tickets), 20 souvenir programs, six commemorative gifts, six tournament golf caps, and two weekly parking passes inside Pebble Beach.
Now, all you need is a place to stay, right?
Email our resident golfer Kyle Burritt, or call him at 831 233-7972. He’ll tee you right up.
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Eighty-eight year old Skippy Blair—an icon in the world of dance—is the headliner at this year’s Monterey Swingfest January 12-16.
Daily classes start at 10am, followed by workshops, open dancing, contests and awards into the wee hours, with free basic swing classes Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 1pm.
The event concludes Monday with Blair teaching West Coast Swing at 11am, followed by a three hour dance workshop from 12-3pm. (How does she do it?)
Admission is $145 per person, and all classes will be held at the Monterey Hyatt Regency.
Need a place to put your feet up after all that dancing?
Decorated in soothing pastels, this fully-furnished one bedroom, 1.5 bath Monterey apartment has balconies with bay views.
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Don’t sleep in late on January 1, 2012!
Head down to the 22nd Annual Rio Grill’s Resolution Run instead. This New Year’s Day tradition benefits the Community Partnership for Youth – and it’s an excellent way to start your year (plus you get a cool t-shirt).
Two courses (5 and 10K) start at the Rio Grill in the Crossroads Shopping Village at Highway 1 and Rio Road in Carmel. This fun family event is open to runners, walkers, strollers and (this being Carmel), well-behaved dogs on leashes.
After crossing the finish line at the Carmel Mission Basilica, participants will hoof it back to the Crossroads for brunch, the awards ceremony, and a random prize drawing.
Registration online is $36 for adults and $23 for kids 12 & under through December 31.
Registration on Race Day is $39 for adults, $26 for kids 12 & under.
The race starts at 9am sharp. (You can nap later.)
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