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.
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.
I know, there are members of the Monterey Bay Property Management team who will consider this sacrilege, if not worse.
But some of us (one?) do not watch the SuperBowl.
This year Montrio Bistro, one of Monterey’s finest restaurants, is providing an alternative. On Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 5, they’re throwing a “Bubbles and Bites” party starting at 4:30pm. (But can they at least tune in at half-time so I can see Madonna?)
Want to enjoy some quality time with your “non-football” friends? The $25 admission includes a half bottle of wine or champagne plus three “tasty bites” from a special menu.
Montrio Bistro
414 Calle Principal
831-648-8880
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
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.
Where to find the most fabulous wardrobe on the Monterey Peninsula? Marita’s Boutique has something for every style, every size, in any color a fashionista desires! And those accessories! Yum! Not sure how to pull it all together? No problem!
Marita and the chic ladies of her boutique are wardrobe wizards! Just a few words about what you are looking for, and head straight to the dressing room. They will bring you an infinite number of choices!
Visit their website.
