Finally, right when it looked like June Gloom might spill beyond a July to Decry and into Ugly August, the skies broke and the bizarrely lame weather went bye bye. Indian summer is here, señores and señoritas, and many are the ways to enjoy it. What follows are some outdoors/picnicky/summer-only situations very worth noting:
Maybe the best restaurant-resort west of Aspen holds its most affordable fun of the year—and maybe the best value of the summer when Bernardus does its annual garden party-anniversary 2-5pm Sunday, Aug. 29, with live music, new release Bernardus wines and hors d'oeurvres by your hero and mine, Chef Cal Stamenov. The guy routinely works magic; it just usually runs in the hundreds, not $25 like this event. 658-3515 for tickets...
The Hyatt’s (372-1234) fireside lounge-adjacent patio is a scenic place to sip cocktails and graze on snacks like wild mushroom pizzas from new chef Russell Young. On Thursdays 4-7pm through September, 15 percent of each Paws for a Cause check goes the SPCA, and mellow poochies are encouraged to chill and enjoy biscuits…
Friday, Aug. 27, there’s a special edition of the seasonal Jazz at the Plaza (624-0138) with Steve Ezzo at Carmel Plaza while Carmel Road pours its super stuff (try the Pinots) and the Salvation Army gathers gently worn jeans. The 5-7pm, $15 event even includes a little denim fashion show and appetizers to pair with the wine and free music…
Concerts on the Bay at Monterey Plaza Hotel (646-1700) brings the Money Band to cash in its charisma 5:30-9pm Friday, Aug. 27, and a special bonus comes to the seaside patios 2-8pm Saturday, Sept. 11, as English Ales, Ale Works and Carmel Brewing pour tastes for $2, Schooner’s (372-2628) does a la carte brauts, sliders and such and John Broadway Tucker plays 4-8pm. In honor of Sept. 11, all police, firemen and military get the goods half off.…
The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s (648-4840) extended weekend hours and accompanying jazz and food (and lighter crowds) are almost over. Monterey Jazz Festival Student Combos play Aug. 28 and Sept 4; Gary Meek comes through Aug. 29; and the Monterey Bay Jazz Orchestra wraps the series Sept. 5. Free parking in Cannery Row garages after 4pm for locals with ID…
Wine, Women and Shoes at Corral de Tierra Country Club (394-5171) is 2-6pm Saturday, Aug. 28, $125 boosts Boys and Girls Club…
The best excuse to picnic in the redwoods this summer closes 7:30pm Sunday, Aug. 29, as Big Sur International Short Film Festival screens its winners at Henry Miller Library (667-2574).
Summer, it seems, is just getting warmed up.
