Hang Out Like a Localite

Just a few blocks from my home is a happy hang out.  Esteban Restaurant is located in the Casa Munras, a hotel named after the last Spanish diplomat to California.  Esteban stands out from the plethora of restaurant options in Monterey with its tapas style menu, contemporary setting and attentive customer service.

Many of my friends have special food needs or preferences; Esteban works out because friends allergic to nuts, shell fish and wheat can all find something not only suitable but tasty from an extensive small plates menu.  Vegetarians have more than one choice, too.  The menu is also fairly diversified in price, which makes it a good place for friends to hang out whatever their nightly allowance might be.

I'm the sort of person who sticks to menu favorites.  If I've returned to a local restaurant, it is usually because I really liked whatever I ate before.  At Esteban, I'm not locked into ordering one particular entree, so I'm more comfortable with taking a risk on something new.  On my most recent visit, I had a link of chorizo on mashed potatoes with roasted peppers and the Monterey Bay seafood stew.  I have to admit, I was suspicious of the later which I thought was a gimmicky tourist trap.  Fortunately, a friend ordered it first and it turned out to be delightful- not at all chowder in a bread bowl, but a clear broth with a good portion of vegetables and seafood.  And, through absolutely no cunning on my part, the friend who ordered it first happened to be allergic to wheat so I got twice the toast with garlicky aioli.  I enjoyed the chorizo, too.  It had a gamey taste that was a little atypical but good.  But then again, I've never met a sausage I didn't like.

Esteban is not the only restaurant in town that features small plates, but it is the only place where I've dared to try an unusual cocktail.  Just this week I scorned a house guest who plopped an ice cube in his glass of white wine.  Tonight I ordered Calimoxta, a dubious mixture of red wine and cola served over ice.  I had heard that it is enjoyed by the gallons in the Basque region and now I understand why.  Sometimes it is worth trying something new, even if it means eating a little crow.

On last reason to try Esteban is the patio with fire pit and heaters.  This is a great draw for those of us who enjoy a fire but lack fireplaces at home.  I recommend plenty of warm layers though- I regretted not having worn my Uggs. If you haven't discovered Esteban yet, move it to the top of your list and let me know how you like it.  You'll know me by my drink.