He films those Flavortown chow sessions on his Food Network program “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” giving credit to America’s greasy spoons that churn out the best comfort food.
So it’s more than a bit ironic that while in town to participate in the high-end culinary extravaganza called Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Fieri took a break from the caviar and Champagne to pay homage to the best blue-collar joints.
Fieri brought his bleach-blonde spiked hair shtick into six local restaurants now in the rotation for the hugely popular restaurant reality show: The Wild Plum, Rosine’s, Loulou’s and Cannery Row Brewing Co., all in Monterey, and Little Napoli and From Scratch in The Barnyard in Carmel.
Guy Fieri sightings blew up social media, despite a Food Network-imposed policy against advanced publicity. Loulou’s co-owner Grace Davis could hardly contain her excitement in the days preceding his visit.
“We were so honored to be chosen,” Davis said. “Guy and the whole crew were absolutely awesome: cool, funny, insightful and professional. We had a blast. It really surpassed our expectations in terms of fun and excitement and the validation that he would like our food.”
Because Loulou’s operates on the commercial wharf, the program focused on two fresh seafood items — abalone sliders and whole Dungeness crab.
“We really brought in our partners, the Monterey Abalone Co. and the local crab fishermen,” Davis said. “These are simple dishes that give respect to the ingredients.”
Of the six restaurants filmed, Loulou’s (built on the wharf in 1948) best personifies the program’s title. Open all day, the tiny diner is best known for its squid and eggs, oatmeal brulee, massive pancakes, clam chowder, burgers and fresh seafood.
“Guy was fun and funky,” Davis said. “He knew so much about food and cooking, digging in with his hands, asking questions, making everyone feel comfortable. He was someone you wanted to have a beer with.”
Even though the higher-end Cannery Row Brewing Co. has no connection with diners, drive-ins or dives, general manager James Velarde happily opened the doors to the film crew.
“I think the scope of Guy’s show is changing,” Velarde said. “There are only so many dives in the country. We were happy to have him.”
With its massive selection of draft beers, small-batch bourbons and a menu sprinkled with gastro-pub fare such as two-hour smoked hot wings, Guinness corn dogs and what they call “slammin’ sandwiches,” CRBC stands out from the crowd.
Little Napoli owner Rich Pepe also fails to fit into the DDD mold, but he welcomed his fellow Italian-American into the Dolores Street eatery.
“We filmed for three days during lunch,” Pepe said. “Guy chose for me to make the Cioppino Rosso and the Cannelloni Tri-Colore. He enjoyed every bite, even after the cameras stopped.”
Rosine’s in Old Monterey deserves recognition after 34 years in business. The Culcasi family has served breakfast, lunch, dinner and massive desserts (including towering specialty cakes that entice everyone from behind the glass).
The Wild Plum has gained a huge loyal following by folks who appreciate owner-chef Pamela Burns’ organic-slanted, farm-to-table approach. Her steamed eggs, employing her inventive technique of frothing the eggs with an espresso wand, undoubtedly made the program.
The aptly named From Scratch has been serving hearty meals (breakfast and lunch) daily for more than 35 years. Known for having delicious eggs Benedict, cheese blintzes and huge portions, it has become a locals’ favorite, especially among dog lovers who linger on the patio.
Doris Day mingles with fans
In another vivid example of how true “inquiring minds” see through irresponsible reporting by tabloids, Doris Day debunked headlines of her “crippling disease” by making a jubilant public appearance in Carmel on April 4.
Fans of America’s sweetheart reported that she looked fit, happy and humbled during the event, meant to celebrate her 90th birthday and to raise funds for the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
The singer and Hollywood icon, who lives in Carmel and co-owns The Cypress Inn with Denny LeVett, made the following statement: “People kept coming up to me all night, kissing and hugging me. It’s all so exciting and sweet. I’ll never ever forget it.”
To continue the party throughout April, the Cypress Inn has rolled out a celebratory cocktail during the dog-friendly lounge’s famous “Yappy Hour.” Coinciding with the foundation’s “90 to 90” fundraiser, the bar will debut a Bourbon & Bone hand-crafted cocktail served with a doggy bone back for $9.90. Available through April 30, Bourbon & Bone proceeds will be directed to Day’s charitable organization focused on animal rescue, spay and adoption programs.
The Independent lives — again
The next iteration of the Independent Marketplace in Sand City will be — in the words of creative-thinking manager Todd Champagne — “an evening bazaar and DIY skill-share type thang.”
If you have been paying close attention, this is the third or fourth life for the Independent, a monthly social experiment in food, music, art and culture that has struggled to survive while waiting for a permanent build-out of a community marketplace.
May 1 is the debut (4-9 p.m.) for the new theme, with a dozen experts in food, art, fashion, jewelry and farming. Add live music, wine and beer, food trucks, a seafood bar, DJ sets and socializing, and the fun continues in Sand City.
Tidbits
The Backroom Dinner Series at Cantinetta Luca continues on Wednesday, April 30, with a focus on schnitzel. Choose between pork or veal, and enjoy sides of braised red cabbage, spaetzle, Bavarian gravy, salad and bread. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com … Rancho Cielo joins forces with Peter B’s for a beer dinner on Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. Chef Jason Giles and brewmaster Kevin Clark will join forces. $50 includes food and beer. Take the shuttle to the Salinas outpost for $15. Info: 444-3521 or www.ranchocieloyc.org … Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar rings in spring with a four-course Spanish farm-to-table menu with wine pairings. Chef James Waller will roll out dishes such as grilled sardines, seafood paella, and arroz con leche with almond syrup and oranges. The dinner is $50 per person or $70 with wine pairings.
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