This Week on the Central Coast…
A new chef, a new farmer’s market, accessibility added to Del Monte Beach, and students help maintain Big Sur.
Monterey
Shearwater Tavern in Carmel finds its new chef
Shearwater Tavern hides behind the Carmel Mission Inn and a gas station. Formerly called Fuse Lounge, the restaurant has always been a little hard to find. New chef Fabian Di Paolo knows that, but believes it can be part of its charm. “In its favor is plenty of parking—a rare feature—and an in-the-know vibe.”
Di Paolo welcomes the challenge, and it’s a good thing. He traveled from Florida for the job on his motorcycle in February and was met by unusually stormy weather and week-long blackouts. But the kitchen veteran was undaunted. “I love a challenge,” he says. “If it’s easy, anyone can do it.”
The menu is mostly left unchanged, keeping their burger and tots and parker house rolls. The few dishes that he did add have fun and unique flavors. Piri piri shrimp, yucca fries, and street corn salad bring some Latin themes to the menu while more creative dishes, like the grilled salmon with smoked maple plantain miso purée, await the adventurous foodie.
You can book a table or explore their menus at the website.
Seaside has a new farmer’s market
The Seaside Certified Farmers Market joins the extensive list of farmer’s markets in our area and will feature kids activities, cooking demos, live music, and of course plenty of produce and food. Vendor positions are still available and can be applied for on the Everyone’s Harvest website.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 4pm on Thursday, June 15 at Laguna Grande Park. The new market will be held every Thursday after that from 3 to 7pm.
The article also has a very helpful list of all the markets in the area organized by day of the week.
Accessibility added to Del Monte Beach
A new wheelchair mat, designed to let people in wheelchairs access the water’s edge, was installed at Del Monte Beach on Thursday. The addition runs from the recreation trail to the water and was provided by the city after a resident requested them using the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program.
Another mat is planned, though the location is yet to be decided.
Monterey Middle Schoolers helped maintain Big Sur habitats
Eighth-graders teamed up with California State Parks staff to clear invasive vegetation in Big Sur. For many, the three-day effort was the first time they ever visited a state park or camped under the stars. The trip taught students how a STEM-based plan can help preserve Big Sur’s important natural habitats.
“The Nature Corps explained that without the student’s intervention, the habitat would transition into a monoculture, leaving the area useless and harming wildlife that rely on the area for feeding and breeding habitat.”
The Nature Corps has been organizing volunteers since 1987 to preserve fragile ecosystems within national parks. “The organization also offers a variety of youth programs and ‘voluntours’ in several national parks throughout the country and provides companies with all-inclusive employee volunteer opportunities.”