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Looking for a new place to eat in Monterey, CA?

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate: Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

Two days ago I had lunch with friends at LALLAgrill in Monterey located in the Del Monte Center. The LALLAgrill just opened a few months ago and seems to be the new place to be seen! This was my 3rd time eating lunch there and each time the food and the service were great.

When I arrived at the restaurant I was early and the wait staff was friendly and courteous. I was asked several times if I needed help. The atmosphere is upbeat and fun! The interior is decorated with splashes of color thruout and I loved the wall fountain. There is a nice outdoor patio complete with fireplace and I heard you can bring your dog if you sit out on the patio! I didn't see any this day but I will consider bringing my small cockapoo in the future.

There is a full bar complete with two plasma TV's. What really caught my eye was the interesting light fixtures hanging throughout the restaurant. They look like paperdoll cutouts...very cool! The menu has a wide range of selections from interesting salads to Mexican Street tacos. My favorite is the Chopped Asian Chicken salad. I have had this each time I have eaten here...I know I need variety but it is really good! The presentation is consistant. It is served in a large glass bowl with 4 small paninni-like breads.

I love ice tea with lunch and call myself an ice tea snob. When David our waiter took our order we all wanted ice tea and after hearing the choices all decided on the fresh brewed green tea with melon and a splash of pomagrante. It was refreshing and delightful! I also found out that they serve breakfast every day until 2pm.

So if you are looking for a new place to lunch, try the LALLAgrill. There website will be up soon. So in the meantime try www.delmontecenter.com

For reservations call 831/324-4632 http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-7vkJWjtDDpAkSrrA For direction, please click the link.

Local Monterey restaurant review

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate: Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

Not on is the Monterey Peninsula a beautiful place to live and a popular destination it is also home to some fabulous restaurants. In the coming weeks, I will chooses two restaurants and write my opinion/review of them. Feel free to jump in you have any favorites.

Today I am having lunch at the new LALLA Grill in Monterey at Del Monte Center. So I will report back soon. The link provided to LALLA Grill is not available yet so I provided the link to Del Monte Center. When I called yesterday they said there site will be up soon. So today I will take photos to share.

More later.....

December Events in Monterey

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate: Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

To make things easier for those looking for something to do this month with friends and family I decided to post what I found going on the Monterey Peninsula.

2008 December Events

December 1
PG Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-373-3304
www.pacificgrove.org
Festivities at Jewell Park Pacific Grove include live entertainment by school bands and choruses, followed by caroling and refreshments at Chautauqua Hall and Santa's first visit!

December 2 - 3
Christmas at the Inns
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-373-3304
www.pacificgrove.org
Visit 12 B&B's (Bed & Breakfast Inns) decorated for the holidays in Victoria-era splendor. Entertainment and light refreshments served. $20 per person. Tickets are limited.

December 3 - 6
Streets of Bethlehem

Salinas
Tel: 831-422-9872
www.1stbaptist.net
A living history interactive experience. Over 200 cast members, numerous musical groups and even live animals help bring this Christmas story to life.

December 4
7th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-373-3304
www.pacificgrove.org
Lighted parade will feature marching bands, holiday floats, dance teams, equestrian groups, and of course, Santa Claus. After the parade, stores will remain open for Holiday shopping & wagon rides, photos with Santa & carolers.

December 5
Monterey Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Monterey - Colton Hall
Tel: 831-646-5640
Gather on the lawn outside Colton Hall to watch the lighting of the town's tree, live music, caroling and good cheer abound!

December 5 -7
10th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival
Monterey - Montery Conference Center
Tel: 1-800-722-9652
www.montereycowboy.com
N ine great shows over three days, our first rate western art & gear sale, Cowboy Church, a Saturday night western dance featuring Stardust Cowboys and our super silent auction. Plus, this year, a Salvation Army benefit showing of the latest J&S Production documentary entitled Houlihan!

December 5
Cal's 12th Annual Truffle Dinner
Carmel Valley - Bernardus / Marinus
Tel: 831-658-3501
www.bernardus.com
Chef Cal Stamenov will be hosting his indulgent 12th Annual Truffle Dinner in Marinus Restaurant. Along side Chef Cal will be guest Chef David Kinch of Manresa in Los Gatos. 6:30 p.m.: A cocktail reception featuring a prestigious Cuvee Champagne and Grey
Goose-Black Truffle Martini 7:00 p.m.: Cocktails are followed by a six-course chef's tasting menu and a once in a lifetime culinary experience.$500 per person plus tax & gratuity.

December 6
'Joyous Elves' Holiday Craft Workshop for Families

Pacific Grove
Tel: 831.655.4638
www.mbcharterschool.org
info@mbchaterschool.org
A holiday craft workshop for families. Dip beeswax candles, sew felt ornaments, hand dye silk scarves, create wool angels and more. FREE admission, Holiday Raffle, Lunch Available, Book Fair.1044 David Ave @ Congress, Pacific Grove.

December 6
Christmas Purrrrfest Project Tours

Salinas
Tel: 831-455-3180
www.wildthingsinc.com
Wild Things invites kids and families to join us at 11:30am to participate in creating a fun arts and crafts project prior to our daily tour. Arts and Crafts are animal related and usually coordinated with the holiday of that month or special event happening at Wild Things. A fun, educational and entertaining opportunity for the entire family to spend quality time together. Reservations are required for this tour so we know what materials to have on hand. Craft projects are typically aimed at age groups between 4 and 11 years.Costs: Kids $20.00 (includes craft) - Adults $15.00 Fees include admission to our daily tour afterwards.

December 6 & 13
Chocolates and Desserts Cooking Demo at Bernardus

Carmel Valley - Bernardus
Tel: 831-658-3550
www.bernardus.com
Chef Cal Stamenov, Bernardus Pastry Chef, Abby Brown and Marinus Pastry Chef, Ben Spungin demonstrate their favorite cakes, cookies and chocolates. Guests will be guided through a chocolate tasting and will take home recipes and fresh ideas for cookies, cakes and candies during the holiday season. 1-3pm, $50 per person

December 6 - 7
NEW! Holiday Tree Festival
Felton - Roaring Camp
Tel: 888-25-EVENTS
www.roaringcamp.com
Ride the steam train to Bear Mountain and view beautifully decorated holiday trees along the Holiday Tree Walk.

December 6 - 22
Holiday Lights Train
Felton - Roaring Camp
Tel: 888-25-EVENTS
www.roaringcamp.com
Ride a beautifully lit holiday train through the streets of Santa Cruz as you sip hot-spiced cider, listen to carolers and meet Santa Claus. Reservations suggested.

December 6
Second Annual Holiday Craft Faire Monterey - La Mesa P.T.A

Monterey - La Mesa Elementary
Tel: 831.917.2118
E mail: lauriebend@comcast.net
Talented artists will be featured, showing fine quality merchandise such as scented candles, hand-crafted jewelry, fine art, books, cosmetics, body care, hand knitted and crocheted hats and blankets, ornaments, kitchen wares and more. Prices start as low as $5.00 for unique gift items.Time:10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: La Mesa Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room, 1 La Mesa Way, Monterey. For more info call or email.

December 6
15th Annual Stillwell's Snow in the Park
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-373-3304
www.pacificgrove.org
Caledonia Park is covered in a blanket of glistening snow surrounded by festive lights. Lots of wintry fun for all! Featuring Santa's arrival on a shiny PG fire truck, Frosty the Snowman, Snow Queen, hayrides, petting zoo & lots of entertainment.

December 6
44th Annual Wine Tasting, Art Show & Silent Auction

Greenfield - Greenfield Memorial Building
Tel: 831-678-0328
windyacrespreschool@yahoo.com
Join us for the Windy Acres for Preschoolers 44th Annual Wine Tasting, Art Show and Silent Auction. Featuring local wineries and artists. Complimentary wine glass and hors d'oeuvres.5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Fee: $20 Donation

December 7
Inns of Distinction Tour

Carmel
Tel: 831-624-4447
www.carmelheritage.org
Presented by the Carmel Heritage Society. 2PM - 5PM. Enjoy wine tasting from Monterey County's wineries and sample foods from Carmel's wonderful restaurants at each inn. During the tour we will host a raffle at each inn. The winners will enjoy a free night's stay at one of the inns on the tour along with a complimentary dinner for two at one of the participating restaurants.

December 7
Holiday Spectacular at Chateau Julien

Carmel Valley
Tel: 831-624-2600
www.chateaujulien.com
An awe-inspiring event, surely to put all in the holiday spirit. Guests will enjoy acoustical perfection in the winery's Chai as a cappella choir projects amongst surrounding aging oak barrels of wine. A holiday reception of unique holiday gift ideas, hor d'ouerves and wine tasting to follow in the beautifully decorated Great Hall. $50 per person.

December 11 & 13
24th Annual Christmas in the Adobes
Monterey
Tel: 831-649-7118
www.parks.ca.gov
Twenty of Monterey's historic buildings will be lit by candlelight as part of the this annual Christmas in the Adobes celebration. Along with the hundreds of candlelights, called "luminarias," there will be a variety of musical entertainment, refreshments, and decorations to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Staff and docents (many in period clothing) will tell about the adobes history. 5pm to 9 pm Tickets are $20. Ages 6-17 years are $2 with a paid adult. Ages 5 and under are free.

December 12 - 27
Nighttime Flashlight Christmas Tours

Salinas
Tel: 831-455-3180
www.wildthingsinc.com
Do Animals celebrate Christmas? Ours Do! Come see what our wild friends are doing at night. Special Appearance by Santa and Reindeer as well as a photo opportunity with real live reindeer. Bring the whole family for a Nocturnal Safari at Wild Things'. Candy canes for the kids and photos available with a real live reindeer! Adults: $18; Kids(4-14): $15. 6:30pm. - 8:30pm

December 13
Tomaseen Foley's A Celtic Christmas

Monterey - State Theatre
Tel: 831-372-3800
www.ensemblemonterey.org
Performing Arts, Family Fun: The Golden State Theatre in downtown Monterey presents a fantastic holiday show for the entire family. An evening of music, singing , dancing and storytelling. Fee: $39.50 Time: 8 p.m.

December 14
Lighted Boat Parade
Monterey
Tel: 831-372-9686
www.mpyc.org
shalvorson@sbcglobal.net
Parade route will normally run from the Monterey Harbor area, up to the Lovers Point and end with a two-lap tour of the outer harbor.Complimentary hot soup, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are provided to help warm you up.The parade will begin at approximately 5:30 PM starting from just outside the Harbor area.Judging of boats at Massaro and Santos and awards immediately following parade at Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club

December 31
First Night Monterey
Downtown Monterey
Tel: 831-373-4778
www.firstnightmonterey.org
Celebration of New Year's Eve through the arts. Music, dances, poetry, special installations and exhibits from 2pm to midnight indoors and out throughout historic downtown Monterey. Alcohol-free event for the entire family.

December TBA
MY Museum's Canned Food Drive

Monterey
Tel: 831-649-6444
www.mymuseum.org
MY Museum is thrilled to host a canned food drive for the Monterey County Food Bank. Bring in 1 can of non-perishable food and receive $1.50 off admission with every can donated. Maximum 1 can per person, not valid on Tuesdays. Our 2,700 square foot facility is filled with hands on exhibits to be explored and enjoyed, whether for the first time or the hundredth. Location: 601 Wave Street on Monterey's historic Canary Row. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones soon.

December -TBA
Casanova Celebratory Dinner for the Arrival of Van Gogh's Table

Carmel
Tel: 831-625-0501
www.vangoghstable.com
A celebratory dinner in honor of the 5th year anniversary of the arrival of Van Gogh's table at Casanova, and the release of the new edition of Van Gogh's of Van Gogh's Table cookbook. Chef Christophe Bonny will prepare recipes from the book.

Natural Events Happening in December

Look for the blows of gray whales migrating south through the Gulf of the Farallones Sanctuary and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in December and January. Pregnant females come first, swimming along the coastline and are visible from shore as they head for the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico for calving and mating.

Northern elephant seals arrive at their breeding colonies. Two-ton adult bulls arrive first and fight among themselves for dominant positions; as pregnant females come on shore, they join harems of the highest-ranking bulls.

Elephant seal pupping season through March. Also Northern fur seals migrate and concentrate offshore.

Winter water fowl migrate through, 100,000's of ducks and geese rest and feed in the lagoons and estuaries all over Monterey and Seaside often stopping traffic as they cross the streets

Herring begins to spawn

Angelica Blatt

Another FREE and enoyable activity on the Monterey Peninsula

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate: Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

This month Dec. 6- 14th the Monterey Bay Aquarium is holding a community open house for all Monterey County residents. Come one come all to this great event. You must show proof of residency for admission. I saw this on the news last night and for those of you who may have missed it..I am sharing it here. Personally, I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoyed it with my now 19 year old college daughter and now with my 2 year old twins! There is always something new to see and do. See you at the aquarium.

www.mbayaq.org for more information.

Sky Diving on the Monterey Peninsula

Angelica Blatt -CRS, e-pro, GRI, ABR Monterey Peninsula Real Estate: Real Estate Agent in Monterey, CA

Now if you are looking for something different and exciting to do while you are visiting the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, try skydiving! I have always wanted to do this and will in the near future. My daughter skydived while on a trip to Fiji last Summer..she said it was awesome!!!

I am including the link to the Monterey Bay Sky Diving company.

http://www.skydivemontereybay.com/staff.html

Have fun and let me know about your skydiving experience! Angelica Blatt