Tuesday, October 27, 2015

East Coast Flavor Meets West Coast Locale at Boardwalk Sub Shop in Monterey

Downtown Monterey has a seen a recent resurgence in its dining scene and the Boardwalk Sub Shop is certainly one of the new shining stars. Located in the heart of downtown on Alvarado Street, this gut-pleasing gem is the place to sample classic East Coast sammies right here in Monterey.
Boardwalk Sub Shop
Atlantic City natives Terry and JT Teplitzky decided to bring their passion for great food to Monterey as a tribute to their recently deceased brother. Their strong dedication to family roots is depicted throughout the restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and incredible eats.
Boardwalk Sub Shop
The small storefront is just a façade to the huge space inside. Photographs and décor pay homage to the brothers’ East Coast heritage with bright lights reminiscent of the city and various black and white images from Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk.
Boardwalk Sub Shop
Boardwalk Sub Shop
Boardwalk Sub Shop
The focal point of the eatery is the pristine open kitchen. Here you can see the meat masters at work; cooking up piping hot cheesesteaks, constructing cold subs and creating fresh salads just before your eyes.
Boardwalk Sub Shop
Boardwalk Sub Shop
The Boardwalk’s most popular item is the cheesesteak, and rightfully so. They offer not one, not two but four variations of the cheesy concoction including a Philly cheesesteak, a northeast Philly cheesesteak an Atlantic City cheesesteak and a pizza cheesesteak. The classic Philly cheesesteak is a true winner, oozing with homemade “cheese wiz” and fried onions - comfort food at its finest!
Philly Cheesesteak at Boardwalk Sub Shop
Northeast Philly Cheesesteak at Boardwalk Sub Shop
As any sandwich connoisseur knows, the key to a great sandwich is in the bread. The Teplitsky brothers have spared no expense over this crucial component by working with local companies to perfect the unique flavors they grew up with; they even overnighted bread rolls from the East Coast to compare. Let’s just say they nailed it with just the right amount of crunch.
JT Teplitzky at Boardwalk Sub Shop
What’s a good sandwich without a great side, or two? The Boardwalk Sub Shop has plenty of options to pair with your hot or cold selection including homemade coleslaw, pasta salad, macaroni salad and hot pretzels with cheese sauce. The garlic fries in particular are to die for. The key to these crunchy spuds are the pre-sautéed hunks of fresh garlic which really make the flavors pop without being too overwhelming.
Garlic Fries at Boardwalk Sub Shop
Soft Pretzel at Boardwalk Sub Shop
Night owls can rejoice as these comfort classics are offered up into the wee hours, perfect for curbing those late night munchies!
The Boardwalk Sub Shop is open Sunday-Thursday from 10:30am-11pm and Friday-Saturday from 10:30am-1am. Stay tuned for a new delivery service!
Boardwalk Sub Shop

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

12 Hours in Carmel-by-the-Sea

At just one-square-mile, Carmel-by-the-Sea is Monterey County’s smallest village, but for what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in excitement. This notoriously charming European-style town offers a plethora of activities and attractions including cozy bed and breakfasts’, art galleries, culinary delights, wine tasting rooms, performing arts venues and the famous white sands of Carmel Beach. Make the most of every hour in your day with the itinerary below.

9:30am

Start your ambitious 12-hour journey with a solid caffeine fix at one of the oldest businesses in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel Bakery on Ocean Avenue offers a variety of beverages, grab-and-go snacks and baked goods like no other. Since you’re on vacation, mix things up and have dessert for breakfast: their homemade cannoli are simply divine!
Carmel Bakery in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Bakery in Carmel-by-the-Sea

10am

Time to shop! With your sugar rush in full swing it’s the perfect time to hit the charming storefronts along Carmel’s main drag, Ocean Avenue, and the surrounding side streets. Browse luxurious designer brands like Tiffany’s and Anthropologie at Carmel Plaza or take to the various specialty shops for one-of-a-kind jewelry, home goods, gifts and clothes.
Carmel Plaza's central courtyard
Be sure to stop by a few of the many art galleries in the area. Get a slice of the overall art scene at the Carmel Art Association’s gallery on Dolores Street, where they showcase artwork from over 100 local artists. Just down the street, the Dr. Seuss Art Gallery is full of whimsical pieces that are sure to stir up nostalgic feelings from your childhood.
Dr. Seuss Gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea

12pm

Immediately transport yourself to a quaint Florentine eatery and refuel at il Grillo. Tucked away on Mission and 4th Street, here you can choose your favorite type of homemade pasta accompanied by your choice of sauce - which isn’t easy with options like basil pesto, rustic Bolognese, lamb ragu and wild mushroom. Be sure to save room for their authentic Italian pastries and cookies!
il grillo in Carmel-by-the-Sea
il grillo in Carmel-by-the-Sea

1pm

Work off those carbs and take a stroll down to Carmel Beach. Take a breather and simply soak in the sights and sounds of crashing waves, dashing dogs and dolphins swimming in the surf. This iconic white-sand beach is particularly stunning at sunset, when locals and visitors alike come out to enjoy Mother Nature’s nightly show.
Carmel Beach!, California

3pm

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Carmel-by-the-Sea has seen a recent boom in wine tasting rooms which is never a bad thing. Over a dozen tasting rooms are scattered throughout a one-square-mile radius, the hardest part is choosing which ones to try! Wrath Wines in Carmel Plaza offers an incredible Pinot Noir while Carmel Road, Carmel’s newest tasting room, serves up a luscious Chardonnay.
Wrath Wines in Carmel-by-the-Sea

5pm

Round out your foodie experience with an early dinner reservation at Grasing's on Mission Street. Their coastal cuisine highlights the area’s exceptional local and organic bounties of produce, steak and seafood. Start off with their truffle and white cheddar popcorn, you will not regret it!
Grasings in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Grasings in Carmel-by-the-Sea

7pm

Once the sun sets, mosey on over to one of the local theatres for a taste of the performing arts scene. The architecturally stunning Sunset Center regularly plays host to world-class performances and live events including global music, comedy, rock shows, theatre, and dance. Looking for a more intimate venue? Watch the local talent in a rendition of a popular musical or play at the Golden Bough Playhouse.
Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea

8:30pm

Cap off your night under the stars at the Rooftop Lounge at Vesuvio. Take a seat by one of the fire pits and try one of Chef Pepe’s limoncello cocktails.
Vesuvio in Carmel-by-the-Sea

9:30pm

Wind down your busy day at a friendly inn or charismatic bed and breakfast. There’s a room and theme for just about any taste and budget: experience the genuine hospitality at Hofsas House, historic highlights at Pine Inn, stunning ocean views at La Playa, or high-end luxury at L’Auberge.
Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea
La Playa in Carmel-by-the-Sea