Get a Taste of Naples at Il Tegamino in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Take a trip to the Amalfi Coast without leaving Monterey County! Napolitano brothers and co-owners, Salvatore and Giuseppe Panzuto share their passion for authentic Italian comfort foods and solid hospitality at the much anticipated Il Tegamino restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea.


The quaint eatery is tucked away in the charming Court of the Golden Bough, just off of the Ocean Avenue behind the Cottage of Sweets. This cozy nook is something out of a storybook with its simple and rustic décor, twinkling lights and homey atmosphere. The charming outdoor patio in particular is the perfect place for a romantic date or just a space to simply relax and unwind.


One glance at the menu and you know you are in for an authentic treat. Branded wooden planks showcase the night’s bounty of offerings, and don’t let the hard-to-pronounce Italian terms intimidate you, the helpful descriptions below describe the dishes in layman's terms.

The hardest decision you will have to make is choosing what to order. Dishes are broken down by course but feel free to mix and match as you wish. It’s best to do as the Italians do where sharing is strongly encouraged- when in Rome!

No matter how many courses you opt for, meals kick off with fresh slices of bread served with an addictive concoction of marinated zucchini. The ingredients are simple and light, the perfect start for a gluttonous food tour through southern Italy.

If you are not afraid of tentacles, the Polpo con Vellutata di Patate, or octopus and potato, is a must! Tender grilled and meaty tentacles are served over a bed of sautéed tomatoes and a luscious dollop of potato whip. The potato whip solely consists of potatoes and olive oil which makes for a surprisingly creamy combo.

Next up get yourself some fritters, which are far from the fritters found at your County Fair. The sea lettuce fritter is a unique stand-out prepared with fresh seaweed harvested by Giuseppe himself, talk about farm-to-table!

No Italian meal is complete without pasta and Il Tegamino’s Primi portion of the menu is dedicated to just that. Try the Paccheri al Ragu Napoletano, a tube noodle dish with a slowly simmered meat sauce that the Panzuto brothers frequently had during their family Sunday dinners. The fresh bits of basil are the perfect complement to the savory pork shoulder and short rib flavors.

For protein, try the Cotoletta di Maiale, similar to a pork schnitzel. The lightly breaded pork loin is crispy and not overly fried and greasy like its German counterpart.

Save room for dessert! Cap off your dining adventure with Tiramisu al Limon, a refreshing glass of lemoncillo soaked ladyfingers embedded in lemon and mascarpone cream. Bon Appetit!

Il Tegamino is open Thursday-Tuesday for dinner from 5pm-9pm. Reservations are highly recommended. Call (831) 250-5790 or book online.

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.

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.

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.



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.


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!


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.

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.


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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Folktale Winery & Vineyards- A Hip Hangout In the Vines

If you are looking for a true vine to wine experience, then the new and hip Folktale Winery & Vineyards is a can’t miss stop on your tasting journey through Monterey County.

The sprawling 15 acre property is just a few miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea, along Carmel Valley Road, in a majestic white Chateau that looks like it’s straight out of France's Loire Valley.

The colorful rose laden entrance welcomes you into this grown-up fantasyland. From the parking lot, a winding path leads between fragrant flowers and stately trees to the expansive outdoor courtyard. This isn't just a wine tasting; it's a wine experience.


The Experience
If you happen to like stuffy and haughty wine tasting environments, then this place is not for you. Folktale prides itself on creating a friendly vibe and kick-back surroundings, inviting guests to let their hair down and “hangout” in their absolutely gorgeous setting.

The wine tasting menu generally starts with a sparkling brut and features a mix of whites and reds for $20 per person. Head winemaker David Baird has done a fantastic job with Folktale’s line-up including a Chardonnay, Rosé and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is a standout with hints of vanilla and butterscotch.


What’s wine without cheese and charcuterie? Folktale sources fantastic small bites from local, sustainable vendors including The Cheese Shop, Salumeria Luca, Lafayette Bakery and Monterey Meringues. In my opinion, their stellar cheese board pairs perfectly with any wine tasting.

The best part is that guests are encouraged to take their appetizers and aperitifs out of the tasting room and on to their expansive seating areas; might I suggest their sprawling garden courtyard?



Tours & Entertainment
Learn about the wine making process, stroll through bountiful vineyards, taste grapes directly from the vine and view the exclusive barrel and cellar rooms on a Folktale Wine Tour. 45-minute tours are $15 per person and are available by request.

Folktale also features great local musicians every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In additions, they host events like movie nights, concerts, and special dinners set in the vineyard. Click here to view the complete events calendar.



An Event Venue Like None Other
Have a special event coming up? Folktale Winery & Vineyards has a nook and cranny to suite any party size and celebration. Whether you opt for the romantic garden courtyard, awe-inspiring barrel room, or whimsical vineyards you are sure to have your guests leaving with a lasting impression.


Folktale Winery & Vineyards is open daily from 11am-8pm.