Omar T in Monterey Glossary
Fiction & Reality
Somewhat Alphabetical (R)=Real (F)=Fiction
Big Sur/Nepenthe (R) Nepenthe, like all the other Big Sur places mentioned in Chapter 21 are real. Its Ambrosia burger accompanied by a glass of Lucia Gary’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is truly magnificent.
Bookworks (R) A staple of the quaint town of Pacific Grove.
Bruce Ariss Way (R) Across from the aquarium, check-out the Kalisa bust and a mural by Bruce. Bruce helped to organize local artists in painting murals on the boarded up construction zone, while the aquarium was being built.
Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater (R) An active venue and part of the historic Fisherman's wharf.
Casanova (R) Real, though the reference of Omar T's parents working there is as fictional as Omar T. The author did in fact work at this fabulous Carmel Restaurant.
The Cherry Bean (R) The author's personal hangout. Check out the Deamer painting behind the counter and get yourself an in-house roasted, ground to order cup of liquid gold—as in coffee.
East Village Coffee (R) Coffee, wine and beer in a beautiful Carmel Stone building with local art and music.
Ed Ricketts Lab (R) Preserved. Occasional tours allow the public to enter and absorb the esteemed memories.
Gallery Besh (F) Fictional, as is its owner Goodwin Tireny
Gradiva (R) The history of Gradiva, as discussed, is real, as is the bas-relief in the Vatican (page 218). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gradiva
Henry Miller Library (R) A very special place to attend an event. Tucked away in the Big Sur Redwoods.
Kalisas (R) The legendary restaurant/bar of the dame of late twentieth century Cannery Row.
Marlyn Remark Winery (R) Sadly, Joel and Marlyn Remark wines moved on. He made such spectacular wine that I wanted to remember him in this story - If you have a bottle in your cellar, lets drink it!
Old Capitol Books (R) This is the kind of bookstore to stroll and run your fingers across all of the choices.
The Moderne (F) Fictional as is Guinivere, but my thanks to John Guinivere for his insights on the art of fine art sales
Monterey Bay Aquarium (R) Brainchild of Julie Packard and her Hewitt/Pachard founding father, one of the premiere locations for Ocean research and one spectacular, special place to visit
Monterey County, CA (R) All of the cities of Monterey County that are mentioned in this book are real and as special and beautiful as described.
Monterey Plaza hotel/Schooners (R) I love to go here and play tourist, a stunning sanctuary.
Mucky Duck Pub (R) Survivor of many ups and downs of Monterey with a very fun patio for adult play. Now known as the Bear and Bull.
National Steinbeck Center (R) A must for any Steinbeck fan. Dear to my heart since I had family members involved in its conception. My son worked there. Home to a Bruce Ariss painting. Influential in the creation of this story.
Noodle House (R) As described in the novel - let me know if you can make it through one of their giant bowls of Pho soup in one sitting.
Ody’s Tavern (R) Unique hideaway in Carmel that was as described in this book, fate eventually ended its run as Carmel's dive bar - I did in fact meet a beauty at a wine tasting that inspired the character of Holly - she obviously left an impression.
Old Town Salinas (R) Anchored by the Steinbeck Center. Even with its many upgrades, it still has the feel of community, like known by Steinbeck. It is still dominated by locally owned businesses and shops.
Paraiso Winery (R) The Smiths continue to grow magnificent grapes and make great wine (RIP Rich).
Pessagno Winery (R) One of the nicest persons I ever met in this business was Steve Pessagno, rest in peace my friend
Pilgrims Way Bookstore (R) Unique and special within the beauty of Carmel. Be sure to enjoy its Secret Garden.
Plumes Coffee (R) A corner institution of downtown Monterey's Alvarado Street.
Robert Louis Stevenson House (R) A preserved boarding house that hosted the young acclaimed author. Enjoy its very peaceful gardens.
Sand Bar and Grill/Wharf 2 (R) Hidden away on the more wholesale business wharf of Monterey, the Sand Bar and Grill is a locals favorite in a tourist setting - sublime
Smith & Hook/Hahn Winery (R) Spectacular winery, wines and setting. Make sure to include this winery on your river road tour - great spot for a wedding.
Star Market (R) One of the few precious, locally owned boutique grocery stores. Filled with locally grown produce, a butcher, artisan cheese deli and fabulous wine selections. Thank you Chung brothers!
Tarpy’s Roadhouse (R) A magical mix of Stonework, nature and artwork. Be sure to check out the original Marian Dunn giant watercolors in “Sarah’s” room.
Tehema Ranch (R) A spectacular private community built by Clint Eastwood and investors, hidden above the Monterey airport and Carmel Valley.
and
Royce’s restaurant, Monterey CA (F) Omar’s family restaurant is fictional but has resemblance to the author’s former restaurant, Royce’s name was penned to honor a great Utah restaurateur, Royce Rosendaal. Who gave the author his first restaurant job.
Pajaro Street Grill (R) Deamer’s former dinner only restaurant. Founded in 1999, enjoying a twenty-year run, two blocks from “Oldtown,” Main Street, Salinas. The birthplace of Chef Omar, who has taken over the web site,
psgrill.net, to keep you informed of his adventures and share a passion for food and hospitality
Wines and other treats
Mentioned and available
Lucia Gary’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
McIntyre Vineyards L’Homme Qui Ris sparkling wine
Mont Marcal Spanish bubbles
Morgan Cotes du Crow, Syrah, Grenache Blend
Paraiso Chardonnay
Pessagno Wines
Quady Essencia orange Muscat dessert wine
Quady Starboard, an American port
Smith & Hook Wines
And…
Widmer Wheat Beer
Han Asian Vodka (soju)
Santa lucia Highlands Wine Map
Mounterey County Wine Map
