Day #50 - 5/1/2011 - slumming in Monterey and Pebble Beach

Another day in Monterey and I was excited as it promised to duplicate yesterday.  We took off from our motel and strolled again to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, passing Cannery Row.

This shop was devoted to dust-gathering trinkets that somehow related to the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake...souvenirs, I guess.  I thought the whole concept was a little twisted.

 We returned to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a remarkable destination that brings over 623 named species to you, artfully displayed in tanks that actually circulate the water from the Bay.

Jumbo Shrimp, my favorite oxymoron.

 The aquarium has several areas with family-oriented displays that call out "touch me".

The cartilaginous ray is related to the shark.  It is usually docile and even though it can have a venomous stinger, normally only attacks humans when threatened.  Susan prepares to attack.

 My favorite displays, next to the jellyfish, show the nearness of water life to the lakeside or riverside.

Watching the fish swim back/forth reminded me of the opening scene from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life.

 The success of the Monterey Bay Aquarium lies in its proximity to the bay

2000 gallons of water per minute from the Bay circulates through the Aquarium exhibits.

 Finally satisfied that we had seen it all at the aquarium, we returned to Pebble Beach and the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event, bringing together 100 chefs, 250 wineries, and 6996 other people like us.

It all took place under the ginormous tent on the elegant Pebble Beach property.

 So, the strategy is simple: chefs and their staff prepare their signature dishes and you eat them...along with a glass of wine.  For an event like this, my quest is for red meat to go along with red wine, but sometimes, I have to be flexible.

I could smell this a mile away and hear it from almost as far: giant scallops in the process of being pan-seared.  Searing carmelizes the surface, sealing in all of the scallopy goodness.

 And, to ensure that today was even better, Lani deeply deigned, joining us with muffled condescension.

Chalone Chardonnay in the foreground, us in the background, seared scallops in between.

One of my friends/colleagues writes a delightful food blog that she beautifully photographs, themerrygourmet.  The point of food photography is to make the food look at least as good as it tastes.  MJ (that's Merry Jennifer) photographs as beautifully as she writes.

I had a few of these...then moved on.

 A few shameless family photos follow.  Feel free to scroll down.

Russell and his dad discuss the wonders of searing while enjoying a glass of Chalone Chardonnary.

 I like to get a couple of Russ/Lani photos each year for our holiday card.

Getting a lot of mileage out of those scallops.

And, when you needed a break from all of the richness and wine, there were some healthy alternatives.

For my last three years of med school, I worked as a waiter/bartender at The Manor in West Orange, NJ.  There, I was introduced to Driscoll strawberries which arrived regularly by the case.  Great strawberries, strange times.

The event featured chefs with international reputations, dutifully at work creating their signature pieces for the masses.

Joachim Spichal is best known for his fine dining restaurant Patina.

With Lani setting to leave for grad school in July, our opportunities for family photos were limited, so we took advantage of the day.

There were 7000 people here, some obviously feeling better than others.  Here, one of 7000 graciously jumped into the picture.

 Events like this provide you with a souvenir glass.  These were pretty classy...almost like crystal.  Actually, I think they were. 

As people left their glasses behind, we...ummm..made sure they weren't left behind.  Got a bunch of 'em we did.

With Lexus sponsoring the event, there were a couple of Lexi lying around for you to sit and get all comfy.

Not a bad looking car. 

Okay...so this was funny and a little confusing.  Russell was about to hop into the Lexus when along came a distinguished pair of Asian couples accompanied by this animated, congenial and attactive blonde.  As best as I can tell, Ally, an entrepreneur who lives in Pebble Beach - saw Russell and, with his Asian looks, figured that the he was with the Asians couples she had been hanging out with.  Seeing me with the camera, she figured I was with Lexus, taking complimentary pictures of the guests as they sat in the car.  Or, something like that.  In any case, she jumped in the car and instantly got friendly with Russell.

While Ally mugged for the camera, Russell was thinking "what the heck?"

 Russell played along.

Ally was with her husband, I think his name was Witt...or was it Wynn?  He did green construction in the Pebble Beach area.  Sadly, if I ever had their email address, I've since lost it.

 After another 3 hours of food, wine and fun, we called it a day.