Best Local Red Wine
BERNARDUS WINERY
5 West Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley  659-1900

Bernardus Marinus Pon, better known as Ben, decided that Carmel Valley was the perfect place to make classic Bordeaux style wines. A former Porsche racer and Olympic skeet shooter for his native Holland, Ben Pon knows how to make dreams a reality. Carefully tended vineyards deep in Cachagua yield delicious grapes for winemaker Mark Chesebro to masterfully blend into the outstanding Marinus. Using Old World techniques with modern sensibilities and backed by the dream of Ben Pon, Bernardus’ Marinus Bordeaux blend wins the gold. [RN]

Best Local White Wine
CHALONE VINEYARD
Stonewall Canyon Road and Highway 146, Soledad  678-1717

Eighteen hundred feet above the Salinas Valley, in the Gavilan Mountains above Soledad, renegade winemaker Dan Karlsen upholds a tradition that dates back to 1919, when the first vines were planted in this remote, magical place. In recent years, various international wine conglomerates have bought and sold Chalone, yet each was smart enough to leave the operation in the able hands of Karlsen, whose philosophy is to guide Chalone’s magnificent fruit gently along its way to “homogeneity of ripeness resulting in intense, hedonistic, balanced wines with great character.” Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay round out the list. [RN]

Best Deli Sandwich
COMPAGNO'S DELICATESSEN
2000 Prescott Ave, Monterey  375-5987

Just a stone’s throw away from the Presidio of Monterey, this small Old-World deli is the definition of what it means to be a mom-and-pop shop. Nothing flashy, just great sandwiches since 1966. Compagno’s has 28 different sandwiches, served as a half or whole, all under $10. Sandwich number 27, the chicken breast, bacon, avocado and cheese, will have you plotting your return trip back even before you’re finished with it. Compagno’s can get busy, so you can phone your order in ahead of time. But if you have to wait in line, owner Bennett Compagno keeps everyone talking and occupied, no worries. Eat out front for a view of the Bay. [CJ]

Best Clam Chowder
OLD FISHERMAN'S GROTTO
Fisherman’s Wharf

Two landmarks show that the sprit of Sabu Shake—the cowboy-hat-wearing pioneer who opened the Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the Wharf in 1950—lives on at the restaurant his family still runs. One is a wooden statue of Sabu himself, still smiling and greeting guests at the door, as he did for decades; the other, most every day, is a guy standing outside giving away samples of the Grotto’s clam chowder. This is the classic, traditional clam chowder—clams, potatoes, carrots and celery—with one crucial twist: it’s thickened with cream, and lots of it. That’s probably one crucial reason it’s our readers’ favorite. [EJ]

Best Bakery
PARIS BAKERY
271 Bonifacio Place 646-1620
1234 Broadway Ave, Seaside 394-7798

Paris Bakery has enough croissants, cookies, tarts and cake that it would have brought Dr. Atkins to his knees while he renounced his theory of ketosis before us all. Paris has a base of regulars who stop in daily for a fix of superlative treats, so get in line. If it’s a fresh sandwich you desire, order the ham and cheese roll, topped with fresh sliced tomato and a touch of mayonnaise. A visit’s not complete until you indulge in a Napoleon. Go ahead, you deserve it. [CJ]

Best BBQ
THE CENTRAL TEXAN BBQ
10500 Merritt St, Castroville  633-2285

Smoke as an aphrodisiac? Some customers say the aroma can inspire BBQ lust from a half-mile away. The good people at the Central Texan are in full belief and armed with a grill and numerous utensils to make you a believer. This family-owned place embodies the heart and soul of the Lone Star State. With over 20 years of experience under there big-buckled belts, The Central Texan is convinced that man’s love of all things meat is genetic, so don’t try fighting it. The brisket of beef or the smoked turkey may bring you to your knees. It’s county-themed interior, sawdust-covered  floors and country music helps, but it’s the smoke that keeps ‘em coming back for a taste of Texas. [CJ]

Best Calamari
ABALONETTI SEAFOOD TRATTORIA
57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey  373-1851

It is easy to conjure an image of Chef John Pisto as a young boy, playing on the docks of Monterey, pestering the fishermen, needling the old Sicilian restaurateurs, embracing the unique culture of Fisherman’s Wharf. As a young adult, he fried fish at a small stand near the entrance to that very same wharf. Now, as an accomplished restaurateur and the dean in residence of the Monterey cooking scene, what do you think the chances are that the calamari at his Abalonetti’s won’t be exactly the way they are supposed to be—delicate, tender, flavorful, exceedingly fresh, perfect? [RN]

Best Cheese Selection
THE CHEESE SHOP
Carmel Plaza, Carmel  625-2272

There is only one real contender for this award and Carmel’s Cheese Shop is it. Like a homegrown dictatorship, The Cheese Shop rolls on year after year, determining exactly what curds Monterey County’s cheese lovers, along with countless out-of-town devotees, will cuddle up to. R Kent Torrey, Capo di tutti Cheso, plies long time relationships with artisanal producers from around the globe, presenting profound examples of the best that cows, goats and sheep have to offer to waiting throngs of die-hard cheeseheads. The Cheese Shop also boasts a mighty fine wine selection. [RN]

Best Burger
RG BURGERS
201 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel  626-8054

There’s no secret why the Brothers Bahu, Nabeel and Nadeem, now in their 13th year, consistently win this award. “Real Good” Burgers takes the job of feeding flocks of friendly food fanatics quite seriously. Begin with fresh, hand-formed extra lean patties, char-grilled, served on a proper bun, add juicy tomato, lettuce, red onion and pickles plus RG’s famous sauce and voila…perfection. If that’s not the way you like it, order it about a dozen different ways, or order a great vegetarian dish or a salad or soup…and don’t forget superb fries…oh yeah, and the awesome milkshakes…everything’s real good. [RN]

Best Pizza
GIANNI'S PIZZA
725 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey  649-1500

Really good pizza is hard to find, unless you live near Gianni’s. This throwback mom-and-pop neighborhood pizzeria sells hundreds of pies everyday. Take your pizza home or—even better—eat with your neighbors. This a family-friendly place that could survive on ambiance alone, but it’s the pizza that brings ‘em in the door. While eating a slice of Gianni’s, the sauce, cheese, and crust become one with the Canadian bacon and pineapple or pepperoni and mushrooms, melting in your mouth, satisfying that New York pizza craving. [AJ]

Best Take-Out Food
SARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1946 Fremont Blvd., Seaside  394-4407

The dining room bursts at the seams during weekday lunch hours. All the tables are likely to be occupied; burritos and salsa whiz by as slices of carry-out heaven. But don’t let the large crowd discourage you. Call in an order for the Chile Verde or Chile Colorado burrito in advance and it’ll be ready when you arrive. Or drop in on a whim, and expect to wait no more than five to seven minutes. The food is fresh and the staff is quick and efficient. That’s why our readers say Viva Restaurante Saritas! [AJ]

Best Desserts
ROSINE'S RESTAURANT
434 Alvarado St, Monterey  375-1400

As customers enter Rosine’s in downtown Monterey they can’t help but take notice of the large chilled display case containing a multitude of homemade desserts. German chocolate cake, carrot cake, chocolate truffle, and Reese’s and Oreo candy bar cakes could easily entice even a diner on the strictest diet to dive right in to all that rich and sweet after-meal goodness. Many will plan their desserts before being seated, making sure to set aside that particular eye-catching dessert that has their name written all over it. Go ahead; dig in. The gym is just a few blocks away. [NP]

Best Juice/Smoothies
JAMABA JUICE
398 Alvarado Street, Monterey  655-9696
1552 N Main, Salinas  449-3200
2160 California Ave, Sand City  583-9696

Local fruit fanatics love the made-to-order smoothies and juices that Jamba Juice whips up. Each blended beverage is packed with vitamins, minerals, and your daily dose of deliciousness. With Mango Mantra, Berry Fulfilling, and Strawberry Nirvana, you can’t help but feel like you’re consuming liquid enlightenment. With low calorie, dairy and gluten free varieties—there’s something to feed every body. They also have tasty baked goods. [CP]

Best Local Beer
ENGLISH ALES
223 Reindollar Ave, Marina  883-3000

British transplants Peter and Rosemary Blackwell know how to talk taps. Whether you like your ale pale, scotch, real, brown, cask-conditioned, India pale, light, old or summer style, this couple knows what goes into making great beer. This local hangout, an authentic pub, offers a full kaleidoscope of award-winning English style ales, including Black Prince Porter, a malty, chocolaty medium bodied brew; and Jubilee Golden Ale brewed with lemons is a summertime staple. The pub grub is well above average, complementing Brewmaster Ramsey Borthwick’s creations perfectly. [CP]

Best Butcher Shop
GROVE MARKET
242 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove  375-9581

In true carnivorous fashion Grove Market serves the finest and freshest meats at fair prices. Should you choose to visit this humble local market you’ll find yourself being greeted by friends, not mere employees. Nearly every customer, almost all of whom come back regularly, are known on a first name basis and if they don’t know yours yet, don’t worry. Whether you’re a local or a newcomer you’ll be treated with equal service and respect as the regulars. [NP]

Best Bagels
BAGEL BAKERY
452 Alvarado St, Monterey  372-5242
1132 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove  649-0280
2160 California Ave, Seaside  392-1581
969 W Alisal St, Salinas,  758-0280
539 Carmel Rancho Shopping Center, Carmel  625-5180

The bagels come fresh every half hour, marching out in flavors as creative as they are mouth-watering: jalapeño-cheddar, cranberry, oatbran raisin and the best-selling superseed (dripping with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic and onion chunks) among them. Throw on one of 10 spreads—from walnut-olive to celery cream cheese—or toppings like turkey, lox, avacado, red onion and sprouts and you’re supremely satisfied for $2-4. Better yet, go for one of their time-honored bagel sandwiches like the Happy Cow, Cheese Please or Kuperman’s Delight and you stand a good chance of understanding what makes for the Best Bagel in Monterey County. [MCA]

Best Cup of Coffee
THE CHERRY BEAN COFFEEHOUSE ROASTERY
332 Main St, Salinas  424-1981

Starting off the day with a cup of the Cherry Bean’s signature Steinbeck house-blend is like being invited to a party celebrating the beginning of your day. Any one of the dozen coffee blends offered is bound to wake you up with a warm, satisfying hug, rich with aroma. For the more sophisticated coffee, goers, there are several options of espresso, cappuccino, latte, and chai drinks available. As you drink your coffee, enjoy looking at the works of local artists. With coffee that is always fresh, roasted on site from beans of only top quality, it’s hard to leave without smiling. [AJ]

Best Burrito
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL
500 Del Monte Center, Monterey  641-9353

This mild-mannered chain proves to be a champion of ultra fresh meats, vegetables and spices that are at their best tucked with artistry into a tortilla envelope. Chipotle offers “only” chicken, beef, steak, and carnitas burritos—prepared in an innumerable number of ways sure to satisfy. To ensure the quality of all the ingredients and the cooking style, the grill is out in the open for customers to see that it’s the real deal. [AJ]

Best Ice Cream
BASKIN ROBBINS
406 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey  375-3131

Growing up, a trip to Baskin Robbins was my parent’s fail-safe bribe. (I always went for it.) The free birthday cone for kids under 12 was a highly anticipated event. Grownups and kids alike love that Baskin Robbins still churns out its famous 31 flavors at any given moment. Stand-bys like Jamoca and Pralines ‘n’ Cream have a permanent place on the roster, but Seasonal Flavors (Tax Crunch) and Flavors of the Month (Tiramisu and Crème Brulee) have also found their ways into the hearts, cups and cones of our sweet-toothed readers. [CP]

Best Salad
CRAZY HORSE
1425 Munras Ave, Monterey  649-1020

Years of conditioning dictate that more often than not, salad must be a prelude to a meal. The thing is, the arugula salad with watermelon and raspberry vinaigrette at Montrio isn’t going to dissuade one from proceeding to the pesto-rubbed prime sirloin. Still, there are times when all you want is a salad. And the place to get one is Crazy Horse. The $8.95 build-your-own salad bar is a steal. The endless array of items will renew your faith that, in the right context, a freshly prepared, kaleidoscopic creation can stand solo. [CP]