Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1182230
as Harry's New York Bar in 1920s Paris, or Formosa Bar in 1940s Santa Monica—a favorite haunt of Humphrey Bogart. Where legendary cocktails like the Side Car, Manhattan, Martini, Sazerac and Vieux Carré reigned supreme. A place, as the song goes, for moonlight and love songs that will always welcome lovers. Fortunately, my search revealed not one, but four different locations on the Monterey Peninsula that offered some version of what I sought. Each of these gems has their own long, unique, and rich history that adds flavor to the overall ambiance and experience. The first of these can be found inside what was once a mansion built in 1905 and is now the La Playa Carmel (corner of 8th and Camino Real) hotel. Having recently changed its name to Bud's in homage to Bud Allen who owned the hotel from the early '60s through the early '80s, walking in immediately brings one a feeling of being at peace. With dark wood paneling and a long oak bar top upon which sit small lamps positioned across its length, it projects a warm, inviting environment. Sitting at the bar on the well cushioned wrought iron-based stools allows one to fully take in the ornately carved wood bar back, stocked with a diverse variety of high-quality spirits. While unfortunately there isn't a piano, there is soft jazz piped in via an unseen sound system that is ample. There are a half dozen small tables positioned around the perimeter of the room, each imbedded with several unique metal medallions that are visually interesting, and cer- tainly a conversation starter, as are the framed old turn of the century posters and pictures. With a recently updated list of handmade cocktails, they offer twists on the classics. Is their Jade Hunter a take on the prohibition classic, the Millionaire? Is the Don't Call Me Terrance, actually a Manhattan in disguise? Only you can be the judge. Terr y's Lounge inside the 90-year-old Cypress Inn, Carmel (corner of Lincoln and 7th street), was co-owned by the late Doris Day, and named after her son, Terry. It is also the only local bar that Lauren Bacall is known to have vis- ited, as she stayed at the Inn in 2009 while film- ing "The Forger," her final film. The interior is separated into four areas, the bar proper, the indoor and outdoor restaurant and the "living room." Stepping through the bar's worn double doors with faded French blue paint allows access to several comfortable stools positioned along the front of an Italian red marble bar top. With its curved tin ceiling and blue glass bar back, it has a certain art deco vibe, as though one was back in the days of the early 1920s. The lounge offers a diverse range of old school cocktails, including several classics such as the Stinger, or Between the Sheets (speaking of welcoming lovers), aka, a Maiden's Prayer, a drink rumored to have originated at Harry's New York Bar. And of course, it is the only place to offer a version of my personal favorite, the Vieux Carré…magnifique! The living room is just steps from the bar and offers comfortable seating options positioned around a large fireplace. Guests are encour- aged to enjoy their drinks here anytime, but especially Thursday through Sunday evenings where live intimate music is performed. The Lounge at the Sardine Factory was founded in 1968 by Ted Balestreri and Bert Cutino in a location which they describe as "a run-down and forgotten piece of Monterey on the wrong side of the tracks," (if there was ever a teaser for a Bogie film). Walking in, patrons are greeted by a large stone façade fireplace posi- tioned directly across from the entrance. Nearly every interior wall is covered in framed photos of celebrities, scenes of nostalgic Cannery Row, While there are great times to be had in places with loud music pumping and crowded dance floors, there are also most certainly those requiring a more laid-back environment. 172 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 9 Lockers on display at Bud's feature the spirits used to make signature classic cocktails like the Mollusk Mule and the Ingenue.