Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/856465
C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 267 A relative newcomer to Rio Grill in his second year bartending there, Gahn knows the names, drink orders, and even vacation schedules of many a wall icon. "There's Mr. White, who comes in every Tuesday at 12:30pm, and when I see him walking past the window I start making his martini," Gahn says. "In fact," he adds, "Mr. White is the only customer to have his own modi- fier : a button on the register to tell the kitchen his order, and he has a spe- cific table we keep open for him every Tuesday." Mr. White, known by the staff only by his last name, has been coming to Rio Grill well over a decade, and used to be accompanied by his wife before her passing. "There are people who've been coming for so many years, and some who've passed on or moved out of the area, and every person has a story…" says Tollner, reflecting on the more faded, oldest portraits of some of his dearest friends, past and present. Mr. White is one of the recent additions to the wall, along with loyal patrons Beck Cooper, Dr. Mark Walker, Gabe Russo, and a few others. "Beck is here every day at 3 o'clock on the dot," says Gahn, "and he orders the exact same thing: two Maker's Marks and a small beer back." For Dr. Walker, it's the McIntyre Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Locals return to Rio Grill again and again for items like crispy calamari, the fire-roasted Castroville artichoke, the house-smoked half chicken, and an extensive wine and cocktail selection. Gabe, Beck and Mr. White are among some of the regulars. Attentive staff remember customers' favorite drinks and appetizers.