Best Of 2010

In this space we could unravel a rambling reverie describing how elaborate roasting apparatus and intricate techniques translate to the Best Cup of Coffee in Monterey County.

Or we could simply say this: A lot of people like Acme coffee.

Therein lies the beauty of this list of 180 readers’ favorites (plus some editors’ picks thrown in for good measure). It could exalt the arcane art of fixing a schizophrenic Mac iPad at the Best Computer Store or explore the crucial fresh produce deals and rare recipes that make the Best Pizza rise – and we do, albeit briefly, in the coming pages – but it would be enough just to post the list of what Monterey County likes.

Because these are our best. Plain and simple. --Mark C. Anderson

Kera Abraham, Corby Anderson, Mark C. Anderson, Michelle Caldwell, Melissa Cessna, Nic Coury, Erik Cushman, Michelle Fitzsimmons, Jeanne Howard, Adam Joseph, Jessica Lyons, Ray Napolitano, Micaela Quintana, Walter Ryce, Zachary Stahl, Carole Tiley, John Stuart Thornton III, Robin Urevich, Paul Wetterau, Paul Wilner and Bradley Zeve contributed to the 2010 Best of Monterey County®.