Inside and Out… For those of you who happen to read this drivel on a semi-regular basis, you know how thrilled I am about having The Food Network available here on the Peninsula. It hasn’t been here that long, but seems like an old friend. I recommend watching the show Good Eats, hosted by Alton Brown. It is consistently interesting, informative and fun—chock full of serious info yet presented in a way that keeps you focused and learning.

It’s great to be in the middle of the summer and there are so many activities to indulge in. The plants and fruits are growing and the farmers’ markets are teeming with delicious produce. All the wild things are raising little ones and folks are scampering around, basking in the joy of just being here. Let’s all try hard to show them how nice we are and be patient with their stumbling efforts at directions or their gazing at scenery when they might be paying more attention to driving. Slow down for a second and take a better look yourself…those really are pretty amazing views.

Viva Italia… Some of the most amazing views will be part of a fascinating event at Peppoli in Spanish Bay, on Monday and Tuesday, July 5 and 6, as celebrated nobleman of Italian wine, Marchese Piero Antinori plays host to a series of intimate dinners at the restaurant named after the great Peppoli Estate and vineyard, one of the many Antinori properties throughout the wine world.

Peppoli Chef de Cuisine Arturo Moscoso will explain the preparation of each course, along with Antinori winemaker Renzo Cotarella, who will discuss the wines.

The lineup of individual dinners begins Monday with the Chianti Classico Celebration at 6pm, a meet-and-greet with Il Marchese (an Italian nobleman), and a four-course wine-pairing dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 for $100, all inclusive.

Also on Monday: Super Tuscan Celebration & Dinner with Piero Antinori. A reception at 7pm with Il Marchese is followed by a five-course wine-pairing dinner along with Signore Antinori celebrating the great super Tuscan style wines that Antinori has helped pioneer. That one’s $215 per person, inclusive and very limited.

The next night brings a 6pm meet-and-greet with Il Marchese, followed by a four-course Wine Regions of Antinori dinner from 6:30 to 9:30. The cost is $100, inclusive.

The main event Tuesday is the 30th Anniversary of Tignanello Dinner. Tignanello is the first of the super Tuscan style wines, which was created in 1970, outside the regionally specified style, and included the addition of Cabernet to the traditional Sangiovese grape, to produce a richer, more powerful red wine of great character.

This five-course dinner should prove to be a real knockout as Chef Moscoso creates two-part harmony with his winemaking counterpart from Tuscany. Price is $250 per person inclusive, and should be worth every Euro.

For further information, as well as to book a reservation, contact the concierge at the Inn at Spanish Bay, 647-7500.

Viva Monterey… Keep an eye out on Forest Avenue in PG, near Fifi’s Bistro because Kimo and Venus Watari, the folks who bring you the Thaiwaiian Noodles stand at many local events, are opening Thaiwaiian Bistro. It promises fresh and lively dishes that combine Venus’ Thai background and Kimo’s Hawaiian. They are two wonderful people with true Aloha spirit. Look for it opening right about now. Call 658-0134 or email thaiwaiian@sbcglobal.net.

A Taste of Monterey, the tasting room on Cannery Row, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Go down for a couple of glasses of local wine—it’s got the best selection by far—and shoot the breeze with the good folks down there. While you’re there, book a couple of spots at the upcoming Vino, Vittles & Verse, A Cowboy Poetry Wine Supper event coming up on Tuesday, July 13 at Taste of Monterey Salinas. I’ll give you more details next week…if you’re impatient—actually, if you’re smart—you’ll call Ken at 646-5446 ext 11 right now to find out just how cool this event will be…you’ll be sorry if you don’t.

A couple of locals, Pam Mielke and Roman Stopper, told me about the great time they had at Lucy’s, the family style restaurant that used to be Toots Lagoon. They sat at the bar and enjoyed great Roy’s-style food and delicious drinks while feeling right at home in the friendly, down-home atmosphere. Give Lucy’s a try, especially if you haven’t been to that location in a while. The number is 625-1915…check it out.

Oh, and…Call Brendan at 408-847-9024 to catch a spot or four in the Drive For Life” golf tournament this Sunday, July 4, at Gilroy Golf Course. JR Brewski’s is hosting this first-annual event, so it will definitely be a fun frolic for furiously flailing foursomes.