SAD NEWS… Another seemingly senseless tragedy occurred a couple of weeks ago when the two sons of local hospitality industry veteran John Narigi, who is GM of Monterey Plaza Hotel, rolled their SUV while leaving the motorcycle races at Laguna Seca. Anthony Narigi, who was just 21, sustained injuries that later proved fatal. His 18-year old brother Dominick was seriously injured; two friends, riding in back, were unharmed.

The whole community reaches out its heart to the members of the Narigi family and their close friends for having to endure this horror. When you think about the vibrancy of young people’s spirits and their carefree assumption of life as a source of fun, it never seems fair to have that all snatched away by something as mundane as a traffic accident. It is far too frequent that families’ lives are transformed by traumas just like this, all too darkly similar a tone to this dirge. Hopefully, time and love will heal the wounds the Narigi family has sustained on its soul, but nothing can ever remove the scars that will remain with them forever. Rest in peace young Anthony.

BAD NEWS… Another incident has been on people’s minds as well, regarding the recent happenings surrounding the Carmel Film Festival and its creator, Scott Brown. There was a lengthy article in The Herald a couple of Saturdays ago that outlined various indiscretions that occurred when Scott was editor of Carmel Magazine, along with evidence that he made spurious claims about certain big-name stars’ affiliations with the festival. As a result, Scott withdrew his association with the festival. He has suffered a severe blow to his reputation and his family is deeply affected by the negative publicity.

I know Scott from having done some writing for Carmel Magazine, as well as having helped get the word out about the Carmel Film Festival, which I feel is one of the best things to happen around here in years. From what I can tell, he is as nice a guy as there is. I hope our community is not too harsh in its judgment of him and allows for the nectar of forgiveness to seep into the ultimate mix.

THE GOOD STUFF… On a lighter note, and probably not a moment too soon, get to the Luau at Roy’s, and hurry, it’s on Thursday, Aug. 9 (think about it). Get going… Great food from Roy Yamaguchi and chef Yoichi Saito of Roy’s at Pebble Beach, Hawaiian dancers, Hawaiian martinis, live Hawaiian music – are you getting the theme? Hula down there right now, don’t even call 647-7441, just hula on down.

The next tasting party from Surf n Sand in Carmel comes on Friday, Aug. 10, from 6pm to 9pm at Mission Ranch. Join a gaggle of guzzlers sampling the best in vodkas and gins, each of which is readily available for purchase at Surf n Sand. There’ll be live music, delicious appetizers and of course, Fermin and Ryan Sanchez and the Junipero Gang. Tickets cost $35 and you can get them at Surf n Sand or by calling 624-1805.

Montrio’s Chef Tony Baker won the inaugural “Garlic Showdown” Iron Chef competition at this year’s Garlic Festival. His delicious renditions of two garlic inspired dishes, one with pork, the other with salmon, blew away competing chefs from Berkeley, Saratoga and Campbell. He brought along Chef “Captain” Kirk Larsen from Carmel Valley Manor to be his sous and together they won the day. It’s always great to win an event of any sort, even more so when your name goes into the record book as the first one ever. Congrats to Tony, Kirk and all the folks surrounding your programs, you’ve made all of us proud.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, join Dan Duckhorn, famed vintner, for a delicious dinner at Spanish Bay featuring the wines of Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Paraduxx. Chef Arturo Moscoso will prepare multiple courses for just 24 people following a Schramsberg sparkling reception at 6:30pm. Needless to say, this baby will sell out immediately so get on the horn, the Duck-horn, right now to reserve, 647-7490.

Well, Car Week’s coming (wasn’t that a Three Dog Night song?). Another fun thing to do occurs at Spanish Bay in the Grand Ballroom on Wednesday, Aug. 15, from 8pm to 11pm. It’s the Concours Jazz Concert, a live concert featuring jazz pianist George Kahn and a six-piece ensemble with vocalist Courtney Lemmon. Helcio Milito plays Brazilian jazz between sets, there’s cabaret-style seating, plus beverages, light finger foods and desserts available in the Ballroom Gallery from 7-11:30pm.

WINE, WINE, WINE… Went to a lovely luncheon at Anton & Michel’s last week to kick off the new vintages of Steve McIntyre’s Monterey County Wines. We enjoyed tasting four wines, his method Champenoise sparkling wine, a Chardonnay, Pinot and a Merlot. Together with the delicious food, beautiful ambiance – you have to get into Anton & Michel to see it don’t you know – all the fun guests and of course the funnest guy of all, Tony Salameh, the Anton in Anton & Michel. He just got back from a safari somewhere in Africa and promises to send me some photos and a few good stories, which I’ll pass along to you. Meanwhile, start looking for the McIntyre brands around town, which include Poppy, a reasonably priced brand that over-delivers in quality. With Cheryl Warner as the sales rep, don’t be surprised to find the wines already in your cabinet.

Stay well, live gently, love a lot and forgive fast… ’Til next time.