HEAD CASE OF WHINE… I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately (lately?). It might be a by-product of getting older, but it has become increasingly more difficult for me to do stuff I really don’t want to do, regardless of the perceived or real ramifications (and now, live from the Fillmore… Perceived Ramifications). On top of that I probably have ADD. Probably had it my whole life, probably will always have it. What is it with those tags on my shirt anyway? Please tell me Robin “The Princess” Domnie— what is it?

Maybe I’m suffering from mental illness (Martha, quick, come here, he finally admitted it), like a chronic back problem, only a little higher. Perhaps my ennui is attributable to coming of age during the disgusting early ’70s, when we learned for sure just how dishonest our own and every other country’s governments are. My flowering dreams were heavily dosed with Agent Orange. You’re right, Princess Robin, I am a whiner. That must be why I’m in the wine business… or maybe it’s the other way around.

PRETTY SIGHTS… I wasn’t whining last week at the opening of Didier “Calme” Dutertre and Colleen “Star Eyes” Manni’s cute Bistro Moulin, a block up from the Aquarium on Wave Street. Didier was executive chef at Casanova for 25 years so he knows a thing or 200 about how to prepare those special country style European dishes that feel so good going down. From his open kitchen, Dutertre looks out over his diners to the bay views in the distance and dreams… about I don’t know what.

Another cool thing about this spot is that longtime local lifestyle guy Michael “Zorba” Kokkinos of Mediterraneo Imports has opened the space next door. He and Didier are old friends and share the space. So you can go in for a great lunch or dinner, grab something from Zorba’s collection of gourmet foods, beautiful ceramics and countless other items, take a stroll by the bay— didn’t I say life is beautiful? Bistro Moulin: 333-1200; Mediterraneo: 333-1255.

Sheree “Big City” Flisakowski, owner of Possibilities Art Gallery on Forest in PG, just a couple of blocks from Fandango, told me about a cool art competition for this year’s Festival of Lanterns. The winners will be announced at a reception on June 23, at 4pm, at Possibilities. Call the gallery at 643-9392 for more info.

PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL… After getting turned away just 10 minutes after the 9pm closing time at one of the area’s more popular restaurants a couple of weeks ago, my man Todd “Iacocca” Sharp, car baron of the Cuqui’s Cars, 101 Motorsports and Market Motors empire, and I headed over to An Choi, way down at the far end of Lighthouse Avenue. Despite their 9pm close time, gracious owners Thanh and Christine Truong, along with their daughter Emmeline, welcomed us into the sharp-looking Southeast Asian contemporary restaurant. I asked if they did Vietnamese style and they readily brought us delicious dishes that the hip spots throughout Southeast Asia are serving. Iacocca and I were thrilled with the imaginative combinations, delicious flavors and overall experience. This spot is out of the way, in a location that has proved difficult to sustain, but go check it out. I will be back again and again for lunch and dinner, 372-8818.

WILD IN CARMEL… If you haven’t been to Bubbly Fish yet, in Carmel, down a little courtyard a couple of doors down from Nico, you are missing a real treat— and I use that term specifically. This is a spot to go for caviar, champagne and other sparklers from around the world, fine chocolates, pâtés, dessert wines, other interesting wines, and the unrelenting madness of owner Claude “Pocket Rocket” Poisson, along with his relatively sane partner Deborah “Cat Walk” Pearcy. The two have created a hot spot for those who appreciate fun times and sensual indulgences.

To add to the afternoon delight, in walked Scott “Lon Chaney” Domnie and wife Robin (see above). Before long the entire table was filled with glassware, Scott and Claude were playing dueling escapades, then lo and behold, Angie “Mistress Morgana” Jensen popped in, so naturally more bubbles and Italian dessert wines had to flow— and the joint wasn’t even open. These people are not normal, believe me. There’s live music too, so get your assets down there, 626-8226.

Thursday, June 21, is a special night at Bistro 211 in the Crossroads. Jon “Iceman” Magnusson found a couple of talented young Carmel musicians, Liyanna Sadowsky (on harp) and Kane Suga (cello), who will be performing classical music to raise money for Cazadero Music Camp. Jon’s donating 10 percent of his proceeds that night so go enjoy the food, the music, the life, 625-3030.

EXTRA SPECIAL… Also on June 21, The Lodge at Pebble is doing a special dinner at Casa Palmero featuring an exclusive production of 2004 Swanson, Schmidt Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Chris Phelps will be there to introduce that, as well as the new Alexis and other wines not normally seen outside the winery. The event begins with a casual vertical tasting of the Swanson Merlot at 6pm, then moves to the wine dinner. Price is $195 plus; 50 people max. Call Stephanie Brand at 622-8761 for reservations and info.

The Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers, the Monterey County Young Professionals Group and the Salinas Jaycees third annual Mega Mixer is at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Thursday, June 28. It’s a great chance for young professionals to network, something that I should have done more of when I was a young professional. Don’t make the same mistake I did, check out mcypg.com… Don’t forget the Monterey Beer Festival coming on July 7. Make your plans now, it’ll be here before you know it, 373-2843… and stop whining.