"Monday Magic at Wickets Bistro in Bernardus" by Food Blog

Monday Magic at Wickets Bistro in Bernardus

January 9, 2012

Rarely does the responses to "It's Monday," go anything like "Oh yes!" or "Lay it on me."

But that is changing.

Last Monday I went by Wickets (658-3400) on a media invite because Mondays are doubly—no, triply, mouthwatering. During the winter season, Morro Bay oysters are $1, draft Stella Artois run $3 and a short selection of "chalkboard specials" present seasonal treats from Cal Stamenov's kitchen at reasonable price points.

Though I had been dreaming of Morro Bay oysters all weekend, we didn’t get ’em, but still left giddy.

Here’s how: A recall on those local shellfish meant we tried six just-right (and quickly disappearing) Kumamoto oysters ($18) instead.

Then we pulled a special from the board, an unbeatable Cal’s crab cake on a dynamite grain-mustard sauce (pictured above, $10); a sweet and rich tarragon-Maine lobster bisque ($16); silly-good spicy hummus ($10); Mangalitsa jamon ($18); and an I-can-die-now Big Sur chanterelle brick-oven pizza ($24).

Added to a glass of brand-new Bernardus Santa Lucia Pinot, a blend of Rosella’s, Garys’ and Sleepy Hollow grapes (if you don’t know, ask somebody who does) and the Ingrid’s Vineyard Pinot, made with on-property fruit, and you understand the "I love Monday” prayers of thanksgiving.

Monday "Chalkboard Nights" are from 6-10pm; Tuesdays are winter wonderlands too with pizza night—pies like a duck confit paired with Wine Director Mark Buzan’s choice for knocked-down prices starting at $19.