Best Bites: March 23, 2015

Every Monday, I’ll post the tastiest bites I enjoyed over the last week. Stay up-to-date with all my dining adventures around town on Instagram: @offthemenu831

Gnocchi with braised rabbit at Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar

Chef Jeff Weiss debuted a new spring menu at Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar. Loving the new spring dishes, like bigeye tuna crudo with blood oranges or slow-cooked lamb shank.

But the gnocchi was my favorite—fluffy potato pillows topped with braised rabbit, asparagus and arugula. Gnocchi can sometimes turn tough and chewy, but the secret to chef Weiss’ gnocchi is adding potato starch to keep the gnocchi fluffy but not gummy.

Loving the new spring menu at Jeninni. The gnocchi, delicate potato pillows, has been my fave bite so far.

The tender braised rabbit was flavorful, yet reserved, not overpowering the delicate gnocchi. The spring asparagus was delightful. And the zest of Meyer lemon added some nice acid.

Certainly eager to see what other new dishes chef Weiss brings out for spring.

Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar is at 542 Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. 831.920.2662. www.jeninni.com.

Bulgogi burger at Cannery Row Brewing Company

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the “sandwich of the week” at CRBC. Most weeks, I’ve been left less than impressed by the week’s offering, thankful a new option will come around soon. But every now and then, there’s one that knocks me off my feet, then, whoosh, before you know it, it’s gone. That was the case last week when the bulgogi burger made an all-too-brief appearance on the menu.

Last week’s “Sandwich of the Week” at CRBC was an epic bulgogi burger. But it’s time was short-lived and it’s already been replaced with the turn of the calendar.

This Korean-inspired burger was topped with tender strips of marinated short ribs, pickled chilies and crispy garlic. It was so juicy and full of flavor! I added a few squirts of Sriracha for some extra kick.

Much like their sister spot Restaurant 1833, CRBC is going through some changes with a new chef coming soon. Here’s hoping this temporary special makes the cut for a full-time spot on the menu!

Cannery Row Brewing Company is at 95 Prescott Avenue in Monterey. 831.643.2722. www.canneryrowbrewingcompany.com.

Wood-roasted strawberries at The Bench

The time change has me exploring more spots with outdoor seating to take advantage of the later sunsets. Last week, I joined a friend for dinner at The Bench. Sadly, the fog rolled in, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We enjoyed dinner outside by the fire pits.

The standout of our meal was dessert. The menu includes a gourmet take in the classic campfire s’more, a salted caramel budino and donuts. But the favorite was the wood-fired strawberries.

Desserts at The Bench are some of the best in town. The wood-roasted strawberries are a must-order.

A ramekin of strawberries was topped with a butter crumble and cooked in the wood fired oven. It arrived piping hot, with a scoop of cheesecake ice cream. The drizzle of balsamic gave a touch of savory acid to rein in the sweet strawberries.

The Bench is at 1700 17 Mile Drive, inside the Lodge at Pebble Beach. 800.877.0597. www.pebblebeach.com/dining.