Francesca Fresh would make a dad proud
By MIKE HALE
Herald Food Writer
Updated: 08/21/2009 09:30:31 AM PDT

Stopped in at Monterey Cookhouse on Fremont Street in New Monterey to get the scoop on Linda Cantrell's new restaurant (formerly Point Joe's). Had some nice pulled pork from the Taeger meat smoker. Everything's made from scratch, including ice creams and sorbets. www.montereycookhouse.com ... Rich Pepe has his irons in several fires these days, but found time to launch Vino Napoli, a wine bar just a meatball's throw from Little Napoli on Dolores Street (corner of Seventh) in Carmel. Beautiful design, warm fireplace, wine flights and plenty of nibbles ... When you think Patisserie Bechler in Pacific Grove you immediately have visions of fine French pastries, but the place does a fine lunch, too. Try the savory crepes, or the quiche Lorraine and salad, or the French onion tart. Wow. 375-0846 ...

Get ready to feel the burn. The Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce and Holman Ranch host the 16th annual Chili Cook-off on Sept. 23. 659-4000 or www.carmelvalleychamber.com ... Bernardus Lodge celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday with a summer garden party. The afternoon will feature live music, bocce, newly released Bernardus wines, signature cocktails and hors d'oeurvres by Chef Cal Stamenov. Cost: $20 ...

There wasn't a dry eye in the house at The Cypress Inn on Aug. 6. We stopped in for drinks and stumbled upon "The Life and Music of Doris Day," a live tribute by vocalist Laura Didier and pianist Jim Martinez. Ms. Day herself was put on speaker phone to welcome the guests, breaking down in tears near the end and saying "I love you all so much." Pretty cool.