Old Monterey District Blog

Planning a party? Impress your guests with hot fun at the ol' firehouse! With three delightful spaces onsite, creative menus, and an experienced team, Montrio Bistro adds the polish to special occasions.

Our distinct space can accommodate groups from 20 to 150 people. Floral arrangements, A/V equipment, unique cocktails or performers - no request is out of our range. And our diverse menus suit the most discerning of palates and budgets. Let us help you pull off a fabulous bash! Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Do you like what you see on our website, OldMonterey.org? Explore our events, blog, dining guide, and more and consider nominating us for Best Local Website in the Best of Monterey County Readers Poll 2016! Nominations end Friday, January 29 at midnight.

OldMonterey.org is the website of the Old Monterey Business Association, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing and promoting the economic vitality and community spirit of Old Monterey.

JANUARY 19, 2016

THE 300 BLOCK OF ALVARADO (FROM FRANKLIN STREET TO DEL MONTE AVE) WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR TRAFFIC AND PARKING.

FARMERS MARKET WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN PEARL STREET AND FRANKLIN STREET.

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL (831) 655-2607.

Pinkberry is welcoming the new year with some old favorites! We’re reintroducing two flavors: Grapefruit Pinkberry, a tangy frozen yogurt made with real grapefruit puree, and Peanut Butter Pinkberry, a light and refreshing frozen yogurt made with real peanut butter that's the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Come and enjoy at the Pinkberry in Old Monterey at 316 Alvarado Street.

JANUARY 5, 2016

THE 300 BLOCK OF ALVARADO (FROM FRANKLIN STREET TO DEL MONTE AVE) WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR TRAFFIC AND PARKING.

FARMERS MARKET WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN PEARL STREET AND FRANKLIN STREET.

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL (831) 655-2607.

First Night Monterey will take place on Thursday, December 31 from 3pm to midnight. Please be aware that First Night festivities will close the following streets in Old Monterey:

* Pacific Street, between Madison Street and Jefferson Street, 1pm-6pm

* Alvarado Street, 2pm-12:30am

* Bonifacio Place, between Alvarado Street and Tyler Street, 2pm-12:30am

* Franklin Street, between Calle Principal and Tyler Street, 4pm-12:30am

* Jefferson Street, between Van Buren Street and Pacific Street, 6pm-10:30pm

* Pierce Street, 6pm-10:30pm

* King Street, 6pm-10:30pm

Event parking is available in the Old Monterey garages, as well as the MIIS and City Hall parking lots.

Want to sell your old bike? Bay Bikes is now accepting trade-ins on ALL makes and models for store credit. Plus, we're offering discounted bikes for the whole family at huge blow-out prices. Stop by our shop in Old Monterey to learn more!

Restaurant 1833 has just kicked off their new Social Hour, held Sunday - Thursday, 5pm-7pm on the patio and in the bar and lounge. Enjoy select classic cocktails for $9 and a pair of tasty tacos with all the fixings for $5. They're now offering a dynamic duo of chicken mole and birria-style pulled pork tacos on housemade tortillas with a side of chef Jason Franey's habanero-carrot hot sauce. Yum!

The nights are getting brisk, but you can cozy up with a fireside cocktail in the library of Restaurant 1833. A full menu of beer, wine, cocktails and other libations is available from 5pm until closing, with bar bites available starting at 5:30pm.

Is a new sewing machine on your wish list? Tell Santa that Bella's favorite machine, the "Elizabeth" by Baby Lock, is at Bella's Studio in Old Monterey, wrapped and ready to pick up.

Purchase your new sewing machine through Bella's Studio's partnership with Eddie's Quilting Bee in Sunnyvale. Then bring your machine back to the Studio and Bella will teach you how to thread and operate your new sewing machine!

Now, for a limited time only, Pinkberry invites you to toast the holidays with Pink Bubbly Frozen Yogurt! Light and sweet with champagne-light notes, Pink Bubbly is non-alcoholic, nonfat, and gluten free. Come try it at the Pinkberry in Old Monterey at 316 Alvarado Street.

Om Studios in Monterey is now accepting registration for a the 2016 session of the 200-hour teacher training for Prana Flow Yoga taught by Coral Brown and guest teachers. Do you have a desire to deepen your practice or have you ever thought about becoming a yoga instructor? Now is the time!

Prana Flow Yoga is a full-spectrum approach to living and practicing yoga created by Shiva Rea. By recognizing Prana as the primary mover of all movements in every moment, we are able to transcend the linear mind set and welcome ourselves to the ever-changing, moving universe. The movements of Prana manifest in all yoga asanas, creating a living, breathing, liberating approach to yoga.

Class dates are: February 11-14, March 3-6, April 7-10, April 21-24, May 19-22, and June 2-5. Classes are held on Thursdays, 4pm-9pm; Fridays, 12pm-8pm; and Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-6pm.

There are tuition waivers available for military spouses through the MyCAA program. For more information, please contact Om Studios at 831-204-7949. Download the application form here.

Keep those resolutions with small dessert bites, new at Montrio Bistro! Only $5.50 each. Yum! Selections now include:

Red Velvet Cheesecake Sammies
with cream cheese frosting

"That's That"
a play on the classic "It's It" ice cream sandwich

S'More Cup
chocolate cremeaux, graham cracker, marshmallow

Cajeta Tacos
a "choco taco" banana crunch!