We'll be in Carmel/Monterey/Pacific Grove for a few days. I'd love suggestions on where the locals eat for "local fare". We're staying in Carmel, but will visit the other areas. Specifically love seafood, Italian, and Mexican. Interested in both the "special" i.e. ok to be expensive places and also the inexpensive, fun hangouts. Thanks!

Christopher's on Lincoln in Carmel is excellent. Also like Tarpy's Roadhouse Grill on the outskirts of Monterey. Also the Duck Club Grill at the Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Thanks Boom Boom! Do you have any favorite wineries in the area? (we prefer good reds- cabs, pinot, kind of into Zins right now)

Here's a whole thread that was recently posted on eating in this area:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...terey-area.cfm

You might also want to try here:
http://www.accessmontereybay.com