The coming of spring, and something fresh and new on the Monterey Peninsula restaurant scene, is all part of the promise of Poppy Hall in Pacific Grove.
The rustic California soul food restaurant opens its doors to the public this Thursday at 598 Lighthouse Ave., after a series of friends-and-family dinners over the weekend that were by invitation only. The restaurant will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, 4:30-9pm, and reservations may be made by phone, email, or through the website, www.poppyhallpg.com.
Chef Philip Wojtowicz, co-founder of Big Sur Bakery, says it’s the fruition of a long-held dream to see this finally happening. “It’s pretty exciting,” he says, since the 40-seat restaurant will take local dining in a refreshingly different direction.
The restaurant, a collaboration between Wojtowicz, sous chef Brendan Esons (formerly with Big Sur Roadhouse) and general manager Anna Wilson, will feature small plates with an emphasis on seafood, seasonality, and lots of nightly specials. “The plates will be smaller and less expensive,” says Wojtowicz. “They won’t be a major commitment.”
Some selections from the Poppy Hall menu on its website include crispy chicken breast and creamy risotto, tomato soup with goat cheese crostini, steamed mussels and shoestring potatoes, and oyster stew. Also, there will be a deviled egg of the day and a crudo of the day, promising lots of variety and creativity.
Wojtowicz describes his team as being young and energetic, with a desire to do things differently. The wine and beer selection will also reflect that philosophy—“none of that generic Monterey stuff,” he says—with intriguing and affordable selections that, Wojtowicz says, “you’re not going to find anywhere else around here.”
Most of all, Wojtowicz wants everyone to relax and enjoy when they come through the door. “The name of the game is to have fun,” he says. “Fun is really important.”
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At Edible Monterey Bay, our mission is to celebrate the local food culture of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season. We believe in sustainability, and we believe everyone has a right to healthful, clean and affordable food. We think knowing where our food comes from is powerful, and we hope our magazine, website and newsletters inspire readers to get to know and support our local growers, fishers, chefs, vintners and food artisans.
