Summer 2024

THE FLAVORS OF SICILY AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF Viewers of HBO’s “Big Little Lies” will rec- ognize Paluca Trattoria as the location where Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman meet. But this intimate Fisherman’sWharf restaurant is much more than just TV eye candy. Chef Sal Tedesco and his wife Ashley have created a dining experience that pays homage to Monterey’s rich Sicilian seafood heritage. A Sicilian native, Chef Sal brings a lifetime of expe- rience to his tables.“I grew up in a household of fishermen,” he says. “My father was a Monterey Bay fisherman.The day’s catch was our dinner. I grew up seeing how fishermen eat their fish. I picked up all these ideas firsthand.” He learned his lessons well. Paluca’s menu—the restaurant is named after the Tedesco’s sons Paul and Luke—is chock full of delights. Standouts from the sea include Sicilian meatballs, creamy butter garlic clams, seafood pasta and lobster ravioli and cala- mari fritti. Of course, pasta is also on offer, including vegetarian Ashelina pomodoro and creamy pesto pappardelle, prawn dishes car- bonara and gamberoni, and an exquisite pap- pardelle dish with bolognese. Paluca Trattoria’s location overlooks Monterey’s scenic harbor, providing a romantic backdrop for the Tedesco’s guests to savor the flavors of Sicily. For more information, visit www.palucatrattoria.com . LEARNING ABOUT THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINE A wise man once said that there are two things you probably won’t like unless you’re properly introduced: jazz and wine. With their new business, Ladysomm Carmel Wine School & Wine Salon, sisters Roxane Langer and Tamara Carver plan to educate and properly introduce both professionals and the general public to the wonderful world of wine. “We are a wine school, and we offer fun classes,” Langer says. Both she and Carver are somme- liers and have wide experience in wine events and education. Ladysomm is located in the Barnyard Shopping Village across from Sur Restaurant. Wine education takes several forms here, from basic introduction to full professional sommelier certification. Specialized events with a focus on general regions such as France and Italy as well as seminars on more specific wine producing areas will be scheduled regularly. In addition to its educational programs, Ladysomm is also a retail wine store, with a deep selection of unique varietals from all over the world. “We specialize in wines we like,” Carver notes. The tastefully decorated, light-filled and comfortable space is open Thursday through Monday for tasting from 12-5 p.m. and is available for private affairs such as bridal showers, family gatherings and corporate team events. For more information, visit www.ladysomm.com. 188 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 Sommeliers and sisters Tamara Carver and Roxanne Langer have opened a new business—both a wine school and a wine shop—in the Barnyard Shopping Village to impart their extensive knowledge of wine to both novices and serious connoisseurs. Photo: Kelli Uldall