Crema Leads the Charge

Crema Leads the Charge

Not long ago you could count the number of relevant Pacific Grove restaurants on one hand (perhaps even by flashing a peace sign). Suddenly, this sleepy hometown is becoming a player again. The Beach House opened to great fanfare, Favaloro’s rebuilt and Jeninni kitchen + wine bar is poised to open in the Holman Building.

The sleeper in this scene is Crema, the newbie on Lighthouse Avenue that offers an eclectic take on the cafes and bistros of Europe (coffee, espresso and baked goods in the morning; soup, salad and sandwiches at lunch; wine and tapas on late-week evenings).

Now Crema has planned to become more of a dinner house. Starting Nov. 1, owner Tamie Aceves and chef Jon Moser will expand the tapas menu while adding full entrees such as slow-roasted prime rib, housemade chicken pastina and daily pastas and fresh soups. Expect a kids menu, too.

“Our customers have always loved the comfortable feeling they get at Crema and that translates perfectly into our new home-style menu options,” Aceves said.

Crema (481 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove) is open from 7a.m. to 4p.m., Monday through Wednesday and from 7a.m. to 9p.m., Thursday through Sunday. More at www.cremapg.com, or by calling 375-1300.

Mike Hale The Grub Hunter