Fall 2021

New Carmel Shop Celebrates the End of Social Distancing B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S K aren and Eric Baymiller specialize in the art of celebration at Social Hour, their new Carmel shop on 6th between Dolores and San Carlos. COVID-19 closures inspired the venture. “Coming out of the pandemic, we realized that people would want to be together,” says Eric. “It evolved from there.” The couple crafted a destination for enter- taining and cocktail essentials, stocking every- thing except alcoholic spirits. “There’s glassware, barware, drink provisions and hosting-type items, from coasters and cock- tail napkins to cheese plates, knives, platters and boards. We have greeting cards and candles too,” says Karen. Chef Kevin Hincks from The Meatery in Seaside crafts cheeseboards sold at the store. Bottles from Carmel Berry Company, Big Sur-based The Bitter Ginger and other regional producers line the shelves. On weekends, the Baymillers pour samples of syrups, shrubs and non-alcoholic spirits as customers wander the shop. The goal is to source from local craftspeople, WLEVI TVSHYGXW XLEX GYWXSQIVW QMKLX RSX ½RH online, and celebrate in-person experiences. “It’s as simple as the weight of an old fash- ioned glass, or how a cocktail shaker or muddler feels to use,” Eric says. “It’s about giving people the ability to touch something, to try something, to taste the syrups and various mixes. That’s important to us.” For more information about Social Hour, please call 831/250-7362 or visit socialhourcarmel.com. SHORT CUTS BUSINESS Eric and Karen Baymiller have created a one stop shop for your entertaining needs— JVSQ FEV[EVI XS W]VYTW XLI] WSYVGI TVSHYGXW JVSQ XLI ½RIWX PSGEP GVEJXWTISTPI 72 ' % 6 1 ) 0 1 % + % > - 2 ) ˆ * % 0 0 Photo: Kelli Uldall

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