Hello Fall: Welcoming Autumn Flavors at Montrio

The arrival of fall in Monterey doesn’t bring sudden cold fronts or golden leaves overnight—but it does usher in a seasonal shift that’s just as delicious. As the summer light softens and coastal evenings grow cooler, fall’s harvest begins to shine on the plate. This time of year invites deeper flavors, heartier textures, and comforting meals that still embrace the freshness of California’s Central Coast.

At Montrio, the fall season is an opportunity to celebrate new flavors while staying rooted in sustainable, organic ingredients and the bounty of local farms. Whether settling in for a cozy dinner indoors or enjoying the early autumn air on the pet-friendly patio, guests can expect a menu filled with satisfying dishes designed to reflect the season’s transition.

Why Fall Is a Special Season for Dining

A New Palette of Ingredients

Fall produce in Northern California is full of character—think earthy root vegetables, sweet apples, squash, leafy greens, and aromatic herbs. It’s also the season when menus begin to lean into warmth and richness: roasted proteins, slow braises, smoky elements, and deeper spice blends.

At Montrio, these ingredients are incorporated in thoughtful, elegant ways—blending summer’s freshness with fall’s comfort. With 40% of the food served sourced organically, every dish brings together quality, sustainability, and taste.

An Invitation to Slow Down

As the busy pace of summer fades, fall encourages more intentional dining. It’s the perfect time to unwind, reconnect, and indulge a little. Montrio’s ambiance—whether you’re seated under soft evening lights outside or surrounded by the warmth of the historic firehouse inside—offers a refined yet relaxed setting for just that.

Early Fall Favorites from the Kitchen

Olo Ranch Braised Short Ribs

Nothing says early fall quite like a slow-braised dish, and the Olo Ranch Braised Short Ribs are a standout. Served with pommes purée, confit of tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and Nueske’s lardons, this dish offers depth and balance. The richness of the beef pairs beautifully with the brightness of the tomato confit and the silky texture of the potato purée. It’s cozy without being heavy—perfect for that late September evening when the breeze starts to carry a chill.

Grimaud Farms Duck Confit

The Grimaud Farms Duck Confit is another early fall classic, marrying robust flavor with refined technique. Plated with yam purée, baby bok choy, and finished with a rich Madeira demi-glace, this dish brings together sweet, savory, and earthy elements in a single bite. The duck is tender with crisped skin, and the yams add a gentle nod to fall’s upcoming comfort-food cravings.

Roasted Double-Cut Kurabuta Pork Chop

For a dish that bridges summer’s boldness with fall’s richness, the Roasted Double-Cut Kurabuta Pork Chop from Snake River Farms hits the mark. It’s bacon and breadcrumb encrusted, served with apple gastrique, Sriracha risotto, grilled asparagus, and dehydrated apple. The apple-forward notes and spicy risotto bring autumn energy, while the asparagus keeps the plate balanced and vibrant.

Seasonal Sides to Share

From Warm to Bold

Fall is the season of side dishes—those comforting, sharable extras that round out a meal and bring people together at the table. Montrio’s offerings include:

1. Sriracha Risotto – spicy and warming, this is an excellent pairing for any roasted protein
2. Pommes Purée – creamy, buttery, and perfect for catching every drop of jus or demi-glace
3. Brussels Sprouts – roasted for sweetness and texture, these are a staple of the fall table
4. Garlic Roasted Mushrooms – earthy and rich, ideal with beef or poultry entrées

These sides are meant to be passed around and savored slowly—just the way fall dining should be.

Fall-Inspired Starters and Salads

Autumn at the Top of the Menu

Even the beginning of the meal reflects seasonal shifts. The Almond Butter Pork Belly brings warmth and crunch with arugula & pickled apple salad, rice wine vinaigrette, and spiced almonds. It’s a perfect preview of the flavors to come.

For a crisp, refreshing contrast, the Montrio House Salad continues to shine into fall. Featuring local greens, candied pistachios, strawberries, pickled apples, Cambazola cheese, and maple balsamic vinaigrette, it bridges summer and autumn beautifully—light but grounded with seasonal notes.

Drinks to Match the Season

Cocktails That Bring the Warmth

Montrio’s cocktail list features options that feel tailor-made for fall evenings:

1. Browned Butter Old Fashioned – a rich, warming sip made with brown butter washed Rittenhouse Rye and house-toasted almond syrup
2. Vieux Poire – a pear brandy and rye cocktail with smooth, aromatic depth—excellent with pork or duck
3. Sunset in Oaxaca – smoky Bahnez Mezcal with house-made Tepaché and honey, ideal for a coastal autumn night

Wines and Mocktails That Pair Perfectly

Wine selections also shift with the season. For fall entrées, the following options offer exceptional pairings:

1. Travieso Cabernet Sauvignon – bold enough for the short ribs or Wagyu
2. Tablas Creek Rhone Blend – complex and earthy, great with duck and pork
3. Raeburn Pinot Noir – light enough for poultry, rich enough for the mushroom or Brussels side dishes

For those looking for alcohol-free options, the Blood Orange Shrub or Grapefruit Shrub are refreshing and flavorful, with a citrus edge that lifts heavier fall fare.

A New Season, A New Reason to Dine in Monterey, CA

Autumn is a season of transition, and at Montrio, it’s embraced with open arms and an open kitchen. From fall produce and responsibly raised meats to warm cocktails and shared sides, the menu offers something for every guest looking to enjoy the new season in delicious, sustainable style.

Celebrate the beginning of fall with a meal that reflects the richness of the season.

Reserve your table at Montrio in Monterey by calling 831.648.8880.