Special Edible: Taking the Leap: An Inspiring 2010

But it’s a cumulative accomplishment from our culinary community that is much more striking, if not downright inspiring.

In an atmosphere where people can’t go more than several syllables without bemoaning the state of the economy, a wave of inspired new restaurants jumped into the soup.

It’s impossible to measure the boost that gave all of us. We can look back at some favorites that came to be and that we covered in theWeeklyand in this space, with a blog that also found its start in 2010:

Happy Girl Farms(372-GIRL) is suddenly making preservation and pickling sexy again in P.G.

Seaside Farmers Market(3-8pm Mondays in University Plaza) got fresh across town.

In Marina,Noodle Barnumber two (384-6225) built upon a fun family business that occupies a tiny coffee-bar-style spot in Seaside. Just up from the little Seaside Noodle Bar, their cousin Mikey Nguyen opened Asian fusion spotChopstix(899-2622), packing enough people in to earn itself another outpost, coming very soon across from Del Monte Center.

Element Tasting Bar and Pizza Bistro(998-7045) made a name for itself on River Road.

Not far from there,Rancho Cielo, landmark vocational educational center for troubled kids who need a new take on troubled life, addedDrummond Culinary Academywith the crucial aid of a number of excellent local chefs.

Bellagio Pizzeria(643-9500),Habanero’s(375-3700) andLuxe Lounge, meanwhile, filled in where Croce’s and Doc’s once reigned in downtown Monterey.

Sakana Sushi (375-7375) is newly doing clever maki around the corner from there.

MYOnumber two (649-FROY) is bustling just up Alvarado.

Flanagan’s Irish-American Pub(625-5500) gives Carmel’sBarnyarda much-needed watering hole (and the best fries this side of Maryland),Michael’s Taqueria(754-8917) is uplifting Oldtown Salinas, and much-ballyhooedCannery Row Brewing Companygives Cannery Row and the wider Peninsula nothing less than a game-changer.

Miss Delish (612-1884) rode farmers market acclaim to a storefront on Lighthouse. Former Duffy Hunter’s Tavern owners opened upDown Under Deli(625-DELI) in Mid-Valley.

Pastries and Petals(620-1400) does ambiance, style, savory and sweet on an off-beat street in Carmel while Babaloo Cuban Cuisineprovides our first real food truck with pick-up.

The homegrownBakery Station(783-1140) transformed a dilapidated gas station into a hub of fresh-daily creations.

KT’s Sweet Lunch (214-7465) now redefines the delivered business lunch as healthy, easy and affordable.

Even in a Valley with standouts like theWagon Wheel, new French countryside-styleToast Carmel Valley(659-8500) can make a claim to best breakfast—and lunch and dinner ain’t bad either.

Elsewhere in the Valley,Tim Woodis ushering in a new era of eating atCarmel Valley Ranch’s Lodge (625-9500) and beyond.

The Otters Den(883-1227) is totally repimped in Marina, huge news for the college crew.

Monterey Bay Salt Company(760-6993) got grinding with help fromPebble Beach Food & Wineconnections.

TinyViva La Crepe(601-4847) raised the bar for French flavor on the Wharf, of all places.

The inspiration also emanates from the vital rebirths happening in time-honored spots, withThe Penny Farthing Tavern (422-5652),Pajaro Street Grill(783-1285) andFresh Cream Restaurant (250-7943) ranking near the top.Terranova Fine Wines(333-1313) also enjoyed a second coming with upgraded technology and ambiance.

We’re lucky to have them. Here’s to all of ’em for taking the jump.