In 2003, Adam Montiel came to the Central Coast from the Los Angeles area to pursue his childhood dream of a radio career. It was supposed to be a stepping stone before he turned the dial and headed somewhere else.

“Most folks trying to climb the ladder move from market to market every couple years, much like folks do in television news,” Adam explains. “But after being here just a little while, I knew this was home.” In the ensuing years, he has not only realized his professional dream, but also bolstered the area’s vibrant gastronomy scene with his infectious enthusiasm and generous support.

One of his public platforms is the popular “Corks Dorks” on The Krush 92.5 FM which he co-hosts weekly with Jeremy West. The radio program began airing in the fall of 2010 as an exploration of Adam’s newly found love of wine,  but now showcases “cocktails, spirits, beer, cider … all of which are world class, and made with passion right here in our backyard.”

When he further describes the Central Coast’s culinary scene, “heart” is among the words Adam uses.

“We are savvy enough to know what’s trendy around us in bigger markets, but we have an attitude and vibe that oozes as much originality as it does world class quality, with a style and heart like nowhere else,” he says. “And everyone supports everyone. You can have talented people anywhere, but the men and women here prove it’s all in the heart.”