| KQED’s award-winning restaurant review program, Check, Please! Bay Area, is back with four new episodes spotlighting must-try dining destinations, including El Bistro by The Sea in Carmel, Julia’s Vegetarian in Pacific Grove, and Sampa Brazilian Kitchen in Santa Cruz. Ready for a culinary escape? Check, Please! Bay Area continues its 20th season with a delicious three-part spotlight on the Monterey Bay Area’s dynamic dining scene before returning to the Bay Area. The James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series returns this July with standout restaurants serving everything from smoky brisket and Thai street food to São Paulo-style stews and over-the-top hot dogs. Each week, three Bay Area locals join host Leslie Sbrocco to recommend their favorite spots, swap stories, and dive into spirited food debates. This season serves up everything from vegetarian tasting menus in Pacific Grove to house-butchered meats in Seaside and seafood towers paired with ocean views, surf-town charm, and serious flavor in Monterey. Plus, Cecilia Tries It heads to Castroville for a tasting tour along the Monterey County Artichoke Trail. Don’t miss the premiere of four new episodes, Thursdays at 7:30 PM on KQED 9, starting on July 10. Visit here or click the image below for the premiere link on YouTube, and don’t forget to click the “Notify me” button for a reminder! | 
