Spring 2025

JEFFREY’S GRILL & CATERING Not all restaurants are as long-lived as Carmel Valley’s Jeffrey’s Grill & Catering. Now in its 33rd year with JeffreyThompson at the helm, Jeffrey’s is a go-to for American comfort classics (bennies, bagels, burgers), grilled sandwiches and “chameleon” soup, so called because it changes every day. Jeffrey’s has a lot more than the classics. Locally, they’re known for a clever “secret chef ” program: Bring your own casserole dish and JeJJrey’s fills it [ith lasagna or chicOen pot pie or eggplant parm—and pass it off as your own. Nobody has to know. And while January is normally a quieter time for restaurants, the AT&T ProAm and all of its parties will keep Jeffrey’s catering wing hopping, along with spring wedding season. But locally and nationally, Jeffrey’s is known for its spiced nuts, a business line of spiced pecans, cashews, almonds and walnuts available at the restaurant, in stores like Star Market and Bruno’s Deli, and available for shipping around the U.S. and six other countries. “We’ve sold them since we started way back when and it keeps expanding every year,” Thompson says. Thompson became a vegetarian several years ago, and while Jeffrey’s is a meat-lover’s paradise, Thompson also pays attention to those who prefer not to consume animal products: check out the vegetarian huevos rancheros, vegetarian sausage, vegetarian chili and salads. Jeffrey’s Grill & Catering is located at 112 Mid Valley Center in Carmel. For more information, visit www.jeffreysgrillandcatering.com . 166 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 Business partners Jeffrey Thompson and Leopoldo Morales of Jeffrey’s Grill & Catering produce tasty meals for take out or dining in at their mid-valley location as well as a line of delicious spiced nuts available at fine retailers locally and online. Photo: Kelli Uldall food for thought Comfort Food and Class ics at Jef frey’ s Gr i l l & Cater ing; Windmi l l Market ’ s New Of fer ings ; and French Favor i tes at Carmel Val ley Creamery B Y R ENE E M I G I E L