About Us

bEN sPUNGIN

Ben Spungin is the Chef / Owner of Alta Group.

Alta Bakery is located in downtown Monterey at the Historic Cooper Molera Adobe.

Ben’s cooking—hinged on the philosophy of locally grown, seasonal ingredients, and bright flavors—has a creative balance of savory and sweet. On the Monterey Peninsula for over a decade, Ben has worked up and down the coast from the epic Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur to the Bernardus Lodge under Chef Cal Stamenov. Corporate Pastry Chef and a part of the opening team for Faith and Flower in L.A., and Rose Rabbit Lie in Las Vegas, along with Pastry Chef coordination for Pebble Beach and L.A. Food and Wine events. He has been featured in Art Culinare Magazine, Patisserie & Desserts, Wine Spectator, and photographed in the French laundry Cookbook. Ben has been involved with a number of charities including the Youth Arts Collective, Meals on Wheels, Autism Speaks and Big Sur Health Center throughout the years.

Erika neargarder

Erika is the Sous Chef at Alta Bakery & Cafe.

She is driven by a profound passion for culinary creativity. Her culinary journey blossomed from childhood visits with her mom to a local bakery and cafe in San jose, where her fascination with food ignited at just seven years old. Over the years, Erika honed her craft, hosting and catering dinner parties for family and friends. Fueled by a commitment to incorporating seasonal, locally sourced produce into her dishes, she has participated in popular events like Big Sur Food & Wine, Jade Festival, and Outstanding in the Field. Erika’s hard work and determination are key to Alta’s success.