Dec 2, 2013

The Sweetest Catch on the WharfBy Elaine HesserTheCalifornian.com

Monterey, CA – One man’s sticky situation is another’s sweet deal. Just ask Rick Elves, who’s been running Carousel Candy — that hot pink landmark on Old Fisherman’s Wharf — for 50 years. Elves took over the candy store from a previous owner and began gradually changing up the merchandise, adding — among other things — salt water taffy. He purchased a used taffy-making machine that’s still running, producing as much as 500 to 700 lbs. of the sticky treat every day, 365 days a year.

In what sounds like an understatement, Elves says, “These machines are made to last.” Have you ever wondered where the name “salt water taffy” comes from? Legend says that in 1883, a storm in Atlantic City exposed all of candy maker David Bradley’s taffy to ocean water. Soon after, a customer asked if he had any taffy and he jokingly replied, “Yes, salt water taffy!” The name stuck, and it soon became a popular seaside treat.

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