Down-Low Diner: Epsilon, Monterey

If you did not get a chance to sample the great food at the Monterey Bay Greek Festival earlier this month don't worry, Epsilon has got you covered. Traditional Greek food is the specialty here. Tastefully decorated with family photographs, a sketch of ancient Greek ruins on the back wall, and olive branches painted on the windows, this quaint 44-seat restaurant is definitely a hidden gem. When I get a craving for a healthy, fresh and tasty Greek meal I often head over to Epsilon "the fine Greek restaurant."

The quaint blue and white restaurant (true to its Greek roots) is centrally located across from the Bank of America in downtown Monterey. This convenient spot is perfect for refueling after checking out the sights along Fisherman's Wharf, or in my case an escape from the office break room. Who wouldn't want to dine in a cozy space full of Greek columns, ancient looking art and on-the-ball service?

Epsilon is often my lunch go-to spot as you cannot beat the Greek salad. This monstrosity never disappoints and always leaves me full and satisfied; yes, a salad can leave you feeling full!

Although other items on the menu were tempting me like the lamb gyro and dolmades I chose to stay loyal and opted for the Greek salad with kebob chicken. The dinner menu offers a plethora of other options like spanakopita, baked spinach and Feta cheese on filo dough, and pastitsio, a classic Greek dish with layers of pasta and spiced meat. Dinner also comes with fresh warm bread and an out-of-this-world skordalia dipping sauce which is made of sourdough bread, garlic and olive oil.

Now back to lunch, after downing some of their refreshing iced tea, a mountain of fresh greens, chopped red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and a generous amount of kebob chicken came towering on my plate. The fresh smell of oregano and lemon had me satisfied before the first bite even touched my lips. The kebob chicken which is chicken breast sautéed in lemon juice and olive oil is simply divine; the hint of lemon takes you by surprise but is oh so refreshing. Every bite was delectable but still found myself unable to polish off the greens from the Greek gods.

Epilson is great for a quick break from reality as you can easily imagine yourself dining among the olive trees somewhere near Athens, unfortunately my break soon came to an end but will be back for more! Check out what the people on Yelp have to say about Epsilon.

Epsilon is located at 422 Tyler Street in Monterey and is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 11am to 2pm and dinner Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm to 9:30pm.

Point Pinos Lighthouse: The Guiding Light Since 1855

I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have lived in Pacific Grove for over two years and have not yet visited one of the town’s most treasured landmarks. On a particularly gorgeous day last week I made it my priority to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse that stands high and mighty along the shores of Asilomar Beach.

Getting to the lighthouse is easy; just follow Lighthouse Avenue! Once you come to the split in the road turn right onto Asilomar and voilà, a beautiful Cape Cod-esque lighthouse appears, perched right on the edge of Pacific Grove Golf Links. Pull in the driveway and take pleasure in the free parking available to lighthouse guests – just keep an eye out for golfers searching for that ball in the deepest rough!

Walking up to the lighthouse is a treat in itself. Every step closer gives you a better appreciation for the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast and its amazing views! I wasn’t sure what to expect once inside but I was pleasantly surprised by its cozy and homey vibe. I was immediately greeted by a friendly docent and given a brief history lesson on the structure and the tenants that once occupied it.

I guess I never really put the “house” part together with the word “lighthouse.” This lower and upper level of this place is fully furnished with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a parlor and a kitchen! When this lighthouse was built, Pacific Grove was barely settled and its location was positively remote, almost an hour’s horseback ride from Monterey. All lighthouse keepers were expected to live in the building.

One lighthouse keeper, Emily Fish, was quite the party thrower. She brought in luxurious furnishings and French poodles and thoroughly landscaped the area, turning the lighthouse into something that could have landed on the pages of that era’s version of House Beautiful. Then she invited artists, authors and Naval officers to visit her, earning her the nickname “The Socialite Keeper.”

After heading through the lower living room I stopped off at the basement where some of the lighthouse’s memorabilia is held. Here you will find a fog horn, a Fresnel lens, a flash panel from a revolving lens and other interesting relics and historical tidbits. Docent Harry Powell spoke about the fog signals once heard on Pacific Grove's coastline which were in operation from 1925 to 1993. He even demonstrated what the fog horn once sounded like. The original fog horn could be heard up to 15 miles away; thankfully the one Mr. Powell sounded was at a much lower decibel level.

Docent Nancy McDowell was kind enough to explain the different types of Fresnel lenses and how they worked. Point Pinos utilizes a fixed Fresnel lens (rather than a revolving lens) which uses an on-off signal pattern produced by an electric light and timer. The present light source is still used for ship navigation and produces a 50,000 candlepower beam which can be seen up to 17 miles away!

Did I mention that this piece of real estate comes equipped with stunning views of the Monterey Peninsula? I stood in amazement and visualized myself as the next “Socialite Lightkeeper” but then I remembered that the lighthouse has been automated since 1975. Oh, well. If I can’t live there, I can visit for a few hours, admire the views, and pretend.

Point Pinos Lighthouse is open Thursday-Monday from 1pm-4pm each day. Admission fees are $2 for adults and $1 for children. Proceeds are used to support the lighthouse’s preservation efforts.

Honeymoon in Monterey County

You've set the date and everything is ready for the big day. It's finally time for you to start planning your amazing honeymoon, but you're finding it difficult to select the perfect vacation destination. Let's be honest, few places are worthy enough for newlyweds to spend their first nights together as a married couple.

Luckily, Monterey County is filled with hot spots for every type of couple whether looking for high-end indulgences, adventures in untouched settings, or a relaxing time at the beach, Monterey County has it all.

Here are 10 tantalizing places in Monterey County to spend your honeymoon!

Pampered Luxury

1. Deep in the heart of Carmel Valley lays Bernardus Lodge which was made with relaxation in mind, it was also just listed on the Conde Nast's "Gold List" and Travel and Leisure's "Top Hotels." The triple threat has everything one could need to unwind including an award-winning spa, a four-star restaurant and unrivaled wines grown from the vineyards just outside the property. As you check in you're greeted with a glass of Bernardus' wine before you are swept away into your plush European-style suite with a soaking tub, limestone fireplace and imported linens. The tucked away setting with views of the Santa Lucia Mount Range will have you thinking you were in Italy!

2. When it comes to first class service, Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach has you covered. With only 24 private rooms in the Mediterranean-style villa you will feel like you have the views of the first and second fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links to yourself. Lucky for you the legendary Spa at Pebble Beach, just awarded a five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide, is located just steps away offering the ultimate in pampered services. If that's not enough, you can get with your personal coordinator who can arrange for tee times, dinner reservations and transportation.
 
3. L'Auberge Carmel, a delightful boutique hotel pocketed in the center of Carmel-by-the -Sea, is an ultra-special enclave where you can get the VIP treatment you deserve from the minute your valet greets you at the curb. Originally built in 1929 in the likeness of a Provencal farmhouse, L'Auberge's 20 guestrooms are built around a central garden courtyard with a splashing fountain and vintage-style fixtures. L'Auberge's special Honeymoon Suite on the top floor looks includes an oversized claw-foot tub for long lazy soaks, a super-plush bed and complimentary breakfast (brought to your room if you so desire). No need to leave for dinner as Aubergine, the inn's jewel box of a restaurant, serves up meals of a lifetime with an award-winning wine list to match.

4. The only decision you have to make at the Sanctuary Beach Resort is ocean view or dunes view? The plush seaside escape situated in between the pristine Marina State Beach and the majestic Marina Dunes is designed with pampering in mind. You don't even have to worry about lugging your bags around as you will have your personal electric golf cart to mosey around the property and beach. Comfy rooms and suites are each complete with gas fireplaces, a private deck and binoculars to scope out some of the migratory birds. Take full advantage of the resort's amenities including a heated outdoor pool and s'mores at sunset at the nearby fire pits on the beach.

Quaint & Cozy

5. The Spindrift Inn Monterey, one of the most luxurious European style hotels on the central coast, is a perfect place for weekend getaways or week long honeymoons. The Inn is one of the famous deluxe hotels found along Cannery Row and has been named as one of the "Most Romantic in the U.S." by TripAdvisor for good reason. The hotel features 42 spacious rooms each having its own balcony from where you can enjoy views of the Monterey Bay or Cannery Row. Each room is equipped with a romantic wood-burning fireplace, an inviting window seat or balcony, traditional furnishings, hardwood floors, oriental carpets, charming antiques, original art and marble bath. To sum it up, the oceanfront property is an escape from the lively hustle and bustle on Cannery Row and its old-world charm makes guests feel right at home.

6. Boasting a prime location just outside of Monterey Bay, the Seven Gables Inn is a Pacific coast gem perfect for newlywed romance. This Victorian style inn is spread out over 7 buildings where each of the 25 rooms has a view. Guests are pampered with a full breakfast spread, afternoon wine and cheese and cookies and milk before bed. Profess your love to your mate at Lover's Point Beach, just a quick walk from the inn, and then continue on a romantic waterfront stroll on the nearby Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

7. The Old Monterey Inn in the heart of Monterey is perfect for those looking for a quiet and intimate retreat. The English Tudor mansion is nestled among lush gardens and whimsical fountains, perfect for curling up with a good book or your new spouse. Cozy yet refined, each of the sumptuous guestrooms has a private bath, fine linens and rich furnishings. You might find it hard leave your comfy feather bed and down duvet but their gourmet breakfast and afternoon wine reception near the crackling fireplace are well worth it! Want to sweep you loved one off their feet? The sentimental staff of the Inn can arrange a bonfire on the beach, complete with a blanket and s'mores as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Unique & Adventurous

8. Sitting in a hotel room not your style? Treebones offers a variety of unique lodging options including yurts, tree houses and a human nest. The property perched along Big Sur's coastline essentially invented the term "glamping," or glamorous camping, where you can enjoy the fun of camping with the comforts of a cabin. Glamping provides a great honeymoon option for couples who want to experience nature, star strewn-skies and wildlife with the luxuries of a warm bed and running water. The ocean view heated pool and hot tub is just what the doctor ordered after a busy wedding. Honeymooners can sip wine on their yurt's private redwood deck and stargaze the night away to the sound of waves and sea lions. The sustainable paradise has a pool, bathroom and shower facilities, and offers eco-tours and kayaking trips. Couples can even have a masseuse stop by to ease their weary muscles after a long day of hiking.
 
9. Experience an African safari right in the heart of Salinas Valley for a truly memorable honeymoon. Vision Quest Safari, situated at the Monterey Zoo, houses all sorts of animals once used for television, live productions and education. Listen to roaring tigers and trumping elephants right from your canvas tent bungalow fully equipped with restrooms and running water. Bungalow #6, known as the "honeymoon suite" is romantically outfitted for two, with double showers and a private deck complete with an outdoor sitting tub with breathtaking views of the Salinas Valley. Make sure you are up in the morning as an African elephant makes the rounds to personally deliver breakfast.


10. Immerse yourself in nature without even leaving the comforts of your room. Captain's Inn, located in the friendly fishing village of Moss Landing, has spectacular ocean views with tons of action happening right outside its windows. Sightings of sea otters, seals and migratory birds are just a common occurrence around these parts and the B&B's charming nautical theme will make you feel like you are the captain of your own ship on the open sea. For a truly adventurous spin call the folks at Monterey Bay Equestrian Center. They can meet you at the nearby Salinas River State Beach for a romantic horseback ride along the beach, a perfect way to spend time with your loved one.

The “Bee Experience” at Carmel Valley Ranch

Last week I was asked if I would like to participate in Carmel Valley Ranch’s Bee Experience. My response: absolutely! I have always been fascinated by the mysterious creatures and their pollinating powers and couldn’t wait to learn more. The Bee Experience is run by Carmel Valley Ranch’s resident beekeeper and allows resort guests to suit up and take a tour of the property’s apiary and learn about the complexity of honey bees and their importance to the ranch.

The “experience” began at Carmel Valley Ranch’s Golf Club where a group of 25 of us met with the property’s full time bee keeper, John Russo. John is a Carmel Valley local and farmer who watches over the ranch’s 60,000 Italian honey bees. After a brief introduction on what to expect, we bee enthusiasts followed John up to the apiary. Before reaching our destination we stopped and discussed the importance of the bees to the ranch, especially the property’s hundreds of flowers and 7,000 lavender plants.

Once we arrived at the apiary John discussed the intricate world of honey bees and answered particular questions. I was astounded by the detailed information and knowledge Mr. Russo was able to provide. I learned that each bee is assigned a specific job within the hive that is determined by age. The bees’ jobs rotate very quickly as their lifespan ranges from 4-6 weeks. A few of the jobs include guard (keeps foreigners out), patrol (looks for unwanted insects inside the hive), nurse (takes care of the young), janitor (cleans up after others), undertakers (takes out deceased bees) and of course the queen. The queen bee is essential to the hive and her primary role is to reproduce. She can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day! Unlike the worker bees, the queen can live up to 5 years old. The queens’ scent is also imperative as it lets the other worker bees know which colony they belong to. The unique pheromone also alerts the guard bee as to who can be let into the hive.

After this extremely interesting lesson in the lives of bees we were able to suit up and get in with the much talked about insects. Beforehand I was advised to stay away from wearing bright colored apparel and soaking in perfume, unless I really wanted to attract attention from the honey bees. The white hooded suit, veil and gloves are great protection against the stinging creatures.

Once we went inside John opened up the hive box and took out one of the wooden frames. The frame/comb was covered in glorious-looking honey, and, of course, bees. Luckily John used a smoker to calm them down. It was an awesome experience feeling untouchable while surrounded by a swarm of potentially dangerous honey bees.

In the apiary John described the difference between the male and female bees. It was easy to distinguish between the two because females had an hourglass figure compared to the bulky males. Females were also hard at work while males looked like they were relaxing. Go figure.

Unfortunately we missed the honey harvest by a week. I would have loved to try the golden elixir. John explained how the influence of the lavender and other plants affects the taste of the final product. Lavender honey sounds delicious!

I would highly recommend this unique opportunity, especially for families. Several children were with my group and their charming curiosity permeated throughout.

Want to be a bee keeper?

Currently the Bee Keeper Experience is only open to guests of the Carmel Valley Ranch. For more information please contact the property’s concierge at 831-620-6427.

Tales from the Trail: Tan Bark Trail & Tin House, Big Sur

Living in Monterey County makes me take Big Sur for granted. In less than an hour I can be transported to one of the most scenic destinations in California. Usually I take in the majestic beauty from the comfort of my own car, on the patio of Nepenthe, or with my feet in the Big Sur River at Big Sur River Inn. This time I decided to change things up for a more rugged hiking adventure. I am nowhere near being a seasoned hiker (unless the walk to McWay Falls counts) but I have no problem getting my heart rate up in the name of natural beauty.

With so many trails and day hikes to choose from I did a little research and looked to some of my local hiker friends for some advice. Wanting both the feel of the redwoods and the epic coastal views it was easy to choose the Tan Bark Trail located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

My Tan Bark-experienced friend and I left Pacific Grove around 12:30pm and arrived at Partington Canyon in Big Sur around 1:35pm. The trail begins at Partington Creek which is located along Highway One just 6 miles south of Nepenthe. There is a large pullout off of Highway One where you can easily park along the guardrail.

After grabbing a few waters and granola bars my friend and I set out on the 6 mile loop which begins at the base of Partington Creek on the redwood side. We walked along the base of the creek and forged into the redwood forest. Once we crossed the bridge the uphill battle began, and our heart rates increased. Luckily we wore layers of clothing which soon came down to the final tank top after all the exertion of the first mile. The first 3 miles or so of the hike were steep and strenuous. I was extremely thankful for the never-ending redwood trees and emerging ocean views . It wasn’t just for the beauty; with those views I could play it off that I was enjoying nature when, in reality, I was giving my quads a much needed break. It was also nice being able to gasp in the fresh and clean ocean air.

Before the descent we took the short trail to the Tin House. This random structure in the middle of the forest has some of the best views one could ever dream up. The rusty ol’ shed was built in 1944 by a former New York Congressman. The entire “house” is made up of old tin sheets taken from gas stations. The story is that the family moved in after construction and after one night moved out. Apparently they didn’t take into consideration how hot and noisy a tin can could be. The structure is quite decrepit now but the views are still priceless.

There is a beautiful open field in front of the home where a few other hikers were enjoying lunch. I was secretly hoping they would offer me some of their carbo-licious sandwiches but no such luck. I made the best of my granola bar. I guess I couldn’t complain too much with such a spectacular view of the ocean, which seemed to go on for eternity.

After basking in the sun we took the fire road back down to Highway One. This part of the trail was the reward from our hard efforts during the first half. The downhill walk offered amazing coastal views all the way down.

I particularly appreciated the silence and stillness of the trail as we seemed to be the only hikers on it at the time. We also made a few short stops to enjoy the early signs of spring and the wildflowers (especially the California Poppies) that were popping up all over the place.

Once we made it to Highway One we hiked about another mile along the scenic highway back to the car. We stopped at a vista point where we rehydrated and stared at the crashing waves along the rocky coastline. My hair was starting frizz due to the nearness of the ocean so it was time for our journey to end. We finally arrived back to the car at 4:40pm and enjoyed the drive back home.

After taking the route less taken I have decided to embark on more hikes around the area. With so much to do and see around here it is a shame not to!

Escape to an Artistic Watering Hole: Post No Bills

What comes to mind when you think of Sand City; The West End Celebration, Industrial warehouses or how about a plethora of beers? Look no further than Post No Bills, which has successfully brewed up all of Sand City’s best attributes into a winning combination!

Post No Bills is one of Monterey County’s newest hidden gems. Opening its doors June 6th, 2011 the unassuming craft beer house is located in a warehouse in the heart of Sand City. The outside of this watering hole immediately gives you that artsy “West End” vibe that Sand City is known for. A large sculpture and human’s bird’s nest greet you before entering this beer lover’s paradise.

Although located in a warehouse, the interior is very inviting and continues on with the artistic surroundings. The cement walls are strategically spray painted with large vibrant murals and plasma screen TV’s provide the latest sports scores. The stainless steel bar fits in nicely with the rest of the décor; the 15 taps aren’t bad either.

Large glass refrigerators line one side of the wall. These are stocked full of precious commodities that include over 200 hard-to-find beers, ciders, wines and sodas which can be purchased to enjoy at the bar or elsewhere.

Lists of the daily offerings are posted on the chalk board above and lists the brewery, name, and alcohol percentage. Each beer is served until the keg runs out and typically a new beer takes its place; which makes every experience at Post No Bills a little bit different.

Enough about the décor and more about the beer! I first sampled the 21st Amendment “Hell or High Watermelon Wheat.” The suds where savory, crisp and a bit sweet, almost like summertime in a glass. Quite happy with my first choice I decided to order myself a glass to distract me from the onslaught of rain that was pouring down outside.

My buddy ordered the Napa Smith Brewery “Lost Dog.” I insisted that I didn’t have cooties and had a taste. This darker beer was surprisingly very smooth, no bitter beer face here! My crew and I had a relaxing time and enjoyed the new and rare offerings. We are already planning our next trip to sample more from their extensive and ever-changing list of beers.

All those suds making you hungry? Chips and small snack items are available for purchase but dwellers are encouraged to BYOF, or bring your own food. May we recommend a delicious burrito from nearby Jose’s Mexican Bar and Grill?

For the latest tap list “like” Post No Bills on Facebook.

The Bench at The Lodge at Pebble Beach

When asked if I wanted to attend a pre-grand opening tasting of Pebble Beach Resort’s newest restaurant my reaction was simple, “Duh!” Any reason to go Pebble Beach, especially to try its busiest new restaurant, is a no-brainer in my book.

My co-worker and I arrived at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and made our way down to The Bench. Once inside we were immediately awe-struck with the epic vistas of the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links. The interior of The Bench complements the amazing view just outside. The open floor plan is clean, crisp and inviting, definitely a place you could just relax.

After oohing and ahhing over the scenic panorama our friendly hostess sat my fellow diner and I down at a cozy table. Luckily I was quick and scored the seat overlooking the patio and beautiful view. Our waitress, Jackie introduced herself and advised us to order 3 dishes: an appetizer, main entrée and dessert; tough gig! After a quick glance at the menu I realized this was easier said than done, everything looked scrumptious.

For the appetizer I thought I would try something out of comfort zone and opted for the tomato-braised eggplant. I have never had eggplant but figured this would be the place to give it a shot. As for the entrée, the garlicky Farfelle was calling my name. We even got a sneak peek of the dessert menu which almost made me want to have the meal in reverse. After much deliberation my co-worker and I decided on the apple crumb cake and roasted strawberries with cheesecake ice cream.

After a short wait Jackie brought out our first courses. Boy was I glad that my dining partner ordered the Portobello mushroom fries! These plump fungi were perfectly coated in fried goodness with an amazing cheddar Parmesan dip to top it off. I couldn’t keep my hands off of them!

I finally moved onto my eggplant. This too looked delicious, even for something I am not accustomed to. I was surprised by the meaty texture of the eggplant and loved the roasted tomatoes and added capers but the creamy ricotta cheese really made the dish!

Next up were the entrees. I was happy to see that my pasta dish was served up with a hefty portion of shrimp. The buttery sauce was swimming in garlic which also made me one happy girl.

My co-worker ordered “The Burger” which was served on what looked like an English muffin topped off with Gruyere cheese and pickled peppers. I was able to snag a bite and boy was this thing juicy! The peppers gave it just the right amount of kick.

And for the grand-finale…dessert! The long awaited sweet concoctions arrived and poor Jackie could barely put the plates down with our forks attempting to dive in. The warm apple crumb cake and ice cream came with a side of caramel which was just plain sinful. The thick apple slices infused in the pecan crust tasted just like Thanksgiving!

The roasted strawberries weren’t bad either. The sweet fruit was served in a warm streusel topped with cheesecake flavored ice cream and a balsamic reduction glaze. The cheesecake ice cream was out of this world! I wanted to take some home to make a milkshake.

I will definitely be returning to this “causal yet sophisticated” eatery at Pebble Beach. You can’t beat the famous view, kick back atmosphere and ambrosial menu. And did I mention they have an awesome drink menu?

You can taste all of the wonderful offerings beginning August 6, 2012. For reservations please call 800-654-9300. Bon appetit!