The Forge in the Forest in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Travelers are always stopping by our Visitors Center wanting to know where they can go to get the quintessential Carmel-by-the-Sea experience. Without hesitation The Forge in the Forest is always sprinkled somewhere in the response. With its European character, cozy outdoor dining patio and tempting "world cuisine" it's no wonder why locals and visitors flock to this 40 year old Carmel-by-the-Sea staple.
Upon entering The Forge in the Forest you immediately feel as though you have been transported into a quaint German cottage. The non-flashy signage in the front is a great start to the kick-back culture inside, and out.

It is no wonder why this place consistently wins "Best Outdoor Dining in Carmel"; how can your resist a rustic brick fire pit, lush gardens and endless people watching opportunities along Junipero Street?

Most eateries like to say that they have something for everyone but The Forge in the Forest actually delivers on this promise, including a special menu just for dogs! The cuisine at the Forge in the Forest has always been extensive and new chef, Alfonso Martinez has further refined the menu with even more options and worldwide flavors.

With menu items ranging from curry, pizza, ceviche and filet mignon it is a chore in itself to choose just one dish. Luckily I was with a large indecisive group so we decided to dine "family style."
The first dish was a sweet and savory pairing of fried goat cheese and peaches flambé. I prefer my fired up peaches with a scoop of vanilla bean of ice cream but the fried goat cheese definitely comes as a close second. The creamy texture of the cheese and the natural sugars from the peaches were spot on.

The heirloom tomato was almost too pretty to eat! Thankfully someone at the table made the first cut into the tower of puff pastry, manchego cheese and roasted Salinas grown heirloom tomatoes.
Can you handle a Menage a Trois? That is filet mignon cooked three ways of course! Three petite filet mignons came presented upon scrumptious mashed potatoes, crispy onions and three different sauces; truly something for everyone at the table.
Indian Chicken Curry may not have been my first selection on the menu but boy was I glad someone ordered it! The lightly spiced curry sauce with hints of lemongrass and ginger was a welcomed treat smothered upon a bed of fresh vegetables and chunks of juicy chicken; even the cauliflower had been devoured within the first few seconds.
No meal at The Forge in the Forest is complete without their famed Cookie Skillet. A large cast-iron skillet comes bubbling hot out of the oven full of delicious chocolate chip cookie mix and heavy-handed dollops of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. If that doesn't top off a meal I don't know what does!
Looking to host a reunion, wedding or a large party sometime soon? The Forge in the Forest has some of the largest banquet spaces in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

10 Reasons to Visit Monterey County This Summer

1. Beat the Heat

Visitors looking to seek relief from triple digit temperatures should look no further than the Monterey Peninsula. Head out to Pebble Beach, Lovers Point or Marina State Beach to enjoy the bay's cool coastal breezes.

Locals on the coast call this time of year "June Gloom", mainly due to the marine layer that tends to cover the land during the summer months. This marine layer keeps the coast nice and cool; which is exactly what the doctor ordered for those looking to "beat the heat."

The truth is that many find the fog banks are relaxing and soothing; just don't forget to bring a sweater! If fog isn't you're thing escape to Carmel Valley or the Salinas Valley where the sun is just a 15 minute drive away.

2. Make a Splash While Whale Watching

California is one of the only places in the world where visitors can see whales year-round, and there's no better place for whale watching than Monterey. In many areas whale watchers have to go far from shore to see a whale, along the Monterey coast whales can be seen offshore with the naked eye. The Monterey Submarine Canyon, the ocean's equivalent to the Grand Canyon, provides a perfect habitat for many species of whale, allowing them to come close to shore to feed. Land lovers will want to check out Point Lobos State Reserve for great vantage points to see these behemoths from land.

Hands down the best viewpoint of these marine mammals is out on the ocean; several whale watching tours leave daily from Old Fisherman's Wharf and Moss Landing.

3. Quench Your Thirst

Wet your whistle with an array of award-winning wines and locally brewed craft beers. Monterey County is the one of the largest wine growing and producing regions in California with an abundant number of wineries and tasting rooms throughout the county. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley and River Road in Salinas Valley provide an array of tasting rooms with stunning backdrops of vineyards and rolling hills while Carmel-by-the-Sea hosts over 10 tasting rooms within a one mile radius.

The craft beer movement has exploded in recent years and Monterey is no stranger to the epidemic. There are several craft breweries and beer houses to ease your craving including the Peter B's Brewpub, Post No Bills, Cannery Row Brewing Company and the brand new Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill.

4. The Great Outdoors

Monterey County is a premier destination for those who love the outdoors. Biking, hiking, walking, boating, hang gliding and animal watching are just a few of the activities that lure visitors to Monterey and make residents thankful they live here.

Whether you want to climb a mountain, walk the Recreation Trail or dive the depths, there is no more diverse place to enjoy the outdoors. Check out our list of the Top 10 Day Hikes in the area and a compete list of outdoor activities.

5. Get Your Game On

Golf is simply no fun when playing in the 100 degree heat, which is why Monterey is ideal for perfecting your game in our cool coastal temps! Pebble Beach and Cypress Point are not the only courses on the Monterey Peninsula wading in rich history, stunning scenery and memorable golf. Even if you bring a budget to this conversation - and, safe to say, most of us do - it's still possible to walk along majestic tree-lined fairways and enjoy a distinctive experience smacking around the little white ball.

That's one of the beauties of golf in the Monterey area, it runs the gamut from breathtaking coastal beauty to inland courses set amid green, rolling hills. Some of the courses are strikingly affordable and others, while not exactly cheap, will not burn though your entire vacation budget. With well over 20 different courses such as Bayonet and Black Horse, Pacific Grove Golf Links, Quail Lodge Golf Club and the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey has something to offer every type of golfer.

6. Fresh Bounty from the County

Summertime is the best time for snagging the fruits of Monterey County's labor, literally! See why Salinas Valley is coined as the "Salad Bowl of the World" on an Ag Venture Tour where guide Evan Oakes will take you through a personal tour of working lettuce fields. Be sure to try some of our local produce straight from the fields at The Farm in Salinas, Earthbound Farms in Carmel Valley or The Wharf Marketplace near Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Farmers' Markets are also a great way to "try and buy" in-season fruits and vegetables including strawberries, corn, summer squash, melons, and more. With a Farmers' Market scheduled almost every day of the week you are sure to find one that fits your schedule.

7. Hit the Road

No summer is complete without a road trip. Whether you're heading south from San Francisco to Los Angeles or north from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the most beautiful route available is for sure Highway One. Highway One has over 99 miles of breathtaking coastline, from Monterey through Big Sur and into San Luis Obispo, and has been declared an All-American Road Trip by the US Department of Transportation's National Scenic Byways Program and for good reason.

Other beautiful byways include Carmel Valley Road, 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, River Road through the Salinas Valley and Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road through Carmel-by-the-Sea.

8.Mark Your Calendar

June, July and August are jam-packed with events for just about everyone including music festivals, sports events and art celebrations. The Carmel Valley Art & Wine Celebration (June 21) brings out some of the best in local art while the Sand City West End Celebration (August 22-24) celebrates the arts in a much funkier fashion.

Depending on your genres preferences, the Carmel Bach Festival (July 19-August 2) has everything for the classic music lover while the First City Festival (August 23-24) caters more towards the younger generation with headliners including Beck, The National and Phantogram.

If racing and adrenaline is more your speed than you will love the Superbike World Championship at Mazda Racewaway Laguna Seca (July 11-13) and the California Rodeo Salinas (July 17-20).

Summer wouldn't be complete without Monterey Auto Week (August 11-17). Classic automobiles take over the Monterey Peninsula, golf courses, parks and the world-renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, surrounding visitors with automobiles from yesteryear. The grand finale takes place during the Concours d'Elegance on August 17 where 200 of the finest cars in the world are displayed at The Pebble Beach Golf Links. For a full list of events click here.

9. Get Campy

With acres upon acres of open space, Monterey County offers plenty of places to pitch a tent or park a recreational vehicle. Some of these campgrounds and RV parks offer shower facilities, hook-ups and barbecues. Others are primitive, with nothing more than a few signs here and there. Check out this list of the Top 10 Campsites spread throughout Big Sur and Monterey.

Camping not your thing? Get the best of both the outdoors and modern luxuries at Treebones Resort in Big Sur. Here you will find the ultimate in glamping (or glamorous camping) with accommodations ranging from yurts, a tree house and even a human nest. Did we mention the restrooms come stocked with fresh cut flowers and hairdryers?
 

10. Want S'more?

What better way to enjoy a summer sunset than a beach bonfire? Curl up next to that someone special, share a bottle of wine (or a s'more), and watch nature's greatest show.

Bonfires are allowed at several Monterey Bay beaches, including Carmel Beach and Del Monte Beach. Beach fires are permitted on Carmel Beach south of 10th Avenue and must be extinguished by 10pm. Fires should be 25 feet from the slopes and not exceed 3 feet in height or diameter.