17-Mile Drive and legendary golf aren't the only reasons to head into Pebble Beach anymore. Tucked inside the wooded area of Pebble Beach lays one of my new favorite foodie finds, Porter's in the Forest.
Not only do they have killer views of the recently renovated Poppy Hills Golf Course, but the cuisine mashes up unexpected creations thanks to star Chef Johnny De Vivo, formally of locals' favorite Casanova in Carmel.
Porter's in the Forest features a kick-back and contemporary dining room, expansive outdoor patio with views of the Pebble Beach's Del Monte Forest.
The farm-to-table and "California Artisanal" dubbed menu is taken to a new level by featuring not only local ingredients but in-house crafted bread, condiments and even Johnny's cured meats; his smoked bacon is just sinful!
Cocktails for lunch are perfectly acceptable (and strongly encouraged) at Porter's. Here you will find a stellar specialty cocktail selection with ingredients made from their backyard, literally! The Lavender Fields Lemonade uses homemade infused lavender syrup with sprigs plucked straight from the course.
One sniff of this libation and I was immediately transported back to
summertime shenanigans. Just a few sips later I realized I needed a base
in my belly before I started belting out Jimmy Buffet tunes out loud.
I started out with the grilled crab flat bread and wild arugula salad, it was being shared so don't judge! The flat bread isn't something I would normally order but my friendly waiter Laurence had sold me with shitake mushrooms provided by their local forager.
Doughy yet crisp flat bread slices were topped with crème fraiche, hunks of roasted garlic cloves, a heaping amount of crab and fresh fungi. What I didn't expect were the hidden slices of Meyer lemon which gave the pizza intermittent bursts of flavor, truly a welcomed surprise!
The Manquita Farms arugula salad captured fall flavors at its best. Fresh greens came strategically presented with juicy pear slices, luscious goat cheese, colorful pomegranate seeds, and crunchy Spanish almonds all lightly dressed in refreshing pear vinaigrette. Let's just say I have added a new addition to my Thanksgiving Day menu.
For the main event we indulged in the semolina and ricotta gnocchi with a side of charred cauliflower. Fluffy potato pillows emerged from a sea or short rib and broccoli rabe, my fav! This cozy dish would make a perfect appetizer to share around the inviting outdoor fire pits.
Can't get your kids to eat their veggies? Porter's charred cauliflower is a colorful masterpiece and the flavors are out of this world! The accompanied creamy yogurt sauce provided a winning balance with the smoky paprika oil, sure to have your kids screaming for seconds.
Since I ate all of my vegetables I figured I had earned dessert, especially since the warm brownie was calling my name before we even ordered drinks. The warm and comfy creation did not disappoint with hunks of gooey chocolate chips topped off with creamy homemade mascarpone ice cream. Now if I only I had room for another cocktail....
Porter's is open daily for breakfast from 6am-10:45am, lunch from 11am-3 pm and a special twilight menu from 3pm-7pm.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
5 Reasons to Visit Monterey this Winter
If you are looking to enjoy the holidays without having to shovel snow then winter in Monterey is the season for you! It's always a great time to experience the bounty Monterey has to offer but the winter months bring some of our best weather without the crowds. From whales and sea otters in the Pacific to the hiking trails in the Salinas Valley, there are plenty of activities to do that don't include having to pack your ski jacket!
Festive Events
There are over a dozen holiday happenings packed between late November and early December that evoke the warm and fuzzy feelings this season was meant to engender. Find your holiday cheer at the Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting on November 28 or the Salinas Parade of Lights on November 30.
Browse the lit up inns and B&Bs in Pacific Grove during Christmas at the Inns, December 2-3 and see rarely open Monterey adobes dressed up in seasonal splendor for Christmas in the Adobes, December 5-6.
Ring in the New Year at Frist Night Monterey where downtown Monterey is transformed into an all-day family-friendly NYE bash. Kick off 2015 on the right foot with at the Rio Grill Resolution Run bright and early on January 1.
No Snow!
Need we say more? The air may be cool and crisp but it rarely dips below 45 degrees on the Monterey Peninsula, which is the perfect weather to tackle that hike you have been putting off. Fog is not usually an issue in the winter months and it's often our sunnier time of year.
Rain is hard to predict but if you happen to be caught in a shower you are still sure to enjoy the accompanied clouds hugging the dramatic coastline.
Fireplaces with a View
Cozy up next to someone special and enjoy a winter night snuggling by the fire. Whether you're looking for a scenic view, a people-watching view or a view made for two, you'll find the perfect fireplace just for you.
Score seats at one of the fire pits on the upper deck of Kula Ranch Island Grill for a great view of Marina State Beach where you can often watch hang gliders take to the air or simply soak in the sunset over the ocean.
For a more intimate take book a room at the Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row where several rooms come with their very own crackling wood fire and an ocean view. Click here for a full list of the "Best Fireplaces with a View."
Warm Up with a Steamy Beverage
Several restaurants and cafés in Monterey County hope to warm you up from the inside out with one of their cozy concoctions ranging from Mexican coffee, hot cocoa to traditional Irish coffee.
Sip in the legendary views of the Big Sur coastline at Nepenthe where they brew up a legion of coffee drinks, the highlight of which is without a doubt the Keoki Coffee, made with specialty coffee, Kahlua, Créme de Cacao and brandy.
Indulge in luxury and a liquor libation at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Sit by the fire pits on the patio to admire the surf, the bagpiper and the sunset, or snuggle inside on overstuffed chairs by the fireplace. Every hot drink is done to perfection, from the traditional Irish coffee to the less traditional Nutty Scotsman to the utterly decadent (and delicious) Chocolate Raspberry Nutty Truffle, a must for every chocolate lover. Click here to view "Top 10 Places to Grab a Hot Drink."
Winter Whale Sightings
Monterey Bay is unique in that you can catch a whale watching tour just about every day of the year. Winter is especially a prime time to catch the action on the bay as gray whales begin their migration north and start appearing in the Monterey Bay region in the beginning of December. You'll even have the opportunity to see the usual residents like dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.
Formally celebrate the return of gray whales to the Monterey Bay during Whalefest Monterey! Old Fisherman's Wharf and Custom House Plaza throw quite the migration party for these much loved creatures, January 24-25, 2015. This 2-day family fun festival hosts a variety of activities including live entertainment, face painting, educational exhibits, historic walking tours, chalk art, live music and much more.
Festive Events
There are over a dozen holiday happenings packed between late November and early December that evoke the warm and fuzzy feelings this season was meant to engender. Find your holiday cheer at the Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting on November 28 or the Salinas Parade of Lights on November 30.
Browse the lit up inns and B&Bs in Pacific Grove during Christmas at the Inns, December 2-3 and see rarely open Monterey adobes dressed up in seasonal splendor for Christmas in the Adobes, December 5-6.
Ring in the New Year at Frist Night Monterey where downtown Monterey is transformed into an all-day family-friendly NYE bash. Kick off 2015 on the right foot with at the Rio Grill Resolution Run bright and early on January 1.
No Snow!
Need we say more? The air may be cool and crisp but it rarely dips below 45 degrees on the Monterey Peninsula, which is the perfect weather to tackle that hike you have been putting off. Fog is not usually an issue in the winter months and it's often our sunnier time of year.
Rain is hard to predict but if you happen to be caught in a shower you are still sure to enjoy the accompanied clouds hugging the dramatic coastline.
Fireplaces with a View
Cozy up next to someone special and enjoy a winter night snuggling by the fire. Whether you're looking for a scenic view, a people-watching view or a view made for two, you'll find the perfect fireplace just for you.
Score seats at one of the fire pits on the upper deck of Kula Ranch Island Grill for a great view of Marina State Beach where you can often watch hang gliders take to the air or simply soak in the sunset over the ocean.
For a more intimate take book a room at the Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row where several rooms come with their very own crackling wood fire and an ocean view. Click here for a full list of the "Best Fireplaces with a View."
Warm Up with a Steamy Beverage
Several restaurants and cafés in Monterey County hope to warm you up from the inside out with one of their cozy concoctions ranging from Mexican coffee, hot cocoa to traditional Irish coffee.
Sip in the legendary views of the Big Sur coastline at Nepenthe where they brew up a legion of coffee drinks, the highlight of which is without a doubt the Keoki Coffee, made with specialty coffee, Kahlua, Créme de Cacao and brandy.
Indulge in luxury and a liquor libation at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Sit by the fire pits on the patio to admire the surf, the bagpiper and the sunset, or snuggle inside on overstuffed chairs by the fireplace. Every hot drink is done to perfection, from the traditional Irish coffee to the less traditional Nutty Scotsman to the utterly decadent (and delicious) Chocolate Raspberry Nutty Truffle, a must for every chocolate lover. Click here to view "Top 10 Places to Grab a Hot Drink."
Winter Whale Sightings
Monterey Bay is unique in that you can catch a whale watching tour just about every day of the year. Winter is especially a prime time to catch the action on the bay as gray whales begin their migration north and start appearing in the Monterey Bay region in the beginning of December. You'll even have the opportunity to see the usual residents like dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.
Formally celebrate the return of gray whales to the Monterey Bay during Whalefest Monterey! Old Fisherman's Wharf and Custom House Plaza throw quite the migration party for these much loved creatures, January 24-25, 2015. This 2-day family fun festival hosts a variety of activities including live entertainment, face painting, educational exhibits, historic walking tours, chalk art, live music and much more.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
10 Photo Opps Worthy of Instagram in Monterey County
There's no shortage of amazing photo opps in Monterey County ranging from epic rocky coastal vistas to vineyard laden valley views. It seems as though there is a breathtaking view almost everywhere you turn and lucky for you we have rounded-up of some of the most instagrammable locations within our diverse region.
Make your friends jealous with Bixby Bridge as the background of your next selfie. Located just off of Highway One in Big Sur this bridge has been the main actor in several car commercials. For the best views of this architectural feat pull off at Hurricane Point, you'll know when you've arrived.
The waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches through a stunning 29 miles, from Castroville all the way to Pacific Grove. The epic pedestrian and bike path hugs the coast while hitting iconic hot spots like Old Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Asilomar State Beach. It will be hard to choose from just one snapshot spot along the way!
Get a slice (or wedge) of the "salad bowl of the world" and take the road less traveled through the River Road Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley. Weaving through Steinbeck country you will pass a variety of agriculture fields producing everything from lettuce, broccoli to Pinot Noir grapes. Hahn Winery and Paraiso Vineyards boast some of the best views of the region's rolling hills, plentiful vineyards and lush fields.
With expansive sandy beaches, rolling waves and graceful hang gliders overhead it's hard to mess up a picture at Marina State Beach. Take the Reservation Road exit off Highway One which leads to a convenient parking lot with easy access to the beach below. If you're lucky you might even spot a migrating whale spout or a few twirling dolphins in the distance!
No visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Bay is complete without a silhouette pic in the Open Sea Gallery. The Aquarium's largest exhibit is home to all sorts of sea creatures sure to photobomb your next profile pic including glittering schools of sardines, massive prehistoric sunfishes, majestic hammerhead sharks and more. Your friends are going to be so jelly!
With its unique jagged formation and rock spires from weathered remains of an ancient volcano, Pinnacles National Park offers many opportunities for great photographs. The strenuous High Peaks Loop within the park is easily paid off once you reach the top. Your Instagram followers might even think you're in Arizona rather than California!
Wave to hello to Monterey's favorite mascot at Moss Landing State Beach and the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing! Sea otters flock to a particularly protected cove near the dunes on Moss Landing State Beach where you can often find clusters of otters huddled together in "rafts" which can contain up to 40 of the furry little critters. Head out on the Elkhorn Slough for a closer look with a kayak rental or book a trip on the Elkhorn Slough Safari.
It's not everyday you see a waterfall crashing down into the ocean. The majestic McWay Falls is an easy 0.5 mile stroll along the "Overlook Trail" in Big Sur's Julia Pfeffier Burns State Park. The raging waterfall runs year round and plummets down a steep granite cliff into a picturesque cove which flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. Talk about a magnificent photo opp!
Have you ever seen a photo of the sun rising from the ocean on the west coast? I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! Lovers Point in Pacific Grove offers one of the only spots on the west coast where you watch the sun rise over the water due to its unique east-facing location. Take that east coast!
Coined as "the greatest meeting of landing and sea in the world" Point Lobos begs to have its photo taken. Whether you capture a frame of the crashing waves along the rocky coast, a still of the redwoods or a snapshot of a sea otter grooming her pup there's something here to bring out your inner photographer.
Show off your own great photos of Monterey County using #GrabYourMoment or droll over our Instagram pics at @SeeMonterey.
1. Bixby Bridge, Big Sur
Make your friends jealous with Bixby Bridge as the background of your next selfie. Located just off of Highway One in Big Sur this bridge has been the main actor in several car commercials. For the best views of this architectural feat pull off at Hurricane Point, you'll know when you've arrived.
2. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
The waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches through a stunning 29 miles, from Castroville all the way to Pacific Grove. The epic pedestrian and bike path hugs the coast while hitting iconic hot spots like Old Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Asilomar State Beach. It will be hard to choose from just one snapshot spot along the way!
3. River Road Wine Trail, Salinas Valley
Get a slice (or wedge) of the "salad bowl of the world" and take the road less traveled through the River Road Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley. Weaving through Steinbeck country you will pass a variety of agriculture fields producing everything from lettuce, broccoli to Pinot Noir grapes. Hahn Winery and Paraiso Vineyards boast some of the best views of the region's rolling hills, plentiful vineyards and lush fields.
4. Marina State Beach, Marina
With expansive sandy beaches, rolling waves and graceful hang gliders overhead it's hard to mess up a picture at Marina State Beach. Take the Reservation Road exit off Highway One which leads to a convenient parking lot with easy access to the beach below. If you're lucky you might even spot a migrating whale spout or a few twirling dolphins in the distance!
5. The Open Sea Gallery, Monterey Bay Aquarium
No visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Bay is complete without a silhouette pic in the Open Sea Gallery. The Aquarium's largest exhibit is home to all sorts of sea creatures sure to photobomb your next profile pic including glittering schools of sardines, massive prehistoric sunfishes, majestic hammerhead sharks and more. Your friends are going to be so jelly!
6. High Peaks, Pinnacles National Park
With its unique jagged formation and rock spires from weathered remains of an ancient volcano, Pinnacles National Park offers many opportunities for great photographs. The strenuous High Peaks Loop within the park is easily paid off once you reach the top. Your Instagram followers might even think you're in Arizona rather than California!
7. Sea Otters, Moss Landing
Wave to hello to Monterey's favorite mascot at Moss Landing State Beach and the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing! Sea otters flock to a particularly protected cove near the dunes on Moss Landing State Beach where you can often find clusters of otters huddled together in "rafts" which can contain up to 40 of the furry little critters. Head out on the Elkhorn Slough for a closer look with a kayak rental or book a trip on the Elkhorn Slough Safari.
8. McWay Falls, Big Sur
It's not everyday you see a waterfall crashing down into the ocean. The majestic McWay Falls is an easy 0.5 mile stroll along the "Overlook Trail" in Big Sur's Julia Pfeffier Burns State Park. The raging waterfall runs year round and plummets down a steep granite cliff into a picturesque cove which flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. Talk about a magnificent photo opp!
9. Lovers Point, Pacific Grove
Have you ever seen a photo of the sun rising from the ocean on the west coast? I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! Lovers Point in Pacific Grove offers one of the only spots on the west coast where you watch the sun rise over the water due to its unique east-facing location. Take that east coast!
10. Point Lobos, Carmel
Coined as "the greatest meeting of landing and sea in the world" Point Lobos begs to have its photo taken. Whether you capture a frame of the crashing waves along the rocky coast, a still of the redwoods or a snapshot of a sea otter grooming her pup there's something here to bring out your inner photographer.
Show off your own great photos of Monterey County using #GrabYourMoment or droll over our Instagram pics at @SeeMonterey.
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