Carmel Belle Puts Posh Twist on Fast-Casual Dining

Carmel-by-the-Sea has all sorts of tucked-away courtyards and unexpected gems and there is no better example of this than Carmel Belle. The cafeteria-esqe restaurant sits in an unassuming building just down from Ocean Avenue. Their humble sign, just outside of the Doud Craft Studios Complex, deceives the beautiful setting (and food) just inside.

Crafty chalkboards, country décor and a farm fresh menu all give reassurance you’re in the right place. The space is spotless with modern touches like stainless steel seating and an amazing indoor fire pit; perfect for those cool Carmel mornings (or evenings)!

Carmel Belle is unique in comparison to other Carmel-by-the-Sea eateries with an open floorplan, casual seating arrangement, and no waiters. Guests order at the front counter for speedy service and then can chill out in either of their dining spaces; might I suggest by the fire pit? You can even get your grub to go for a picnic on the beach!


Carmel Belle’s tagline is “Good Food” - simple, to the point and, most importantly, 100% true. Their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are truly a work of art with uncomplicated and honest ingredients. They pride themselves on sourcing sustainable, high-quality products from small local farms for the freshest experience possible.

Breakfast is Carmel Belle’s specialty and is unlike any other joint in town. One of their most popular items is the avocado toast. Sounds simple enough right? The thick artisan toast, finely sliced avocado, olive oil drizzle and cracked sea salt is a magical combination that will have you putting down the Smucker’s jar in no time.

Another rare breakfast commodity on the menu is the hot polenta bowl. Skip your typical morning oatmeal and go for the gooey, comforting, yet decadent cornmeal which can be spruced up with savory additions like truffled mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and poached eggs; how’s that for diverse?

The lunch and dinner menus offer equally appeasing items like the slow-cooked Berkshire pork sandwich and grass-fed Angus beef & veal meatloaf.

If you’re in-between meals, the juice bar is a sure way to quench your thirst and those mid-day munchies. Try the Omega-Tron for all of your nutritional needs complete with avocado, pear, pineapple, orange, chia seeds and dates.


The best way to start any meal for that matter is with their Snack Board. This ingenious carte de jour allows you to mix and match from a selection of flavorful cheeses and cured charcuteries, yum!

Carmel Belle is open Monday and Tuesday from 8am-5pm and Wednesday through Sunday from 8am-9pm. Don’t miss their weekly special events like “Game Night Wednesday” and “Farmer’s Market Fridays”.

The White Hart: Time to (Tea) Party in Pacific Grove

Nicknamed "America's Last Hometown," Pacific Grove is known for Asilomar State Beach, the annual migration of the Monarch butterflies and its array of unique and colorful Victorian homes; the city is actually home to more Victorian ladies per capita than anywhere else in the world. With its rich heritage it only seemed natural for Victorian homeowners Jim and Kathy Turley to turn their classic English mansion into an authentic Victorian-era tea room.

“The White Hart” has been a landmark on Lighthouse Avenue for the past 120 years. Dr. Andrew J. Hart built the home in 1893 and it was passed down for three generations. In the last few decades of the 19th century home has been a variety of restaurants, an art gallery, and now a classic tea house.

The grandiose three-story mansion sits high and mighty on the corner of Lighthouse Avenue and 19th Street. The interior is just as breathtaking, the décor is mainly original including the custom stain-glass window above the door reading “Dr. Hart” dating all the way back to when the house was built.

The charm continues throughout the ground floor of the house where the main tea room features colorful stain-glassed windows, crystal chandeliers and imported patterned wallpaper. Picture frames from its yesteryear show photos from the Hart family as well as watercolor paintings of the home’s facade which add a touch of personality to the old-world design.


The White Hart’s afternoon tea is as authentic as it gets. Served every other weekend from 12pm-4pm, guests can enjoy much more than just a pot of tea. The typical Victorian “tea” is more like a lunch with an array of made-from-scratch sandwiches, scones and desserts all accompanied by specialty teas, of course.

The loose leaf tea selection is extensive including lemon mint herbal tea, gunpowder green tea, ginger orange peach and many more.

Teas also come with a plethora of tasty treats on a three-tiered tray loaded with sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delightful sweets. The key here is to start at the bottom and work your way up.

The lower-tier comes with a variety of petite sandwiches. The smoked salmon on pastry puff and English cucumber sandwich are particularly tasty!

In the middle you’ll find a bounty of freshly baked scones. These tend to go fast with the organic clotted cream and Meyer lemon curd, all made in-house.

Last but not least, the top tray is reserved for dessert. Chocolate-dipped strawberries and bite size desserts are the perfect way to end an incredible afternoon of elegance. Don’t skip the chocolate truffle cream marquise, truly decadent!

All of this tea talk have you intimidated? Don’t be! Proprietors Jim and Kathy are happy to walk you through the process without all of the attitude. The menu also includes champagne, wine and beer to further ease you into the process.

Afternoon tea is $25 per person and includes your choice of tea and a selection of treats. A lighter “Cream Tea” and “Teddy Bear Tea” are also available. Click here to view the schedule of tea times.

Have a special occasion coming up? Live like a king or queen and have your next event at The White Hart. It’s the perfect location for meetings, parties, receptions, or just a proper afternoon tea with a group of friends.