Anton & Michel: New Look, Same Great Taste

Anton & Michel has been an icon in Carmel’s dining scene for the past 35 and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. In fact, the popular eatery recently underwent a complete facelift, transforming the space from a European Continental design to a sophisticated California Continental Contemporary design with a new open look and feel.

A sleek entrance with simple lampposts and unpretentious signage is just a nibble at what is in store once inside. The lobby, bar and dining room have been completely transformed with the use of superb Virginia slate stonework and up-lighting. The bar in particular is a popular escape where one could easily find themselves curled up on an overstuffed couch near the fireplace or at the bar top chatting it up with the friendly bartender.



Lively orchids and Monterey County wine bottles line the gently lit entryway, leading into the main dining room which overlooks the restaurant’s unique patio and fountain courtyard.

Anton & Michel’s fountain courtyard is one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s hidden little gems. There’s no better place to soak up the sun, unwind with the soothing sounds of water, and eat some great food, of course. The outdoor fire pit and overhanging party lights set the mood for an enchanting evening; even Fido is invited to the alfresco soiree!



While transforming their identity, Anton & Michel has prided themselves on sticking to their traditional roots which keeps the regulars coming back for more. One of their more unique services includes tableside service complete with specialty flambé desserts like Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster. Staples from their Californian inspired menu and their renowned hospitality have also remained untouched.

One of their most popular dishes is the rack of lamb, which you can also have carved tableside. The meaty, tender pops are coated in an addicting parmesan crust and perfectly seared to encapsulate the natural flavors.

Carnivores can also rejoice in their short rib dish which is braised in Guinness beer and served with tobacco onions. The luscious melt-in-your-mouth beef is served on a thick bed of fresh garlic-basil pappardelle pasta; rich, creamy and utterly delicious!

Several lighter dishes are also available like the Hawaiian tuna tartare served with sesame crackers and a luscious goat cheese salad.

If you save room, be sure to have one of their specialty desserts like the crepe suzette prepared tableside, flames and all!

A best kept secret is their Sunset Dinner Menu served daily from 5pm-6:30pm. The three-course prix fix menu is a can’t miss for just $28.50 per person.

Little Napoli Ristorante: An Italian Icon in Carmel’s Dining Scene for 25 Years

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that’s Little Napoli!

For the past 25 years, visitors and locals alike have flocked to Little Napoli and for good reason - their country Italian cooking, amazing prices and good ol’ Tuscan hospitality simply cannot be beat!

Carmel-by-the-Sea can be a tricky little city to figure out (there are no street addresses), but you can’t miss Little Napoli on Dolores and 7th, just down the street from Ocean Avenue. The quaint Mediterranean influenced building is decorated with waving Italian flags, colorful window overhangs, and vibrant manicured flowers.

Upon entering, your journey continues through the inviting and bustling country cottage style eatery: a roaring fireplace, Chianti bottles in traditional fiasco baskets, images of the homeland and nostalgic Sinatra tunes set the tone for an Italian escape all before chowing down on a piece of Napoli’s famous garlic bread. During my last visit I even happened to eavesdrop on a nearby diner who noted “I feel like we are back on our European honeymoon.”


The inside is cozy and rather casual, perfect for a midday lunch or a first date while the outdoor patio offers expansive seating options in the garden for you and your four-legged friend.

Each table has all of the Italian necessities including fresh ground pepper, red pepper flakes, sea salt, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and an endless supply of parmesan cheese; which is an immediate sign that you’re in for a treat.

Chef Pepe’s classic menu certainly does not disappoint, I mean how else can an eatery survive the stiff restaurant competition in Carmel for 25 years without killer food and service?

Menu items include an array of Italian comfort classics like veal “osso buco” ravioli, pesto Genovese pasta, Napoletana pizza and hearty fresh salads.

According to the kitchen, one of the most popular items on the menu is the Bolognese di Bari with beef, pork and sausage served over fresh pappardelle pasta. The smell alone is sure to transport you to a Venetian piazza. The dish comes out steaming hot with a generous helping of freshly grated parmesan cheese, and if it’s still not enough, you can always tap into the extra supply on the table.

If you’re up for something a little different, try the Il Pescatore “Cioppino Rosso,” but don’t just take our word for it. Guy Fieri raved about this dish on an episode of his hit Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” I mean what’s not to love about a seafood menagerie of prawns, scallops, mussels, clams, calamari and crab in a spicy pescatore sauce served over hand-made capellini?

Those looking for a dish on the lighter side will rejoice in their robust salad options. The Amalfi salad in particular is a showstopper with crisp romaine, jumbo prawns, creamy avocado, sharp gorgonzola and a zesty Caesar dressing.

Little Napoli also offers an extravagant lunch special for $14 which includes a choice of a ½ pizza or ½ pasta dish with soup or salad. Now that’s amore!

Little Napoli is open daily from 11:30am-10pm (except Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Boutique Wines & Family Vibes at Boete Winery

Looking for a home away from home? Look no further than Boete Winery where delicious artisan wines flow freely and good ol' family hospitality is dished out daily.

Boete Winery's quaint tasting room is the first you encounter along scenic Carmel Valley Road. Tucked inside the charming Valley Hills Center, just past Quail Lodge, sits this cozy tasting room that's full of passion and character.
 
This boutique wine operation is a true family affair; even the name of the winery (pronounced bwah-TAY) is rooted in family. Named after winemaker John Saunders' grandparents, Francois and Jeanne Boete, this winery is a testament to the close-knit family.

Don't be surprised if the person behind the tasting counter is a member of the cabernet producing clan. The entire Saunders family plays a role in the business making your tasting experience positively personal. The surroundings alone will make you feel at home, a place where you can kick your feet up on the sun-drenched patio or have a relaxing conversation at the laid-back bar top.
 
The tasting room offers an estate sampling of their three premium wines including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Cheval Rouge. All of the grapes are grown at the Saunders family's 7 acre vineyard, just a stone's throw away on the east side of Carmel Valley Road.

This particular area is very similar to France's famed Boudreaux region, ideal for growing cabernet varietals. Let's just say that the family's dedication to their 6,000 grapevines sincerely shows in their flavorful vino. Once you have a taste of these 100% estate-grown wines you will never want to venture off!
 
Special Tip! On the last Thursday of every month, Boete Winery taps into three beloved things: wine, cheese and chocolate. Join them from 5pm-7pm for this delicious trifecta for just $10 per person, what a steal!

Boete Winery's tasting room is located in between the Wagon Wheel and Baja Cantina and is open daily from 12pm-5pm.

Vineyard Safari: Taking it Off-Road with a Hahn ATV Ride

Four-wheel drive, sunshine and wine. If that sounds like a winning combination to you then Hahn Estate has what you have been searching for. Boasting the perfect trifecta for an exhilarating day in the vines with their one-of-a-kind Estate Vineyard ATV Adventure.

The drive to Hahn Vineyards from the Monterey Peninsula alone is a treat; with jaw dropping views of the Santa Lucia Highlands towering above rural vineyards and an eternity of lettuce fields, one could easily mistake this valley for the Garden of Eden. Shortly after hitting River Road off of Highway 68 the skies tend to break free from the cool coastal fog and open up to reveal some much needed sunshine.



Having heard so much about Hahn's four-wheeled safari I decided it was finally time to knock it off my bucket list. My friend and headed to the immaculate winery for a tour we would never forget.

We kicked things off in the tasting room with a bit of history about the 1,200 acre estate, the Santa Lucia Highland appellation and the Hahn family. Before heading out to the ATV our guide Tom assured us that we would be back to sample the fruits of their labor, phew!



Tom took the driver's seat while my friend and I strapped ourselves in the back seat. The ATV was incredibly roomy and can hold up to five guests.



Once we took off it was apparent that this wasn't Tom's first rodeo; we were ripping between rows of grapevines on an ATV, fat tires spewing the dust! We whipped around all sorts of small dirt roads not accessible to the public which was a luxury as the views are absolutely amazing.

 

Not only are there vineyards galore but the estate has some of the best vistas of the entire Salinas Valley and perfectly checkerboarded agriculture fields down below.



The tour has several stops along the way to point out interesting tidbits about their vineyards, which are mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals, as well an interesting sound system to keep the deer from grazing upon their vines.



After a thrilling ride through the vineyards we stopped at the winery's main bottling operation and ventured into the exclusive barrel rooms where we learned a bit more about the winemaking process. The barrel rooms in particular were fascinating with hundreds of French oak barrels meticulously placed and labeled; the fresh scent of wine and oak is still fresh in my mind.

 

Tom brought along a sieve and graciously allowed us to sample newly harvested grape juice straight from the barrel, talk about a vine to wine experience!

After the 90 minute escapade we headed back to the tasting room to finally taste what we had learned so much about. Tom gave us a private tasting of their Estate wines, ranging from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir to a Riesling. Having just seen the whole wine process unfold made me much more appreciative of the grape juice from the gods.



Estate Vineyard Tours are offered 1:30pm daily, and also at 10:30 am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday ($45 per person). The Tasting Room is open 7 days a week, 11am-5pm. Closed on select holidays.

 

Tuscan Cuisine Meets California Cooking at TusCA Ristorante in the Hyatt Regency Monterey

Visualize modern country décor, an expansive wine collection and incredible views of the oldest operating golf course west of the Mississippi; probably not what you envision for a hotel eatery, right? That's because TusCA Ristorante in the Hyatt Regency Monterey is not your average hotel restaurant. This Tuscan treasure is a go-to for many locals and visitors alike looking to get their fix of fresh seafood, authentic pizzas and hearty pastas.

TusCA Ristorante allows you to travel to the heart of Italy's countryside without having to leave Monterey! The contemporary and comfortable design has colorful Tuscan touches including a wine display and an open aired kitchen complete with a pizza oven. Various seating options are available including large tables, great for families, and cozy booths, great for dates!

If for some reason the gorgeous views of the Del Monte Golf Course outside don't impress you then the items on the menu certainly will. Breakfast awakenings include pork carnitas benedicts, roasted apple pancakes and white chocolate French toast while lunch and dinner items include dishes like a chicken caprese panini, cioppino and mushroom pizza.

The best part of all is that TusCA's prides itself on utilizing the best in locally grown seasonal ingredients, from the farm right back to your table. Seafood lovers in particular can rejoice in the expansive offering of sustainable and local options.

For starters, you cannot go wrong with their fresh burrata. A large slab of juicy and creamy mozzarella cheese is paired perfectly with heirloom tomatoes straight from the source.

Calamari is a must in Monterey and TusCA's take does not disappoint. The Tuscan twist is light and crispy thanks to the rice and garbanzo flour, might we add that's it's also gluten-free. The best part of all are the tidbits of lightly fried artichoke hearts and lemon wheels all tossed in a savory lemon vinaigrette, delish!

Lucky for us, Monterey is a leader in the sustainable seafood movement and TusCA's is leading the charge. Their line-caught swordfish is one of the Chef's favorites which is served with sweet citrus segments, tangy fennel and roasted root vegetables tossed in olive oil and thyme; now that is Tuscan and California cuisine for you.

Another seafood favorite are the scallops. Juicy seared sea scallops melt in your mouth and the accompanied carrot risotto and mint pea puree make it almost too pretty to eat. Don't forget to round out your trip to Italy with a sinful dessert like their basil panna cotta, TusCA tiramisu or a simply satisfying gelato.

Need a date idea? A main draw to this Tuscan temptation is their "TusCA for Two" special. For $60, parties of two can indulge in an appetizer, two entrees, a dessert and a glass of wine; now that's value! Really knock off your date's socks and check out the live jazz in the in the adjacent Fireplace Lounge on weekends.

TusCA Ristorante is located 1 Old Golf Course Road in the Hyatt Regency Monterey. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5 New Features at the Revamped Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Just when you thought the lavish Bernadus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley couldn't be anymore plush they go and up their game once again. The premiere luxury hotel nested on Camel Valley Road amongst vineyards and views of the Gabilan Mountain Range has just debuted its multi-million makeover.

Not only are there chic décor upgrades but the property also has gone through a dining and value-added services overhaul. Here's a round-up of five of the most noteworthy upgrades and services you can look forward to on your next stay.


1. Free Mercedes

No, this is not "Oprah's Favorite Things" but you can utilize a Mercedes vehicle for free during your booked stay. The new Mercedes-Benz Drive Program allows guests to check out some of Monterey County's scenic drives in a comfortable Mercedes GL or SL convertible; talk about a perk!


2. Lucia Restaurant

Don't worry, award-winning chef Cal Stamenov has not gone anywhere. Previous onsite restaurants Wickets Bistro and Marinus have morphed into the Lucia Restaurant & Bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Chef Cal Stamenov continues to "wow" with his "California Country" cuisine using fresh and local bounty. Might we add that the chicken fried quail is delicious!

This completely renovated space successfully blends together contemporary and country décor with both cozy booth seating and group table arrangements. The expansive outdoor patio complete with fire pits is perfect for soaking in the Carmel Valley sunshine.


3. Swanky Chandeliers & Décor

The main lobby gives you your first taste of the ritzy yet rustic refresh throughout the property. A glitzy light fixture is the first eye-catcher followed by warm up-lighting, Italian stonework, oak floors and elegant furniture which permeates into each of their 57 guestrooms. You can't help but stare into the light at all of the uniquely different chandeliers scattered throughout the property.


4. Sun-Drenched Pools

Bernardus Lodge clearly know how vital pools are in Carmel Valley. Two crystal blue pools and a hot tub attract guests like magnets with an outdoor bar and several surrounding lounging options. The two-person shaded canopy beds are great for couples looking to get cozy while the tented cabanas are great for families and those looking to mingle.


5. Wellness Program

Bernardus Lodge has introduced a completely revamped Wellness Program for those truly looking to find their inner-peace. The new service hosts everything from guided hikes, yoga classes, stretch classes to hypnotherapy. The onsite spa also offers a plethora of amenities sure to have you leave your stress at the door including a variety of therapeutic massages and a private steam room with invigorating Vichy shower.


Book your stay now!