Take a little trip with me; drive down Fremont Street in Seaside and envision yourself traveling down a Venetian canal with your loved one in hand. Can you hear the gondolier singing Italian opera in the background? Okay, so this might be a bit of a stretch but I guarantee you the cuisine awaiting inside Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza will have you feeling as if you were in Venice's Piazza San Marco!
The humble building on Seaside's bustling Fremont Street is just a front for the Italian delight that lies inside. As soon as you swing open the doors you know you are in for treat as a wood burning brick pizza oven greets you front and center.
The main dining area is open and airy with perfect seating arrangements fit for everything from family get-togethers to romantic tables for two. The table settings are simple yet classy, definitely not a paper plate and napkin type of pizzeria. Walls are scattered with fresh images of Italian cuisine, just enough to rev up your appetite.
A sleek counter top and bar stretch through the restaurant, perfect for catching up on the game and ordering a casual drink. Their extensive beer and wine list is full of both local and Italian goodies including Italian sodas!
Owner and Chef Denis Boaro was basically born in the kitchen and watched his family refine their cooking skills in his small hometown of San Zenone degli Ezzelini in northern Italy. Today, Denis is proud to say that the food served at Gusto's is the same food that he grew up eating and he is proud to share his family's creations with his patrons.
His menu is full of everything the Gusto's name implies, tantalizing gourmet pastas and handcrafted pizzas, perfect for a family-style type of meal.
Before diving into the carbs one must indulge in Gusto's specialty meats and cheeses found on their antipasto Piatto del Salumiere dish. Several imported meats including mortadella, prosciutto and salami are scattered charcuterie style with Italian cheeses, Mediterranean olives and a sweet Chianti jelly. The truffle cheese in particular is to die for!
My first piece of advice, order the artesian bread basket. Their fresh olive bread loaf and simple sun dried tomato tapenade is a great way to kick off any Italian meal.
Word of caution, it may be difficult to choose just one of the 11 pizza concoctions offered on the menu. There's everything from a simple Margherita to a loaded Capricciosa. The Capricciosa is basically one Mediterranean party summed up on one pie with fresh San Marzano tomatoes, prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms, olives, capers and mozzarella cheese, of course.
The best part about all of their pizza pies is the crust! The key to their thin yet fluffy crust lies within the organic flour imported from Mulino Sobrino, Italy. Once you have tried it you will realize it was definitely worth the trek overseas.
Be sure to save room for at least one (or two) pasta dishes. Gusto's lasagna in particular is a work of art with several thin layers of traditional beef Bolognese and béchamel sauce smothered in between homemade pasta and melted mozzarella. The simplicity and the freshness of the sauce make it a stand out as its ingredients only call for tomatoes, basil and olive oil.
What Italian meal is complete without dessert? Gusto's cannoli's and tiramisu are about as genuine as you are going to get on this continent. The cannoli's even come with crushed pistachios and a cherry on top! I would recommend ordering an Italian espresso with dessert to avoid a full-on food coma.
Want make your own Italian creation? The Gusto2Go case in front features a full selection of authentic Italian handcrafted pasta, sauces, cheese, olives, vinegars, coffee and more available for you to take and prepare at home.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Find Your Inner Peace at Carmel Valley Lodge
Carmel Valley- known for its grassy rolling hills, award-winning wines, ample sunshine and now a revived and rejuvenated Carmel Valley Lodge. The countryside lodge located just off of the Carmel Valley Road has recently just changed ownership; coming with it revamped rooms, outdoor fire pits and the introduction to their complimentary breakfast known as Rainbow Ssambap (more on that later).
The 31 room resort is sprawled out over 3 acres full of well-manicured gardens, an array of flowers and stunning views of the valley. Fully renovated rooms stay true to their cozy country roots with upgraded modern amenities including secluded outdoor patios and furniture, gas fireplaces, mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi.
Quite possibly the most integral selling point of the retreat is the crystal blue pool and stone outdoor fit pits, both a necessity in sunny Carmel Valley. You simply can not top this gorgeous setting with the rolling hills in the distance; a perfect area to bask in the abundant sunshine, enjoy a glass of Carmel Valley's finest Pinot Noir and at night congregate around a cozy outdoor fire with your loved ones.
The nearby gazebo and meditation tent are also new additions to the pool area where guests are encouraged to reflect and tap into their inner creativity.
The most unique feature about this property is their complimentary breakfast created entirely by Carmel Valley Lodge's owner Tong Kim. After his own personal research and exploration he has crafted a raw vegan concoction known as Rainbow Ssambap (Korean for burrito); he even has an entire book on this stuff!
The meal (which Mr. Kim eats exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner) is full of over 20 different ingredients including beans, berries, nuts and fruit. I had the pleasure of trying this interesting mashup and to my surprise was delighted with the combination of tastes and textures. Mr. Kim notes that the most important ingredient for the flavor is a Meyer lemon, so important in fact that he has planted over 100 trees around the property.
The cornucopia of fruits, veggies and legumes is certainly a nutritious way to start off the day. I am not sure I could eat this dish all day everyday but Mr. Kim's youthful energy and appearance may have turned me into a believer.
Want to try this Rainbow Ssambap yourself? Book a room at the Carmel Valley Lodge of just follow the easy recipe below.
Rainbow Ssambap Recipe:
You will need-
Nuts
2) Pour it into a large bowl up to 1/3 of the bowl.
3) Add blueberries, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, one chopped apple, half of a lemon, some lettuce and any other vegetables, nuts or fruit you want to eat.
4) Mix and eat it.
The 31 room resort is sprawled out over 3 acres full of well-manicured gardens, an array of flowers and stunning views of the valley. Fully renovated rooms stay true to their cozy country roots with upgraded modern amenities including secluded outdoor patios and furniture, gas fireplaces, mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi.
Quite possibly the most integral selling point of the retreat is the crystal blue pool and stone outdoor fit pits, both a necessity in sunny Carmel Valley. You simply can not top this gorgeous setting with the rolling hills in the distance; a perfect area to bask in the abundant sunshine, enjoy a glass of Carmel Valley's finest Pinot Noir and at night congregate around a cozy outdoor fire with your loved ones.
The nearby gazebo and meditation tent are also new additions to the pool area where guests are encouraged to reflect and tap into their inner creativity.
The most unique feature about this property is their complimentary breakfast created entirely by Carmel Valley Lodge's owner Tong Kim. After his own personal research and exploration he has crafted a raw vegan concoction known as Rainbow Ssambap (Korean for burrito); he even has an entire book on this stuff!
The meal (which Mr. Kim eats exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner) is full of over 20 different ingredients including beans, berries, nuts and fruit. I had the pleasure of trying this interesting mashup and to my surprise was delighted with the combination of tastes and textures. Mr. Kim notes that the most important ingredient for the flavor is a Meyer lemon, so important in fact that he has planted over 100 trees around the property.
The cornucopia of fruits, veggies and legumes is certainly a nutritious way to start off the day. I am not sure I could eat this dish all day everyday but Mr. Kim's youthful energy and appearance may have turned me into a believer.
Want to try this Rainbow Ssambap yourself? Book a room at the Carmel Valley Lodge of just follow the easy recipe below.
Rainbow Ssambap Recipe:
You will need-
Nuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- 1 beet
- 3 tomatoes
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 1 carrot
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Any other vegetables that you want to eat
- Beans
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Meyer Lemons
- Avocados
2) Pour it into a large bowl up to 1/3 of the bowl.
3) Add blueberries, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, one chopped apple, half of a lemon, some lettuce and any other vegetables, nuts or fruit you want to eat.
4) Mix and eat it.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Find Your Happy Place at Crema in Pacific Grove
Just about everyone is liable to find their happy place in a comfy nook and cranny at Crema in Pacific Grove. Tucked along Lighthouse Avenue in "America's Last Hometown," Crema's converted Victorian mansion is full of an array of separate quarters, cozy creative decor and exceptional daytime noshes and sips.
Don't let the downstairs espresso café and wine bar entrance fool you; an entire mansion lies upstairs just waiting to be explored. Guests can choose from a variety of settings like the studious Peacock Room, the kick back garden courtyard and the expansive upstairs Victorian Dining Room; each one fit for every one from solo travelers to large meet up groups.
The cool thing about this place is that all rooms and seating arrangements are up for grabs, whether you just want to grab a latte, enjoy a fresh pastry or have a scrumptious brunch; think of it as staying at your best friend's house and making yourself at home.
Each room is decked out like a picture perfect Pinterest board and makes you feel completely at home. Antique furniture, historic photos from the building's yesteryear and etsy-esque projects are scattered about. My personal favorite is a window framed cabinet in the main dining with the owners' grandmother's vintage tea set, so cute!
An essential "must have" item on their menu is their sangria. You will not find another juicy goblet of fresh fruit and tangy red wine like this anywhere else!
After awing over the presentation of my favorite beverage I suddenly became mesmerized by the bacon cheddar biscuit. This football sized doughy cloud of goodness was sensational! The savory bits of bacon paired well with the sweetness of the accompanied honey butter.
The mushroom burger on the lunch menu is not for the faint of heart. This hefty "moo la la" burger, as they call it, is slathered with smoked gouda, topped with grilled mushrooms and onions and served with some of the best truffle fries I have had. The $13 price tag was a bargain for both quantity and quality!
What brunch is complete without chicken and waffles? A crispy Belgian waffle served as just a base to the generous serving of crispy fried chicken doused in spicy sausage gravy. The gravy was superb, not too salty and not too thick.
For dessert we indulged in root beer floats made from Pacific Grove's Sparky's Root Beer and vanilla ice cream from Kai Lee Creamery at the American Tin Cannery just down the street. Delicious and local!
Whether your are just looking for a quick cup of joe or a full on brunch with bottomless mimosas, Crema is a the spot to find your happy place everyday from 7am-4pm.
Don't let the downstairs espresso café and wine bar entrance fool you; an entire mansion lies upstairs just waiting to be explored. Guests can choose from a variety of settings like the studious Peacock Room, the kick back garden courtyard and the expansive upstairs Victorian Dining Room; each one fit for every one from solo travelers to large meet up groups.
The cool thing about this place is that all rooms and seating arrangements are up for grabs, whether you just want to grab a latte, enjoy a fresh pastry or have a scrumptious brunch; think of it as staying at your best friend's house and making yourself at home.
Each room is decked out like a picture perfect Pinterest board and makes you feel completely at home. Antique furniture, historic photos from the building's yesteryear and etsy-esque projects are scattered about. My personal favorite is a window framed cabinet in the main dining with the owners' grandmother's vintage tea set, so cute!
An essential "must have" item on their menu is their sangria. You will not find another juicy goblet of fresh fruit and tangy red wine like this anywhere else!
After awing over the presentation of my favorite beverage I suddenly became mesmerized by the bacon cheddar biscuit. This football sized doughy cloud of goodness was sensational! The savory bits of bacon paired well with the sweetness of the accompanied honey butter.
The mushroom burger on the lunch menu is not for the faint of heart. This hefty "moo la la" burger, as they call it, is slathered with smoked gouda, topped with grilled mushrooms and onions and served with some of the best truffle fries I have had. The $13 price tag was a bargain for both quantity and quality!
What brunch is complete without chicken and waffles? A crispy Belgian waffle served as just a base to the generous serving of crispy fried chicken doused in spicy sausage gravy. The gravy was superb, not too salty and not too thick.
For dessert we indulged in root beer floats made from Pacific Grove's Sparky's Root Beer and vanilla ice cream from Kai Lee Creamery at the American Tin Cannery just down the street. Delicious and local!
Whether your are just looking for a quick cup of joe or a full on brunch with bottomless mimosas, Crema is a the spot to find your happy place everyday from 7am-4pm.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Googie Grill in Seaside, CA
George Jetson meets crazy good comfort food at the Googie Grill in Seaside, CA.
So what is "googie" you may ask? When you google "googie" (say that three times fast) you soon realize where the modern grill on Del Monte Boulevard acquired its unique name. Googie is a type of futurist architecture dating back to the 50s and 60s, think Tomorrowland at Disneyland.
The corner location across the street from the Embassy Suites is hard to miss and the Jetson-eque logo out front immediately sparks your interest. After continuously driving past the illuminated Googie Grill sign I just had to stop and take a peek inside.
Interestingly enough, the original building now houses the restaurant's counter and kitchen which has kept its novel character with tilted walls and retro inspired panoramas.
The main dining room is a new addition to the revamped restaurant where the futurist and googie theme continues with cheery bright hues, modern furniture and geometric patterns.
After being seated I quickly realized this establishment is a passionate family affair; the service is friendly and cozy, just like their menu! Tempting comfort foods with an international flair are offered for every meal of the day but on this particular occasion I had dinner on the brain.
The grilled salmon salad started things off with a bang. Fresh ingredients like crunchy green beans, juicy red tomatoes and rich Kalamata olives were lightly dressed in sherry tarragon vinaigrette which had the perfect tang to accompany the moist salmon steak.
Another seafood showstopper was the sea bass sautéed with a creamy beurre blanc sauce. The risotto rice cake hidden below was lightly fried and acted as a sponge to capture every last morsel of the beurre blanc.
While every dish had a high point, the paella stopped me in my tracks! Generous portions of fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, chicken and sausage sat atop Spanish rice with the most savory saffron mix I have had. The peas were even cooked to perfection, not mushy which usually steers me away from this green seed pod.
To round out the comfort food bonanza we ordered the tiramisu, crème brulee and cheesecake. The tiramisu was almost too pretty to eat with the perfect ratio of cake to frosting. I am usually not a fan of tiramisu's typically overpowering coffee flavors but Googie's take had welcomed bursts of cinnamon, delish!
On my way out I got a quick look at the breakfast menu. The cheese blintzes, brioche French toast and ranch fresh omelets in particular had me wanting to stay until sunup. Is it 8am yet?!
So what is "googie" you may ask? When you google "googie" (say that three times fast) you soon realize where the modern grill on Del Monte Boulevard acquired its unique name. Googie is a type of futurist architecture dating back to the 50s and 60s, think Tomorrowland at Disneyland.
The corner location across the street from the Embassy Suites is hard to miss and the Jetson-eque logo out front immediately sparks your interest. After continuously driving past the illuminated Googie Grill sign I just had to stop and take a peek inside.
Interestingly enough, the original building now houses the restaurant's counter and kitchen which has kept its novel character with tilted walls and retro inspired panoramas.
The main dining room is a new addition to the revamped restaurant where the futurist and googie theme continues with cheery bright hues, modern furniture and geometric patterns.
After being seated I quickly realized this establishment is a passionate family affair; the service is friendly and cozy, just like their menu! Tempting comfort foods with an international flair are offered for every meal of the day but on this particular occasion I had dinner on the brain.
The grilled salmon salad started things off with a bang. Fresh ingredients like crunchy green beans, juicy red tomatoes and rich Kalamata olives were lightly dressed in sherry tarragon vinaigrette which had the perfect tang to accompany the moist salmon steak.
Another seafood showstopper was the sea bass sautéed with a creamy beurre blanc sauce. The risotto rice cake hidden below was lightly fried and acted as a sponge to capture every last morsel of the beurre blanc.
While every dish had a high point, the paella stopped me in my tracks! Generous portions of fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, chicken and sausage sat atop Spanish rice with the most savory saffron mix I have had. The peas were even cooked to perfection, not mushy which usually steers me away from this green seed pod.
To round out the comfort food bonanza we ordered the tiramisu, crème brulee and cheesecake. The tiramisu was almost too pretty to eat with the perfect ratio of cake to frosting. I am usually not a fan of tiramisu's typically overpowering coffee flavors but Googie's take had welcomed bursts of cinnamon, delish!
On my way out I got a quick look at the breakfast menu. The cheese blintzes, brioche French toast and ranch fresh omelets in particular had me wanting to stay until sunup. Is it 8am yet?!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Will’s Fargo Steakhouse & Bar in Carmel Valley
Recently, Carmel Valley's most iconic hitching posts was sold by the founder of Bernardus Lodge to the folks down the street at Holman Ranch. Will's Fargo Steakhouse & Bar, found in the heart of cowboy country, may have new owners but don't let that "steer" you astray. The landmark's fresh proprietors, Nick Elliott and Hunter Lowder don't plan on changing a whole lot; they like most patrons fell in love with its rustic charm, friendly service and some of the most luscious steaks in Monterey County.
Upon entering you are greeted by the bar and saloon (complete with bar stools) which looks like it was plucked right out of an episode of Bonanza. The cowboy culture continues into the dining room with warm wooden character and beautiful landscape images of the area.
Another untouched gem with the ownership transition is Chef Jerome Viel. The France native has been the restaurant's executive chef for the past 12 years and lucky for us isn't going anywhere anytime soon. His seasonal menu is chalked full of the high quality meats and local veggies sourced just down the road at Earthbound Farms.
On a recent visit I was fortunate enough to post up on their enchanting patio for light bites and sips. The cozy bonfire and twinkling party lights make this a perfect setting for a full-on steak dinner or apps and drinks.
Speaking of drinks, their wine and cocktail menu is a hard one to beat. The Ruby Red Cosmo in particular is the perfect refreshment on the outdoor patio which has just the right amount of citrusy kick without being overly sweet.
I highly recommend the smoked duck tasters. The tender poultry was paired with sweet plum chutney which played nicely with the duck's subtle smoky flavors.
If there's bacon on it I'm going to eat it, especially if it's wrapped around jumbo shrimp and slathered in BBQ sauce! This winning sweet and savory combo had me going back for seconds.
The showstopper of the evening, by no surprise, was the rib eye; the scent alone will have you salivating before the dish even hits the table. This perfectly seared steak is simply seasoned with a few dashes of good ol' salt and pepper, no fancy sauces needed! I hate to sound cliché but every morsel literally melted in my mouth, as if it was straight butter!
Will's Fargo located at Carmel Valley Road and is open nightly for dinner beginning at 4:30pm.
Upon entering you are greeted by the bar and saloon (complete with bar stools) which looks like it was plucked right out of an episode of Bonanza. The cowboy culture continues into the dining room with warm wooden character and beautiful landscape images of the area.
Another untouched gem with the ownership transition is Chef Jerome Viel. The France native has been the restaurant's executive chef for the past 12 years and lucky for us isn't going anywhere anytime soon. His seasonal menu is chalked full of the high quality meats and local veggies sourced just down the road at Earthbound Farms.
On a recent visit I was fortunate enough to post up on their enchanting patio for light bites and sips. The cozy bonfire and twinkling party lights make this a perfect setting for a full-on steak dinner or apps and drinks.
Speaking of drinks, their wine and cocktail menu is a hard one to beat. The Ruby Red Cosmo in particular is the perfect refreshment on the outdoor patio which has just the right amount of citrusy kick without being overly sweet.
I highly recommend the smoked duck tasters. The tender poultry was paired with sweet plum chutney which played nicely with the duck's subtle smoky flavors.
If there's bacon on it I'm going to eat it, especially if it's wrapped around jumbo shrimp and slathered in BBQ sauce! This winning sweet and savory combo had me going back for seconds.
The showstopper of the evening, by no surprise, was the rib eye; the scent alone will have you salivating before the dish even hits the table. This perfectly seared steak is simply seasoned with a few dashes of good ol' salt and pepper, no fancy sauces needed! I hate to sound cliché but every morsel literally melted in my mouth, as if it was straight butter!
Will's Fargo located at Carmel Valley Road and is open nightly for dinner beginning at 4:30pm.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Best Romantic Restaurants in Monterey County for any Budget
Monterey County was made with romance in mind and what better way to gaze into the eyes of your sweetheart then over a delicious meal. Whether you are looking to splurge or save, there is restaurant with romance in mind for any budget size.
Save
Think beautiful ocean views are always served up with a hefty price tag? Think again! The Beach House at Lover's Point not only overlooks the entire Monterey Bay but has an incredible Sunset Special menu. Lovebirds that dine in before 6pm can choose from an array of mouthwatering entrees for just $9.90 and enjoy a glass of wine or local brew for $3.90, talk about a bargain!
Nothing screams romance quite like Clint Eastwood's psychological thriller "Play Misty for Me," well maybe not, but one of the film's locations sure does! The iconic Sardine Factory on Cannery Row offers an Early Dinner menu with 3-courses for just $29. Diners can choose from entrées like Pacific Coast Sand Dabs, Capellini Pomodoro and Filet & Prawns. Ask to be seated in the conservatory room for a whimsical "Tavern on the Green" atmosphere.
Bask in the glow of outdoor fire pits and kick-back atmosphere at Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse in Marina. Hang loose during their nightly Happy Hour from 4pm-6:30pm and mix and match appetizers for just $2 each, saving plenty of cash for roses. Afterwards, head to the beach just outside and walk along the sandy beach during sunset.
Named as one of Travel + Leisure's "Best Cities in the World for Romance" Carmel-by-the-Sea is naturally a hotspot when scouting out a table for two. Aubergine inside the swanky L'Auberge Carmel is not only located in the heart of Carmel but is a premiere dining destination with a Food & Wine magazine "Best New Chef" and an ever-changing menu all set in an intimate and candlelit dining room.
Channel your inner celebrity couple and reserve a table cliff side at Sierra Mar Restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn. Infinite views of the Big Sur coastline and exceptional fine dining experience make this property a favorite amongst celebrity couples; Anne Hathaway and Andy Samburg even said their "I dos" on the property.
Take your sweetie on a trip to Tuscany within the lovely gates of Pebble Beach. Pèppoli at Pebble Beach is as authentic as you can get when it comes to Italian fare; the views of The Links at Spanish Bay are just the icing on the cake, or tiramisu. Be sure to indulge in a glass (or two) of an Antinori wine to really set the mood!
Romantic Hotels & Adventures
Extend your stay in magical Monterey and book a stay at one of these romantic rooms fit for a honeymoon!
Find a full list of amorous adventures with these Ideas for Romance including a sunset sail and spa day.
On a budget? Sweep your sweetheart off their feet without spending a bundle with these Romance on a Shoestring activities including a beach bonfire and wine tasting.
Save
Think beautiful ocean views are always served up with a hefty price tag? Think again! The Beach House at Lover's Point not only overlooks the entire Monterey Bay but has an incredible Sunset Special menu. Lovebirds that dine in before 6pm can choose from an array of mouthwatering entrees for just $9.90 and enjoy a glass of wine or local brew for $3.90, talk about a bargain!
Nothing screams romance quite like Clint Eastwood's psychological thriller "Play Misty for Me," well maybe not, but one of the film's locations sure does! The iconic Sardine Factory on Cannery Row offers an Early Dinner menu with 3-courses for just $29. Diners can choose from entrées like Pacific Coast Sand Dabs, Capellini Pomodoro and Filet & Prawns. Ask to be seated in the conservatory room for a whimsical "Tavern on the Green" atmosphere.
Bask in the glow of outdoor fire pits and kick-back atmosphere at Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse in Marina. Hang loose during their nightly Happy Hour from 4pm-6:30pm and mix and match appetizers for just $2 each, saving plenty of cash for roses. Afterwards, head to the beach just outside and walk along the sandy beach during sunset.
Splurge
Named as one of Travel + Leisure's "Best Cities in the World for Romance" Carmel-by-the-Sea is naturally a hotspot when scouting out a table for two. Aubergine inside the swanky L'Auberge Carmel is not only located in the heart of Carmel but is a premiere dining destination with a Food & Wine magazine "Best New Chef" and an ever-changing menu all set in an intimate and candlelit dining room.
Channel your inner celebrity couple and reserve a table cliff side at Sierra Mar Restaurant at the Post Ranch Inn. Infinite views of the Big Sur coastline and exceptional fine dining experience make this property a favorite amongst celebrity couples; Anne Hathaway and Andy Samburg even said their "I dos" on the property.
Take your sweetie on a trip to Tuscany within the lovely gates of Pebble Beach. Pèppoli at Pebble Beach is as authentic as you can get when it comes to Italian fare; the views of The Links at Spanish Bay are just the icing on the cake, or tiramisu. Be sure to indulge in a glass (or two) of an Antinori wine to really set the mood!
Romantic Hotels & Adventures
Extend your stay in magical Monterey and book a stay at one of these romantic rooms fit for a honeymoon!
Find a full list of amorous adventures with these Ideas for Romance including a sunset sail and spa day.
On a budget? Sweep your sweetheart off their feet without spending a bundle with these Romance on a Shoestring activities including a beach bonfire and wine tasting.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Basil Seasonal Dining in Carmel-by-the-Sea
It's all green at Basil Seasonal Dining and it's not just coming from the name of the restaurant. Basil's is the area's first (and only) green-certified eatery meaning they are environmentally friendly and source the best of local, organic and sustainable ingredients.
The "green goddess" is tucked inside one of Carmel-by-the-Sea's quaint courtyards on San Carlos Street, just down Ocean Street. The colorful dining room oozes with energy which permeates from the modest kitchen just on the other side of the wall. Most of its seating is along their charming outdoor patio (blankets and heating lamps included) which sits between several wine tasting rooms.
Be sure to stop by next door neighbor Manzoni Cellars and taste their stellar Pinot Noir. Don't just take it from me; Wine Enthusiast gave it a solid 93 points!
As the name Basil Seasonal Dining implies, the menu is seasonal and consistently changes with fresh and local bounty. Although menu items vary the hospitality from Chef Soerke and owner Denis remain consistent as they have been in business together for the past 7 years.
Another consistent feature, their uber-popular complimentary bread and addictive pesto sauce; the fresh aroma alone is sure to tee up your appetite.
I suggest starting off with lamb meatballs and local abalone. The lamb meatballs are as unique as they sound and somehow resemble a Basque lamb stew crafted in a magical meatball, covered in rich tomato sauce and topped with creamy goat cheese.
Abalone is a true delicacy in Monterey County and Basil's rendition does not disappoint. Pieces of fresh abalone are scattered about butternut squash and parsnip in a vermouth butter sauce. Did I mention it's served in an abalone shell and topped off with white truffle? Truly decadent!
I typically avoid venison due to my hypersensitivity to gamey flavors but Basil knocks this hard to cook meat out of the park! Their tender house smoked venison melts in your mouth and doesn't even require a knife, although you might want one to avoid awkward stares. The accompanied port reduction sauce is the prefect compliment to this perfect dish.
Don't skimp on dessert! Their after-dinner menu is extensive and all options are amazingly $7. Might I suggest their apple strudel with Fuji apples, figs and pine nuts served with cinnamon gelato?
The "green goddess" is tucked inside one of Carmel-by-the-Sea's quaint courtyards on San Carlos Street, just down Ocean Street. The colorful dining room oozes with energy which permeates from the modest kitchen just on the other side of the wall. Most of its seating is along their charming outdoor patio (blankets and heating lamps included) which sits between several wine tasting rooms.
Be sure to stop by next door neighbor Manzoni Cellars and taste their stellar Pinot Noir. Don't just take it from me; Wine Enthusiast gave it a solid 93 points!
As the name Basil Seasonal Dining implies, the menu is seasonal and consistently changes with fresh and local bounty. Although menu items vary the hospitality from Chef Soerke and owner Denis remain consistent as they have been in business together for the past 7 years.
Another consistent feature, their uber-popular complimentary bread and addictive pesto sauce; the fresh aroma alone is sure to tee up your appetite.
I suggest starting off with lamb meatballs and local abalone. The lamb meatballs are as unique as they sound and somehow resemble a Basque lamb stew crafted in a magical meatball, covered in rich tomato sauce and topped with creamy goat cheese.
Abalone is a true delicacy in Monterey County and Basil's rendition does not disappoint. Pieces of fresh abalone are scattered about butternut squash and parsnip in a vermouth butter sauce. Did I mention it's served in an abalone shell and topped off with white truffle? Truly decadent!
I typically avoid venison due to my hypersensitivity to gamey flavors but Basil knocks this hard to cook meat out of the park! Their tender house smoked venison melts in your mouth and doesn't even require a knife, although you might want one to avoid awkward stares. The accompanied port reduction sauce is the prefect compliment to this perfect dish.
Don't skimp on dessert! Their after-dinner menu is extensive and all options are amazingly $7. Might I suggest their apple strudel with Fuji apples, figs and pine nuts served with cinnamon gelato?
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