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!

Eat Your Way through History at the Steinbeck House in Salinas, CA

113 years ago the Pulitzer-Prize winner, John Steinbeck was born in the front room of a gorgeous 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home that still stands in downtown Salinas today.
The Steinbeck House is not only one of Salinas' historic landmarks but it's also a noteworthy restaurant for delectable lunches and teas. It is the perfect addition to any trek into Steinbeck Country especially since it is just a block down the street from the National Steinbeck Center. What's really amazing about this picturesque three-story Victorian home is that it is entirely run by volunteers, except for one hard-working chef.
In 1974 a group of eight women, known as the Valley Guild, purchased the home and converted it into a working restaurant as a past-time hobby to showcase their husband's produce from nearby fields. Today over 80 cheery volunteers continue to run the restaurant and keep the home in its pristine condition. The Valley Guild also operates the quaint gift shop in the basement which holds a few of John Steinbeck's furniture pieces and sells Steinbeck's books, cookbooks, tea pots and more.

The shingled Victorian home is complete with delicate trimmings, a glass entry door, manicured gardens and plenty of windows. As I walked up the steps towards the entrance I could easily imagine myself relaxing on the comfy porch bench reading "Travels with Charley."
Once I entered I felt as though I had stepped back into the early 1900's. The interior was surrounded with decorative wallpaper, Victorian light fixtures and a detailed wooden staircase. A friendly waitress adorned in Victorian-era attire, soon sat us down in the Parlor Room overlooking Central and Stone streets.

Soon after she arrived with our beverages (you can't go wrong with the raspberry Steinbeck Tea) and a plentiful basket of fresh warm bread. This wasn't your average complimentary bread; the warm buttery biscuits were sprinkled with a dash of rosemary and oregano. After the first scrumptious bite I knew I wasn't going to have just one.
Trying hard to resist my third piece of bread I finally took a look at the menu. The dishes change weekly with two entrée specials, four sandwich selections and a variety of tempting desserts. Today's offerings included dishes like chicken bundles, a Cobb salad, and a turkey wrap. I opted for the chicken apple brie sandwich and a side of salad.

In almost no time our entrees arrived piping hot from the kitchen. The fresh greens on my side salad looked like they had just been plucked from one of the nearby fields and the creamy Italian dressing was the perfect accompaniment!
My sophisticated adult grilled cheese glistened as it was laid down before me. The buttery slices of toasted bread were full of juicy chicken breast, crisp apple slices and a hefty amount of gooey brie cheese, delish! I took a peek at the dessert menu which included crème brulee and chocolate cheesecake and a frozen chocolate charlotte but unfortunately had to resist.
The prices are very reasonable at around $12 for an enjoyable sit-down lunch.
Complete tours of Steinbeck's boyhood home are available in the summer months and by special request. I for one would love to come back and see Steinbeck's room where he dreamt up stories like "The Red Pony" and "Tortilla Flat."

The Steinbeck House is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:30am-2pm. The restaurant is also open for various special events like their Saturday Teas.

The Restaurant at Ventana in Big Sur: Nourishment for Your Soul & Appetite

Need to getaway but already burned up your vacation time? Escape reality for an evening and wind down scenic Highway 1, pass over the iconic Bixby Bridge, and ultimately pull into The Restaurant at Ventana.
This dining destination nestled within the posh Ventana Inn & Spa is surrounded with views of Big Sur's rocky coastline to the west and lush rolling hills of the Ventana Wilderness to the east. The panoramic views are sure to put your mind ease; but don't take it from me, just ask the chef.

Executive Chef Paul Corsentino moved from his swanky digs in midtown Manhattan after experiencing the serenity of California's Central Coast during his honeymoon; and we couldn't be happier! His carefully crafted prix-fixe dinner menu is particularly impressive with an array of options using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
Needing a mini-vacay, I decided to head down the coast and try some of Paul's new Californian creations.
One of the hardest decisions you will have to make once you arrive is whether to sit inside their sophisticated and cozy dining room or their more casual and kick-back outdoor patio.

When dining for lunch I tend to opt for their lavender laden outdoor patio but on this particular dinner occasion I chose to be wined and dined inside near the luxurious roaring fireplace.
An impressive (and affordable) wine and dinner menu was presented by a friendly and hospitable waiter. After a few sips of Pinot Noir I dove into the menu for my carefully selected four courses. Word of caution, it's difficult to choose just one dish in each course with tantalizing items like roasted foie gras, soy glazed turnips and ricotta gnudi.

After placing our orders the waiter presented us with complimentary bread and the chef's special pickled rhubarb dip, which was like nothing I have ever seen, or tasted. The magenta rhubarb made this dish pop in both presentation and flavor, a great accompaniment with the fresh feta cheese and earthy olive oil.
The first course of local halibut crudo soon followed and started things off with a bang. The ginger miso vinaigrette had an incredible kick that was offset by the pickled seaweed. The raw fish was clearly fresh and the consistency was spot on.
The second course provided another local delicacy from the sea. The grilled octopus was, may I dare say, one of the best I have ever had. The charred tentacles were crispy yet tender and the lemon zest added a pleasant burst of surprise.
Switching things up I opted for an entrée from the land. The pork chop dish was huge, especially for a tasting menu; no skimping on portions here. The well-seasoned pork was delightful on its own but the sauce with juicy bacon slices, cannellini beans and sweet artichokes certainly earned additional points in my book.

Even though I was stuffed at this point I was not going to miss out on the fourth course, and the most important meal of the day, dessert! The bannoffee cake was a slam dunk with a creamy banana pudding served over a graham cracker crust and topped off with caramelized bananas and crunchy heath bar. Talk about indulgence!
The Restaurant at Ventana is sure to nourish your soul and your appetite.
Reservations for dinner are highly recommended, 831-667-4242. The four-course tasting menu is offered daily from 6pm-9pm for $75 per person. Dishes may also be ordered a la carte.

Authentic Italian Flavors to be found at Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza in Seaside, CA

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.

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

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 beet
• 3 tomatoes
• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 1 carrot
• Lettuce
• Cabbage
• Any other vegetables that you want to eat

Legumes

• Beans

Fruits

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Meyer Lemons
• Avocados 

1) Make a base - Put five sliced tomatoes the bottom of the blender, put one sliced beet, one carrot, two bananas, one avocado, 20 almonds, 20 cashews and five walnuts on top of it and blend them all together.

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.

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.

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?!