Okay so my friend and co-worker Steve told me about this quaint little café in Carmel since me and Baby were going down for the weekend. He knows everything about Carmel and many co-workers told me of his many excursions and family ties to the rich and artsy town—so big-ups to Steve for the recommendation!
Well...me and Baby headed out and had one of the most awesome drives I’ve ever had. It was a long ride and I’d never driven down there myself (always riding instead). It was his birthday and I really wanted to do something special for him, so I rented a nice hotel with great amenities and décor (Mission Inn, which by the way—rocked). We drove into the hotel parked and checked-in for a quick change of clothes, putting the wine on ice until we returned after dinner.
We actually made it for our reservation! And although we were late getting there, after an almost pitch black ride up the mountain side, we were seated and served with ease and delight. The place was not at all pretentious, though French, and WOW—the Chef came to wait on us making us feel more at home than ever. He offered us the specials and we took our time and had a good glass of red wine while we awaited our entrees. Baby had the lamb and I had the halibut. Both were served with rustic sauces, buttered vegetables and mashed potatoes that were sweet and creamy.
The chef laughed and talked to us about where we lived worked and played and told us of France and his mom and his love of food. He was so kind and generous of spirit that it really did make our night. We even had dessert—something we never do. A bread pudding that was to die for, with raspberry and passion fruit sauces drizzled onto the plate and a dollop of fresh whipped cream infused with vanilla beans decorated with a simple sprig of mint. The chef picked out the perfect port and matched it with the dessert for an even more full experience. It was truly an extraordinary feat and we couldn’t have eaten a thing more!
What can I say about this place that I haven’t already said? It was romantic, warm, friendly and yes charmingly rustic! The food was amazing and so was the chef and the staff! It reminded me of mom’s cooking. Very home style—biscuits and gravy you know? We’ll if you don’t, please get over there and try it out! It’s so worth the drive and the time.
P.S.
It was one of the most affordable three course French meals I’ve ever had the pleasure of stuffing my face with…..lol!
Well...me and Baby headed out and had one of the most awesome drives I’ve ever had. It was a long ride and I’d never driven down there myself (always riding instead). It was his birthday and I really wanted to do something special for him, so I rented a nice hotel with great amenities and décor (Mission Inn, which by the way—rocked). We drove into the hotel parked and checked-in for a quick change of clothes, putting the wine on ice until we returned after dinner.
We actually made it for our reservation! And although we were late getting there, after an almost pitch black ride up the mountain side, we were seated and served with ease and delight. The place was not at all pretentious, though French, and WOW—the Chef came to wait on us making us feel more at home than ever. He offered us the specials and we took our time and had a good glass of red wine while we awaited our entrees. Baby had the lamb and I had the halibut. Both were served with rustic sauces, buttered vegetables and mashed potatoes that were sweet and creamy.
The chef laughed and talked to us about where we lived worked and played and told us of France and his mom and his love of food. He was so kind and generous of spirit that it really did make our night. We even had dessert—something we never do. A bread pudding that was to die for, with raspberry and passion fruit sauces drizzled onto the plate and a dollop of fresh whipped cream infused with vanilla beans decorated with a simple sprig of mint. The chef picked out the perfect port and matched it with the dessert for an even more full experience. It was truly an extraordinary feat and we couldn’t have eaten a thing more!
What can I say about this place that I haven’t already said? It was romantic, warm, friendly and yes charmingly rustic! The food was amazing and so was the chef and the staff! It reminded me of mom’s cooking. Very home style—biscuits and gravy you know? We’ll if you don’t, please get over there and try it out! It’s so worth the drive and the time.
P.S.
It was one of the most affordable three course French meals I’ve ever had the pleasure of stuffing my face with…..lol!
