Carmel Belle Restaurant

After dining at Carmel Belle Restaurant, I have gladly added this restaurant to my list of favorites.  Located in the heart of downtown Carmel on the corner of Ocean and San Carlos in the Doud Craft Studios, this delicious spot is a great treasure.  Upon walking in to the restaurant you notice the charm in presentation and appearance by the look and feel of everything they provide including the plates being ushered to nearby tables as you wonder if that should be your order.  This place goes beyond charm to satisfy cravings you didn't even realize you had.  Every bite was delicious.  We noticed, without surprise, that all the plates returning to the kitchen after consumption were completely empty.  Dining tables are provided indoors and outdoors and there are also tables provided for those taking their canine friends out to breakfast (as is common in Carmel).  Carmel Belle is also known for their cheese and charcuterie.  Everything I've heard about this place and all that I have seen left me incredibly impressed.  I cannot wait to return.  So, take your friends over, go on a date, or take the family, and enjoy a great time in this lovely area we live in! 

To view their website click here.

To view their menu click here.

They are open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

Enjoy pictures below courtesy of When in Monterey:       

View while waiting in line at Carmel Belle

 

View continued

Latte

 Menu with one of the many decorated spoons they use to bring your food to the correct table

 Avocado, with local olive oil and sea-salt

 Poached egg

 House cinnamon toast with sweet butter

 Rotisserie chicken salad sandwich with roasted tomatoes on ciabatta

Soft-poached egg, cheddar (Grafton, VT) & Hobb's bacon on toasted ciabatta

Gizdich Ranch and Pik-Yor-Self

When the month of June arrives, one of my first thoughts is: Olallieberry picking season at Gizdich Ranch!  Just a 45 minute drive from Monterey and you reach fields of berries...not just Olallieberries either (although that is my personal favorite).  This makes for a great day with family, friends, or a special someone. 

Gizdich Ranch holds annual Pik-Yor-Self dates for Strawberries, Olallieberries, Boysenberries, and Apples.  I recommend you contact their farm by phone to hear up-to-date picking availabilitiy. 
Their phone number is: (831) 722-1056
Another plus to this family owned and operated ranch is their delicious pies, freshly pressed juices, homemade jams and apple butter, etc.  They offer tours and the real makings of a fun adventure.  They have a gift shop and an antique shop, and a great area to picnic.

*****Even when they're not in berry season, you may drop in to purchase a pie for dessert - a great idea if you're off to a dinner party.    

To visit the Gizdich Ranch website, please click here.

For directions via Google Maps from Monterey to Gizdich Ranch, please click here.

If any of you are sitting there wondering, "What's an olallieberry?"... here is an answer:
From what I've heard, an Olallieberry is a cross between a Loganberry and a Youngberry.  They are similar to a Blackberry, but larger in size and generally sweeter.  Olallieberries are predominately grown in California, so if you're visiting from out of state, give this California treat a try!

What to do after you've had a day picking berries?  Go home and make enough jam to give as Christmas gifts, or enter some jam into the Monterey County Fair.  Maybe make a pie or freeze some extra berries...just enjoy!

Some tips:
-Wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind attempting to rid of a few berry stains.
-Bring a hat and sunscreen, as it may get warm while picking berries.
-Wear a gardening glove or medical glove if you'd like to be protected from a tiny thorn or two.
-Bring a bucket or a wagon if you're eager to pick a large amount of berries.
-Dress in layers if you arrive early for the cool morning or the warm midday/afternoon sun.
-Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy and some water. 
-If you're planning to pick a large amount of berries, a few trash bags may be helpful to put underneath your boxes of berries to protect your car.

Roaring Camp Railroads

"Roaring Camp was the best adventure that we went on." - June 11, 1991

While planning for this "Roaring Camp Railroads" blog and simultaneosly sorting through old momentos from my childhood, I stumbled upon my field trip 'passport' from elementary school.  Some of the trips had a note with their date stamp, however this one definitely took the cake as I wrote there in my 1st grade pen. 

If you're in the area, this is an estimated 1 hour drive from Monterey to Felton (nearby Santa Cruz) and incredibly worth it too.  I will emphasize that while kids truly enjoy Roaring Camp, this would be a fun date and something enjoyable with a group of friends at any age.   

You may view their website by clicking here.

This is a wonderful place to relax in the outdoors with a picnic too.  Do you ever have a childhood memory with a smell linked to it?  I can still imagine the smell of the fresh air mixed with the pretty smell from the redwood trees.  We're planning to go here soon...I can't wait!  

Click events to see a list of what exciting things are arriving soon.  The Starlight Evenings train ride sounds romantic to me.   

For children, they have tickets on sale for their Thomas the Tank Engine event arriving in the end of July and early August...you get a ride on Thomas's train...what little one wouldn't be thrilled?

For older children and adults, they offer an annual Civil War Event including Encampment and Battles...could be very fun for a 10 year old boy or the coolest birthday party ever!

Either way, between the scenery of the gorgeous redwood trees, the history, the fun general store, and a ride on a steam train (I recommend the redwood tree ride)...this is a memory you don't want to miss making.  

54th Annual Good Old Days

Join the fun in Pacific Grove this weekend at the Good Old Days.  Saturday morning stop by the Pancake Breakfast or reserve your spot along the parade route.  This is one event you'll want to enjoy while you live here or even if you're just visiting.  The Good Old Days is a great weekend event packed with a large arts and crafts fair, entertainment, and more.  This makes for a fun daytime date or a really enjoyable family day. 

To obtain more information about the Good Old Days or to download a pdf of the program, click here.

*Some stand-out items I noticed from their event program included:
     -Wild Things Exotic Animals on Display (no doubt a blog post about Wild Things will arrive in the future)
     -Classic Car Show Saturday Afternoon
     -Free Family Movie Night Saturday Evening
     -Sunday Afternoon Fire Department Competition
     -Children's Pony Rides
          

Corkscrew Café in Carmel Valley

This amazing café is one that I had the pleasure of discovering thanks to Rachael Ray's $40 a day show.  I had missed out on this incredible "it" place up until that point because, as a local, you don't always take the pleasure of driving to the Carmel Valley Village (unless the sun is out and you're heading to the community pool nearby on your day off or just going to get a little break from the fog).  This building began as a corkscrew museum, so when you arrive take a look inside at some of the remaining unique corkscews on display.  I cannot tell you enough how amazing the food is here...the owner of this café also owns the popular Casanova Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea which provides fancier fare, although in my mind, they are equally delicious.  The flavors at Corkscrew are outstanding and the prices are equally satisfying.  Lunch is my favorite time to venture out this way primarily because of the sunshine that greets you with a gentle breeze.  Sitting outside in this relaxing setting is sure to take a load off.  Evening dinners at Corkscrew offer a great date setting...just very romantic.  Another plus comes when large tourist events occur in Carmel or Pebble Beach, i.e. the AT&T Pro-Am, since you can usually still find a reservation available at Corkscrew.  One of my favorite entrées is the Nicoise Salad with Grilled Salmon...every bite is amazing.  To be honest, everything I've had there is amazing.  I'm usually an order-by-habit-person, but at Corkscrew, you can't go wrong.  Another special touch to this restaurant is their children's menu...each of these adorable menus appear inside a children's book.  The last two times we went there we read the most adorable stories to our son from his "menu"...it is my personal thought that more restaurants would benefit from this great idea!  For any of my readers who hold a great appreciation for Organic, Fresh, Local, and the like...you will be glad to know that this is one restaurant that operates on all those fronts.  Corkscrew has their own garden nearby the restaurant where they obtain most of their produce for your entrée, fresh picked that day.  They offer great, fresh quality and add that to their skill in combining flavors and textures which are outstanding...this sort of combination always makes me think of the movie Ratatouille!  They recently added a a beautiful display in the front of their restaurant showcasing their handcrafted, delicious pizzas.  So, if you want to ditch the regular tourist spots and enjoy some outstanding food in a beautiful setting, go to Carmel Valley and experience food at its best!    

Visit www.corkscrewcafe.com to view their hours, obtain directions, hear more about their restaurant, garden, or nearby Georis Winery and Tasting Room. 

A special 'Thank You' to the Rachael Ray show for introducing me to this wonderful spot...sometimes even locals appreciate the new info.  To view the food network "Monterey" episode link click here.

Below Pictures Courtesy of When in Monterey Blog Author:

Ocean View Blvd. in Pacific Grove & Goodie's Delicatessen

Many locals like to keep a close watch on high surf advisory alerts because that is a great time (if conditions are safe) to drive along Ocean View Blvd. in Pacific Grove (camera in hand) and watch the tremendous waves crash against the rocks (notice my header photo on the right is an Ocean View Blvd. wave).  Tomorrow is a high-surf advisory from 11 am -11 pm.  Even if you work nearby, drive on your lunch break and park on the street's side, then enjoy whatever you brown-bagged that day.  When a large set arrives in, snap a few pictures and roll down your window just to listen to the waves...people pay money to buy ocean wave sounds but if you're here, you practically have that sound in your backyard!  I remember during the rough adolescent years of middle school having my mom take me out to lunch this way.  She'd pick me up from school, with my favorite sandwich, and drive to Ocean View Blvd. where we'd watch the waves.  She'd encourage me though the difficult times and it was these little breaks away that encouraged me to keep going through the most challenging day.  Even as an adult, these moments of calm are helpful.  I am so thankful my mom did this...the tradition will continue.

This setting makes for a great date too.  Get sandwiches or make yourself a picnic, snap photographs together as you stop along the road to capture a wave, and hold hands.  There's just something wonderful about holding hands along the beach.

*Please do not go on the rocks during high surf warnings, or decide it's your day to swim around the ocean or convince yourself it's the day you'll take up tidepooling.  I have heard too many stories on ksbw news over the years of people being swept out to sea by an unexpected wave.  So, stay at a safe distance to watch.  

Goodie's Delicatessen, Pacific Grove:
If you hit snooze on the alarm and didn't get a chance to brown-bag a lunch, then consider the pure enjoyment of a sandwich from Goodie's.  If you're taking a drive along Ocean View you can stop here along the way.  If you'd like to avoid a wait, you can view their menu, location, and contact information by clicking here and call your order in.  I'm one of those people that has a "usual" just about everywhere because I get stuck on one delicious thing.  At Goodie's I always order the #14, without mustard, on one of their french rolls instead of the sourdough it normally arrives on (because, let's face it, it's all about the bread for me).  Something about the pickles they give you too...they're just my favorite pickles.

Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path

Fitness and beauty meet when you take your bicycle (or your jogging shoes) out on the Monterey Bike Path.  You can also rent a surrey at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove or on Cannery Row for a date or some family fun.  Just get outside here for some fitness along the coast and enjoy yourselves!
Click Here to view Bay Bikes Rentals or Click Here to view Adventures by the Sea Rentals.  The views along this path are gorgeous.  All kinds of animals and birds to view along the oceanside and and you can stop for lunch or coffee along your route.  This Bike Path used to be the location of the coastal railroad tracks which existed from the 1930's to the 1950's in the height of the historical Sardine Factories.  Some of the original tracks remain in areas of Seaside if you want to enjoy a piece of remaining history and, if applicable, point them out to your children.  You can begin in Pacific Grove and go all around the coast and back if your body obliges.

A note of awareness: I have witnessed walkers, joggers, and bicyclists get frustrated with one another while trying to share the road.  There are some very serious bicyclists (not the majority) who get a bit of bike-path-rage.  So if you're a walker, be kind to the bicyclists and try to yield to them.  If you're a bicyclist, many walkers on the road are tourists and may not be aware of the need to walk on the dirt path so be kind and gentle.  Let's be nice to one another out there and primarily, have fun and enjoy the view!  If you're bicycling, use caution where walkers frequent the path along Pacific Grove and Monterey to avoid collision.

For more information on the Monterey Bike Path including maps and more, click here.


Another tip for those enjoying the use of their bicycles on Thursdays.  There is now a program called HER Helmet Thursdays where you may obtain discounts at various locations if you ride there via your bike with your helmet. 
"H"- Hotels/other lodging. 
"E"- Educational attractions and entertainment venues. 
"R"- Restaurants/other dining and beverages.

HER Helmet Thursday FAQ's may be viewed by clicking here.

A map including the participating venues of HER Helmet Thursdays may be viewed here.

First Awakenings also participates in HER Helmet Thursdays.

Blog Header Photographs

I have received many inquiries about the photographs on my blog header, so this post should provide any answers. 

All of these photographs were taken by my husband and I. 


     -The top left photo is the sunset view from the Dunes in Sand City.

     -The next photo is a picture of spring flowers (California Poppy and Lupine) in front of the Pacific Grove Museum.

     -The next photo is a picture taken while hiking in Big Sur on the Buzzard's Roost Trail inside Pfeiffer State Park.

     -The far right photo was taken along Ocean View Blvd. in Pacific Grove while watching the large ocean waves that arrive in the winter.

First Awakenings

This Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant is sooooo delicious!  I mean, it's really good and it has that addictive quality to it.  My husband and I order the same thing every time...almost without fail.  This is a local's spot, but if you've visited the area enough times, you'll know many tourists flock here too.  Everyone goes to First Awakenings because the food is amazing!  If you're craving pancakes...go here, and order "Pancake" because when they serve you just one, that's plenty.  I recommend their wheat-germ pancake, YUM!  Or try their summer oatmeal...the presentation is fun to play with if you're a big kid and I promise you'll enjoy it!  Their skillets are so delicious and their staff is wonderfully friendly and prompt.  One more little fact, if you enjoy their hot sauce on the tables, you may purchase some at the register when you pay for your meal.  I have only seen people enjoying themselves when they eat here and when they leave, just anxious to return.  This is a wonderful, casual breakfast place right in Pacific Grove near the Monterey border.  Their location is in the American Tin Cannery.  If you walk through the Tin Cannery after you enjoy this place there is an upstairs area, and if you have children and quarters, they can sit on the car ride with Elmo and pretend to take a drive.  Parking on the street is available if you have coins, but if you plan to enjoy your dining experience at First Awakenings, go to the parking area just up the street and let them know you'll be having breakfast there...they will give you a ticket to have stamped at the restaurant and you'll receive the first 2 or 3 hours of parking free.  The American Tin Cannery has been adding more stores to their listings but they still have many empty spaces.  I remember when this place had a store filled in every available spot.  They had a great bookstore upstairs, they had a kitchen store downstairs, clothing stores for children, all kinds of things in their hay-day.  They still have some great stores if you walk through, but you'll notice the bare feeling.  First Awakenings continues to shine there though.  No surprise why. 

Who knows who you'll spot when you eat here. 

Have you ever seen an episode of I Love Lucy?  There was one episode where Lucy got starstruck after running into William Holden.  My friend and I had an experience just like this (well, at least the first 50 seconds). There used to be a youtube link to the clip from the show but it is no longer available. Either way, below is the story.

So, I met my friend for breakfast at yummy First Awakenings.  We sat outside on a sunny day and then Paul Walker was seated behind my friend...just like Ethel, I whispered to let her know who was behind her.  Now, I understand Paul Walker is not of the same William Holden fame, but still.  Paul is the guy who hasn't shaved in a few days (Picture below, courtesy of my wonderful friend).  She got a little starstruck and I could not stop playing the I Love Lucy episode in my mind while all this unfolded.  That was probably one of my favorite times eating here.  I don't blame her for being a little starstruck and taking a picture of him...I thought it was great!

*In 2006, Rachael Ray dined at First Awakenings for her $40 a Day show.  This restaurant was featured on the show and Rachael enjoyed crepeggs...something I admit I haven't tried yet because I'm so stuck on my "usual" here!  Click here to see the link to the food network's website. 

Visit http://www.firstawakenings.net/ to view locations, hours, menu, and more. 

The Inn at Spanish Bay: Lobby Lounge and Outdoor Terrace

If you don't often take advantage of the Pebble Beach Resorts nearby, start enjoying them little by little.  Here is a relaxing date idea, and the plus side is that you don't need reservations.  Go to The Inn at Spanish Bay on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening (preferably in the late afternoon).  If you'd like, stay indoors and sit by a warm fireplace, but I recommend that you try to get there as early as you can (4 pm would be best).  Find a cozy seat around one of the fire pits on the Outdoor Terrace.  Between 4 and 6 pm daily the bagpiper will complete their performance near the Terrace, providing the feel of St. Andrews' golf course in Scotland.  Enjoy your view of a lovely green golf course with ocean waves just beyond.  Watch the sunset and relax as you wait for the beautiful fog to roll in or on a clear night for the stars to begin appearing.  Listen to the waves, request a blanket from a server if you get cold, and order some delicious appetizers then share dessert.  This date can be incredibly romantic.  All of the lounge menu items come from Roy's Restaurant...so they're going to be delicious down to every last bite.  I recommend stopping here on a Thurs, Fri, or Sat because they will have live entertainment.  If you want something quiet, then choose a Sunday thru Wednesday evening.

Click here to view The Spanish Bay Lobby Lounge online and scroll down to open the pdf of their menu.  They have a Spanish Bay Half-Pound Burger, some sandwiches, and a salad if you want something more substantial than appetizers.  This is a great date out of the norm.  No sitting in a restaurant, looking across the table from your date, no reservations, just sitting next to one another, in front of a fire, watching the ocean and sunset, as you wait to stargaze.

*The menu for the Lobby Lounge and Outdoor Terrace begins at 12 pm and ends at 10 pm.