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.