Carmel Belle

Every so often, I find myself falling into the monotonous routine of oatmeal for breakfast and a turkey sandwich for lunch. As healthy as that is, it can be quite boring. And that's where Carmel Belle comes into the equation. With a large selection of organic, artisanal breakfast, lunch and recently added dinner options, I am able to break that monotony and still eat high quality, healthy food.

Carmel Belle

Doud Craft Studios (San Carlos between Ocean & 7th)

831.624.1600

 

Hours:

Breakfast: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Lunch: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am until 4:00 pm, Friday & Saturday until 5:00 pm

Dinner: Wednesday - Sunday 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm

 

Breakfast at Carmel Belle is a poached egg lover's dream. They serve local, organic eggs from Glaum Ranche, with toast and a variety of accoutrements. My personal favorite is the mushroom melt with two poached eggs, and an ever so light touch of white truffle oil. Truffles, asparagus and mushrooms play a major role on the breakfast menu, but take a backseat when it comes to the open faced avocado toast. My tip to you, and you will most definitely thank me later, is to order the open faced avocado toast but add an order of prosciutto. You get the creamy, buttery flavor of the avocado, with the salty, smoky flavor of the prosciutto all with the crispy texture of the toast, and it is delicious. They do also offer steel-cut oatmeal with a variety of toppings for those looking for a healthier option.

 

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention they have a full espresso bar, with lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated treats. And a fresh, organic juice bar for smoothies and juices!

 

Lunch is where they truly shine, and the time of day I am most likely to come in and devour one of their delicious offerings. They have some lovely salad options, but I have such an affinity for their sandwiches that I unfortunately tend to forego their leafy delicacies. When I'm trying to be "good," and not a total glutton, I will order the Ham, Fontina and Pear sandwich. Salty and sweet, but with the tang of honey mustard. When I am super hungry, I order the slow cooked Berkshire Pork Sandwich, which has melted cheese on a buttered ciabatta toast, a red onion-currant chutney and is topped with a mound of slow-cooked pork. I don't know that there are any words that can do it justice - so you're just going to have to try it for yourself. They have free-range rotisserie chicken sandwiches, as well as options for vegetarians and vegans. And don't forget a cup of one of their delicious homemade soups - I have yet to try one I didn't absolutely love.

Dinner is kind of a new thing for them - but not to be overlooked! Among their selections include classic home-style options such as Meatloaf and Roasted Chicken, as well as modern fare like Crispy Pork Belly and Roasted Local Cod. If you are a cheese lover, I highly recommend the Quinoa Mac & Cheese, an updated version of the classic macaroni & cheese, with quinoa pasta and a sauce made from goat cheese and gouda. On Fridays, they have a special Farmers Market Night, where their chef creates a meal inspired by seasonal farmer's market selections.

If you are looking for good food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, Carmel Belle is definitely the choice for you. Order at the counter and then take a seat in the middle of the light and airy Doud Craft Studios and your food will be served in just the right amount of time to take in all the lovely shops surrounding you.

Thanksgiving Weekend in Carmel: 11/27 - 11/30

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! If you aren't too busy with Black Friday Shopping, we encourage you to check out some of our local events taking place today and throughout this weekend.

Our friends over at Ag Venture Tours are offering half day tours this week for $75-80 per person. On Friday 11/28, visit three tasting rooms (Chateau Julian, Heller Estate and Bookenoogen) on their Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour.

The Crossroads in Carmel is holding a Holiday Open House on November 29th from 11 am until 3 pm in celebration of the holidays and Small Business Saturday. Come listen to festive holiday music, enjoy delicious treats, sweets and beverages and grab a Crossroads tote bag full of special offers and events from participating retailers. The Crossroads are located off Highway 1 at Rio Road.

If you love music, check out Chris Isaak's Holiday Tour at the Sunset Center on Saturday at 8:00 pm. Tickets range from $79 to $99.

Have a great weekend!

Mondays on Mission Street: Diggidy Dog, A Dog and Cat Boutique

Of course for this week's "Mondays on Mission Street," I debated choosing another one of the wonderful restaurants within walking distance of us. While food will always be my first and everlasting true love, this week I'd like to focus on something else near and dear to my heart - my precious pooch, Charley. Luckily for us, Carmel is home to an abundance of shops, restaurants and hotels that are not only pet-friendly, but also cater specifically to a canine clientele. In honor of Carmel's penchant for pampered pets, I present to you my personal favorite, Diggidy Dog, a Dog and Cat Boutique located on the SW Corner of Mission Street and Ocean Avenue. Diggidy Dog carries a vast array of different products and specialty items for our furry friends and is just a short walk down the street from us here at Tradewinds!

Diggidy Dog

Mission St. & Ocean Ave.

831.625.1585

 

Hours:

10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily

 

I personally consider Diggidy Dog to be the Neiman Marcus of pet stores. Say goodbye to those huge chain stores, with the 90's fluorescent lighting, and hello to your new favorite place to spoil your pet! With so many items in their inventory, its difficult not to find what you're looking for, plus a few extras. They offer a large variety of gourmet treats beyond the standard biscuits, a giant assortment of leashes, clothing, collars and other wearable accessories for the fashion conscious, and a plethora of plush, luxury bedding. Additionally, they carry Earthbath grooming products, which Charley and I like to use after a long, sea salt water and sand-filled day at the beach.

 

We give Diggidy Dog two paws up for its convenient location and extensive collection of pet products. Don't forget to check them out next time you're here in Carmel!

This Weekend in Carmel: 11/21-11/23

Carmel is starting to become a little more festive this weekend as we head into the holiday season. With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, we begin our countdown until Christmas and New Years, and with that comes a season of holiday shopping for friends and family.

Begin your holiday shopping early and take advantage of the 44th Annual Homecrafters Marketplace, an annual craft fair featuring over 100 hand-selected vendors from Monterey and neighboring counties. The event is held on Saturday, November 22nd, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm in the parking lot at Sunset Center. 

Also held on Saturday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm is the Annual Holiday Faire at the Church of the Wayfarer (on Lincoln and 7th). 

The Callaway Golf Invitational, which began yesterday, continues through Sunday the 23rd at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Come see your favorite professional and amateur golfers in a more intimate, relaxed setting. If you need some convincing, the weather here has been beautiful lately, and admission to the invitational is free.

Finally, nothing says "It's the Holiday Season" like the opening weekend of Ice Skating by the Bay, a seasonal ice skating rink located at the Custom House Plaza in Monterey. The rink is open daily, Monday through Saturday from 11 am until 10 pm and on Sundays from 12 pm until 8pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and skate rentals are available for $3.

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and gets plenty of exercise in anticipation of Thanksgiving next week. 

Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!

Charley's Carmel Beach Review

Flanked by the Pebble Beach golf course to the north, and bordered by Point Lobos and the Big Sur coastline to the south, Carmel Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But even better, Carmel beach is pet-friendly and dogs are free to run and play sans leash!

My Saint Bernard, Charley, loves Carmel Beach more than anywhere else in the world. We have an entire ritual dedicated to our beach days, which makes us both wish they happened a little more frequently. First, we stop by Carmel Valley Roasting Company, where I can grab a latte or cappuccino, and attempt to keep up with my energetic, 150-lb furry friend.

Charley sits patiently, waiting to be let off of his leash for maximum fun and exercise!

We walk down to the beach and assess the situation (i.e. find an area with the lowest concentration of other dogs, as the amount of mass being thrown every which way while he sprints around in giant circles can be quite intimidating!). After he tires himself out a bit, we head for the water, which can sometimes be a little bit chilly for those of us not covered in thick fur. We play and splash around for a while and then its time to dry off.  

Tuckered out after a fun day at the beach!

After a long, fun day at the beach, we usually head downtown to one of the many pet-friendly restaurants! Charley is typically so exhausted he doesn't move or make a peep, which allows me to have a peaceful, uninterrupted lunch. 

Whether you are visiting at the peak of summer, or in the middle of the winter, Carmel Beach is definitely a place worth visiting. Taking your dog to Carmel Beach is just one of the many activities that can be enjoyed. Try your hand at surfing (or just watch those who already know what they're doing!), snuggle up next to a bonfire, pick up some sandwiches from Bruno's Market and have a picnic, gather your friends and play a game of volleyball, or simply take in the view (you might even see some humpback whales, or dolphins, if you're lucky).

For a list of Carmel Beach's Rules and Regulations, click here. 

Mondays on Mission Street: Grasing's Restaurant

Today we are introducing "Mondays on Mission Street," a weekly column that will feature our favorite businesses located on the same street as us here at Tradewinds. Today we will be highlighting Grasing's Coastal Cuisine, a Mission Street Restaurant serving contemporary California cuisine, featuring fresh, local ingredients from the Carmel Coast and Central Valley.

Grasing's Restaurant

Mission St. & 6th Ave.

831.624.6562

Hours:

Lunch: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm daily (Lunch Menu)

Dinner: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily (Dinner Menu)

There is something for everyone at Grasing's, where simple, fresh ingredients are transformed into creative dishes with bright and bold flavors. The restaurant itself has a very charming, cottage-style exterior, and a clean, tastefully decorated and cozy interior. The staff is wonderful and accommodating and the service is excellent.

For those with a smaller appetite, the bar area is a perfect place to sip a cocktail and enjoy an appetizer or two with friends. I highly recommend the heirloom tomato salad, as the acidity of the tomato and balsamic glaze pairs perfectly with the creamy burrata cheese and red onion marmalade. Other stars on the appetizers list include the Calamari, which is offered in two different portion sizes, the Dungeness Crab Cakes and the Lobster Mac n' Cheese.

Maybe I'm weird, but I can always determine the quality of a restaurant by their salad offerings. Grasing's really knocks it out of the park with the warm spinach salad, which has diced pancetta, beets, feta cheese and a dijon vinaigrette. And for those who don't need to be bribed with meat, the Butter Lettuce with Point Reyes blue cheese crumbles, candied walnuts, caramelized peaches and balsamic vinaigrette is a great choice, full of complementary flavors and textures.

The Main Courses are where the restaurant truly shines, and the wide variety of steak, seafood and poultry options can appease an entire crowd of picky eaters. Grasing's offers their "Chop House Favorites" a selection of grilled steaks including Filet Mignon, Bone-in Rib Eye, Prime Natural New York, and a milk-fed Veal Chop.

Grasing's "Paella," a unique spin on the classic Spanish dish, with orzo pasta substituted for the rice component, is a highly recommended dish for seafood lovers. The farm-raised Monterey Bay Abalone and Seared Pepper Ahi Tuna are also dishes I can personally put my stamp of approval on. Grasing's also offers Lamb, Pork, Duck, Chicken and Vegetarian options - so really, how can you go wrong here?

If I haven't sold you on Grasing's with their food menu, perhaps I can appeal to you with their extensive, Wine Spectator award-winning wine list and inspired cocktail creations. With myriad wine options from the Napa Valley, Central Coast, and European selections, the accolades come well-deserved. No matter your favorite varietal, Grasing's has an option that will undoubtedly pair wonderfully with your food choices.

Grasing's is the perfect place for both a fun night out with your friends or a romantic, dinner with your significant other. If you are only in town for a night or two, I highly recommend you give them a try!  

This Weekend in Carmel, 11/14 - 11/16

We are still experiencing beautiful, sunny days as we begin our transition from Fall to Winter. We are hoping for some rain, but in the meantime, the weather is perfect for this weekend's upcoming events:

Dawn's Dream Winery is holding an "Art and Wine Workshop" on Saturday, November 15th from 10 am to 1 pm at their tasting room downtown Carmel. This workshop includes wine flights, a light lunch, an individual canvas with painting supplies, and professional instruction. Tickets are $115 each.

From 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 15th, join the House of Merlot celebration at Chateau Julien Winery in Carmel Valley. Winemaker Bill Anderson will share his favorite vintages of their award winning Private Reserve Merlot. Admission is $25 per person in advance, and $30 per person on the day of the event.

Also on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, head down to Carmel Plaza for a Pre-Holiday Prep Party. Activities in every store - including cooking demonstrations, fashion show, art exhibition, pop-up markets and the opportunity to win a holiday gift basket. Visit www.carmelplaza.com/events for more details.

The 12th Presentation of the Big Sur Half Marathon kicks off on Saturday, November 15th with the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K and By The Bay Kids' 3K. The Half Marathon is run on Sunday, November 16th and begins at 6:55 a.m.

On Sunday, November 16th, Galante Vineyards is hosting a "Vino for Veterans" event at their tasting room on Dolores Street. From 2:00 to 5:00 pm, a special celebration will be held, culminating a week of fundraising for World War II veterans to be able fly to Washington DC to visit their War Memorials. Enjoy an afternoon of tasting and meet 6 World War II vets who will be present at the event.

Visit our Events Calendar to plan your upcoming visit to Carmel. We are gearing up for the holiday season, and winter is the perfect time to come experience all that our quaint little village has to offer.

Have a wonderful week!

The Staff at Tradewinds Carmel

Thanksgiving in Carmel

For those traveling to the area for vacation or those who are simply opting out of cooking, we have created a list of the restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Anton and Michel
In addition to their regular menu, Anton & Michel is offering a three-course prix fixe traditional Thanksgiving meal for $38 per person. They will be open from 1 to 9 pm.

Andre's Bouchee
Open from 2 to 8:15 pm.

Christopher's
Open from 3 to 8 pm.

Portabella
Offering a four-course Thanksgiving Dinner for $48.95 per person, which includes two glasses of specially selected wine and is aptly named "The Vintner's Dinner."They are also offering their a la carte dinner menu from noon to 10 pm.

Merlot! Wine Country Bistro
Serving a Traditional Family Thanksgiving Dinner for $28.95 per guest from noon to 10 pm.  A three course meal offering soup or salad, roasted turkey with all of the trimmings and your choice of dessert. Also offering the following 3-course dinner: Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Roast Leg of Lamb or Poached Salmon.

Pacific's Edge
Open from 3 to 8 pm.

Aubergine
Open from 2 to 8:30 pm.

Il Fornaio
Open from 2 to 8 pm.

Flaherty's
Open from 2 to 8:45 pm.

La Bicyclette
Open for dinner from 5 to 10 pm.

Grasing's
Open from 2:30 to 8:30 pm

Casanova
Open from 1 to 8 pm.

If you are planning on dining out, we would be delighted to make reservations for you - as the holidays can be a busy time around here!

Bon Appetit!

The Staff at Tradewinds Carmel

Welcome!

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Tradewinds Carmel! We are excited to share with you our new blog and interactive guide to Carmel and the surrounding areas. We truly believe Carmel is one of the most magical places in the world and want to be able to reach out to new and returning guests, to provide updates and give a little bit of insight on what this region of California has to offer. There is something for everyone here - whether you're a nature enthusiast, an avid art collector, a foodie or a fashionista - Carmel has it all. We have been hard at work putting together an extensive list of the best restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and outdoor attractions, and we hope you will find them useful as you plan your next visit to the area.

If you are interested in viewing our property, or making a reservation, please visit our main website, Tradewinds Carmel.

Until Next Time...

The Staff at Tradewinds Carmel