This Weekend in Carmel: 12/5 - 12/7

We have many events in store these upcoming weeks for those of you who are taking advantage of visiting Carmel before the new year arrives - and the rain should subside just in time for this weekend!

Friday, December 5th

Sunset Center Holiday Party, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy complimentary wine, cookies and coffee in the Theater Lobby before heading to Devendorf Park for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. A photographer will be on hand to take photos in front of the Sunset Christmas Tree.

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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Devendorf Park, 4:30 pm
Festivities begin at 4:30 pm with special performances by Junipero Serra School Children and the Carmel Middle School Choir, as well as a recitation of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Mayor Jason Burnett will light the tree around 5:45 pm.

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Carmel Plaza Holiday Open House, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Carmel Plaza is hosting a Holiday Open House following the Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be live music, appearances from Santa and his elves, as well as free warm beverages from Carmel Coffee & Cocoa and small bites from the restaurants at Carmel Plaza.

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Saturday, December 6th

- The Carmel Foundation Holiday Bazaar at Diment Hall, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Shop a variety of crafts, gift baskets, jewelry and breads all handmade by talented local artists. The Carmel Foundation's cause nourishes the enrichment and productivity of active lives.

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- Wine and Wreaths at Joullian Vineyard, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, $45 per person
Join Joullian Vineyard for their open house and food drive, where you can sample the latest vintage wines and enjoy a BBQ lunch. Juniper, holly, mistletoe and grapevines will be available for wreath-making and a contest will be held and prizes given for the best wreaths!

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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.

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.