Mondays on Mission Street: Andre's Bouchee

Can you believe it's already Monday? After a Thanksgiving weekend full of friends, family and food, it's about time we all get back to work! For this week's "Mondays on Mission Street," we are featuring a favorite restaurant of ours here at Tradewinds, Andre's Bouchee. Located on Mission Street just two doors south of Ocean Avenue, Andre's Bouchee is an authentic French bistro serving classic French dishes with a "Californian Coastal flair."

Andre's Bouchee

Mission Street between Ocean & 7th

831.626.7880

Hours:

Lunch: Wednesday through Sunday 11:30 am until 2:00 pm

Dinner: Daily from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel, Andre's Bouchee is a cozy, charming restaurant serving delectable classic French cuisine in an intimate setting. The restaurant is the perfect spot to stop for a lunch break during a day of shopping in town, or for a lovely, romantic dinner in the evening. 

And now, I present a break-down of the menu (accompanied by a little lesson in the French language).

As part of my own neurosis, I almost ALWAYS always order wine before I even look at the menu, depending on whether I want red or white. And then I choose an entree accordingly. A word to the wise - DO NOT DO THIS HERE! Let their in-house sommelier do the work for you and peruse the menu before picking out a wine. They have an extensive wine menu and will recommend the perfect wine pairing based on your entree selection and taste preferences. Here are some of my favorites, from start to finish. 

French Onion Soup (Soupe a L'Oignon) is typically my go-to, however, the Cream of Mushroom (Creme de Champignons) is in a league of its own. If I know I'm going to be ordering an extra rich entree, I'll typically order a salad, perhaps the Mixed Baby Greens with Duck Confit (Salade de Confit de Canard). Or you can always share an appetizer... the escargot or mussels are perfect for that! Whatever the case, don't overdo it here, because you'll definitely need to save room for your entree and dessert!

You really can't go wrong with any of their meat or seafood entree selections. When I am eating out, I always try to go for the option that is most unlike anything I can make for myself at home. The Duck Legs Confit (Confit de Canard) and Braised Lamb Shank (Jarret d'Agneau au Sirop d'Erable et Citron Vert) both have that je ne sai quoi I look for when I'm dining out. Their seafood options are equally impressive, and include a Lobster Saffron Broth Risotto (Rissoto aux Fruits de Mer) and Grilled Striped Bass (Striped Bass Grille au Citron Vert). 

For dessert, you should definitely opt for the Vanilla and Rum Creme Brûlée or the Melting Chocolate Cake (Coulant Aux Chocolat et Carambar), or finish your meal with a lovely selection of cheeses. 

Do not miss out on some of the best food and service in the area - just be sure to let them know Tradewinds sent you! 

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.

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!  

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