Mondays on Mission Street: The Carmel Plaza

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, today's "Mondays on Mission Street" column is all about SHOPPING! Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea is home to myriad clothing boutiques and specialty shops, and The Carmel Plaza, specifically, is the epicenter and home to some of the area's best shopping in terms of variety and quality.

The Carmel Plaza

Ocean Avenue & Mission Street

831.624.1385

The Carmel Plaza is an outdoor shopping center, with beautiful floral accents, a cozy, cottage-like exterior, and both upscale and casual shopping options. The Plaza is home to contemporary stores such as J Crew, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, as well as luxury stores like Tiffany and Co., and Bottega Veneta. Many stores you would find in a metropolitan area have found their way into this charming shopping complex in the heart of downtown. 

In addition to the plethora of apparel options, The Carmel Plaza is also home to specialty beauty retailers Cos Bar and L'Occitane. Both of these offer luxurious cosmetic and bath amenities, and cater towards a more pampered clientele. 

Boutique linen and home furnishing stores, as well as the popular cookware store, Sur La Table, round out the retail experience.

Take a break from a day of shopping and enjoy a coffee at Carmel Coffee and Cocoa or a bite to eat at Flying Fish Grill, Bistro Beaujoulais, or 400 Degrees Burgers.

Other activities include wine tasting at Wrath Winery and cheese sampling at the world renowned gourmet Cheese Shop.

Carmel Plaza has something for everyone and should be on every visitor's itinerary!

Mondays on Mission Street: Casanova

Food has always been a huge part of my life. Every family gathering, celebration or special occasion somehow revolved around food. Perhaps it was because my dad was a chef, or because my mom managed restaurants, that somehow, so many of my memories are sparked by names of restaurants and favorite dishes. I am ecstatic to be able to present to you the first restaurant I think of when I am planning a special occasion, and this week's "Mondays on Mission Street" feature, Casanova Restaurant.

Casanova

Mission Street & 5th Avenue

831.625.0501

Hours:

Lunch -

Dinner -

Casanova is a Carmel Institution. A bold statement, maybe, but well-deserved. For years, I have attended everything from engagement parties, to birthdays, to anniversaries and graduation parties, and Casanova has proven time and time again to be more than capable of hosting the most joyous of occasions. With its cozy, romantic ambiance, its great service, impeccable French country-style décor, and amazing rustic French-Italian cuisine, Casanova really embodies traditional European dining.

Begin your meal with the spinach gnocchi, a light, doughy pillow of potato pasta served "au gratin" style. The parmesan cream sauce is ever so delicately salty, and creamy, and if you're anything like me, you will want to take a loaf of bread and soak it in this deliciousness.

The lunch menu features items such as the classic Croque Monsieur, Beef Ravioli, Shrimp Scampi, and a personal favorite of mine  - Steak Frites.

The dinner menu features heartier fare - classic pasta and meat dishes with both French and Italian roots. The Seafood Linguini is a personal favorite and features lobster, clams, mussels, prawns and a white wine & Meyer lemon cream sauce. The Wild Mushroom Pappardelle and Wild Mushroom Risotto are both great options for vegetarians and equally as delectable as their omnivorous offerings.

For those with a bigger appetite, I highly recommend the Braised Beef Short Rib with new potato and mushroom accoutrement. They offer additional carnivorous entrees such as Lamb, Duck, Salmon and Pork - classic dishes created to evoke the most memorable European-style dining experience.

I must note that their wine list is impeccable as well, but I suppose it doesn't hurt that the owners also call "Georis Winery" their own! Casanova is the definition of romance and charm and a definite must for all of those looking to have the quintessential Carmel experience.

If you are looking to celebrate something special, let us here at Tradewinds know, and we will help you plan the ultimate getaway!

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! 

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!