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Hot Picks: Monterey, California
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor,
Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Monterey has great resources for exploring. Here
are some options for your visit!
Click on the picture to find the information you want.
 Where to Stay |
 Where to Eat |
 What to Do |
Hot Picks: Monterey, California
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor,
Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Where to Stay
La Playa Hotel
Photo by Michael Reiss
La Playa Hotel
Carmel also offers La Playa Hotel, its only full-service hotel, complete with a restaurant, the Terrace Grill, which offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24 hour room service
La Playa's pool and gardens are impeccably maintained.
Photo by Michael Reiss
. Of particular note is La Playa's proximity to the ocean and its impeccably landscaped pool-side gardens.
La Playa's gracious interior spaces create a calm and restful ambience.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Many rooms offer ocean views or garden and pool-side patios. Conference facilities are also available.
La Playa Hotel
Camino Real and 8th
Carmel-by-the Sea, CA 93921
(800) 582-8900
e-mail: info@laplayahotel.com
The Martine Inn
The Martine Inn's gracious hotel faces the Monterey
Bay in Pacific Grove.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Martine Inn
Before leaving the area, spend a night or two at The Martine Inn, a bed and breakfast in Pacific Grove. This inn, one of the several Victorians on Oceanview Ave., offers a variety of rooms, each uniquely decorated and situated to offer spectacular views of the ocean.
The Martine Inn's dining room offers a gourmet breakfast and
afternoon tea.
Photo by Michael Reiss
As you indulge in a freshly prepared full breakfast or enjoy hot hors d'oeuvres, you can share tips with fellow travelers or stare endlessly at the ocean and enjoy the antics of the sea otters and sea lions who pop into sight. Antique car enthusiasts will find special delight in perusing Mr. Martine's collection. The gracious staff add to the enjoyment of this comfortable, beautifully-appointed inn.
This is one of The Martine Inn's unitique, historically-preserved
bedrooms.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Martine Inn
255 Oceanview Blvd.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(800) 852-5588/ (831)373-3388
e-mail: don@martineinn.com
The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa.
This five star property, part of the Woodside
Hotel and Resorts Group, is an elegant, full service hotel with a boutique
feeling and service level. Many of the spacious, well-appointed rooms
face the Monterey Bay and provide the sites, smells and sounds of the
sea.
Its location on Cannery Row, jut steps away from the world-renowned
Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf, make this an excellent
starting point for a tour of the area. Not to be missed is the luxury,
pampering and renewal provided by the well equipped Fitness Center and
Spa. Well-trained, professional staff ensure a high level of service
and satisfaction that make the rates seem reasonable.
The Monterey Plaza's sophisticated rooms and Spa face Monterey Bay.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
400 Cannery Row,
Monterey, CA 93940
(800) 423-1918 / (831) 646-1700
e-mail: lb@woodsidehotels.com
The Wayside Inn
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Wayside Inn
If quaint Carmel is more your cup of tea, consider The Wayside Inn, part of the "Inns by the Sea" Group of bed and breakfast accommodations available in Carmel-by-the Sea. Each room, uniquely furnished, has a fireplace and luxurious beds with down mattress cover and duvet to provide just the right cozy ambiance for a memorable stay. The welcoming and knowledgeable staff are at the ready to provide local lore, restaurant and site-seeing recommendations and an overall gracious level of hospitality.
The Wayside Inn is located blocks
from Carmel's prime shopping.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Wayside Inn,
7th and Mission,
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93940
(831) 624-5336 /
(800) 433-4732
e-mail: concierge@inssbythesea.com
Marina Dunes Resort
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Marina Dunes Resort
Just a mere fifteen minutes from Monterey and Carmel is the Marina Dunes Resort in the seaside town of Marina. Close to CSU Monterey and Fort Orde, this resort offers the unique landscape of sand dunes and miles of isolated beach to renew and invigorate the weary traveler. The rooms are graciously appointed with slate floor entries, granite topped desks and fireplaces. Some of the more remote rooms come with their own golf carts for easy access without disturbing the natural environment created by the ecology of the dunes.
Breakfast at the Marina Dunes Resort is delivered
to your room daily.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Marina Dunes Resort
3295 Dunes Dr.
Monterey Bay, CA 93933
(877) 944-3863
e-mail: mdunesgm@pacbell.net
Hot Picks: Monterey, California
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor,
Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Where to Eat
Marinus at Bernardus Lodge
Candlelight in the "Wine Cellar" at Marinus creates
a very special glow.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Marinus at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley provides the discriminating diner with a world-class gourmet experience. The elegantly appointed dining room offers a subdued ambiance meant to highlight the celebrated chef, Cal Stamenov, who provides surprises to please the most refined palates.
Favorite Appetizers:
Egg & Caviar- warm soft boiled egg, Osetra caviar
, creme fraiche ($30)
Foie Gras - sautéed rhubarb, kramik bread, Muscat infusion ($18)
Favorite Entrees:
John Dory- red wine fumet, bone marrow, spinach ($32)
Colorado Lamb "Rib-Eye" - tapenade, Provençal vegetables,
fried garlic Jus ($35)
Professional waittaff and a knowledgeable Wine Director, Mark Jensen, who oversees the award-winning wine list make this dining experience a memorable occasion.
Mark Jensen, Wine Director at Marinus, presents a bottle of the
bubbly for guests.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Marinus at Bernardus Lodge
415 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 658-3519 / (888)648-9463
e-mail: reservations@bernardus.com
The Covey Restaurant at Quail Lodge
The Covey Restaurant prides itself in serving
guests table side.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Covey Restaurant at Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel Valley is dedicated to reinterpreting "classic food dishes." Under the direction of Executive Chef Calf Stamenov, diners will delight in light versions of their favorite traditional menu selections such as lobster thermidor.
Favorite Appetizers/Soups/Salads:
Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, rhubarb, brioche, banyuls
reduction ($18)
Tomato Salad, Point Reyes blue cheese, aged balsamic vinegar ($8)
Golden Beet Salad, Mt. Vikos feta, arugula, toasted walnuts ($9)
The Covey's version of "Lobster Thermidor" is light and
succulent.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Entrees:
Lobster Thermidor, parsley potatoes, wild asparagus, parmesan gratinees
($40)
Pan Roasted Filet Mignon "Rossini" foie gras, morel mushrooms,
truffle sauce ($36)
Favorite Desserts:
Flaming Raspberry Crepes ( Prepared Tableside for Two), Grand Marnier, vanilla ice cream ($20)
qThe Covey Restaurant, overlooking Mallard Lake, offers a quiet comfortable ambiance and features gracious service.
The Covey Restaurant
at Quail Lodge & Golf Club
8205 Valley Greens Dr.
Carmel Valley, CA 93923
(831)624-2888 / (888) 828-8787
e-mail: info@quaillodge.com
The Duck Club Restaurant
Photo by Michael Reiss
The Duck Club Restaurant located in the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa offers a comfortably elegant dining venue with sweeping views of the Monterey Bay. The exhibition kitchen offers the perfect setting for Executive Chef James Walker to prepare his signature dishes.
Favorite Appetizers/Salads:
Lobster and Mussels with Sweet and Sour Coconut Milk
Broth ($7)
Endive and Spinach Salad, Maytag Blue Cheese, Red Grapes and Hazelnut
Vinaigrette ($7)
Favorite Entrees:
Hot Pan Seared Day Boat Scallops, Artichoke and Potato Mash, Asparagus
and Parsley Butter ($26)
Steinbeck's Duck, Air Dried and Wood Roasted, Roasted potatoes and Caramelized
Orange Sauce ($25)
The "Exhibition Kitchen" at the Duck Club Restaurant
looks out on Monterey Bay.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Knowledgeable waitstaff and a fine selection of wines, including several selections from Monterey County, make this a choice selection for a special dining experience.
The Duck Club Restaurant at the
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
400 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-1700
e-mail: lb@woodsidehotels.com
Massaro & Santos
Photo by Michael Reiss
Massaro & Santos, located on the pier at Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is a local's well-kept secret for casual dining. Stunning views of Monterey Bay complement the classical Italian offerings and the occasional Asian-inspired specials.
Favorite Appetizers:
Fried Calamari ($8.95)
Oysters Rockefeller ($9.95)
.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Entrees:``
Combination Seafood Pasta with Marinara Sauce ($19.95)
Fish Stew - Ciopino Style or Bouilllabaise Style ($21.95)
This is a culinary surprise in a casual atmosphere that locals love to share. Enjoy dining wharf-side with the best of Italian cuisine to complement the view!
Massaro & Santos
32 Cannery Row
Coast Guard Pier
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-6700
e-mail: obs60@aol.com
Hot Picks: Monterey, California
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor,
Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
What To Do
Once you've had your fill of the internationally acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur Coast, consider the following unique finds for a truly memorable trip.
AgVenture Tours- (831) 643- WINE (9463)
e-mail: agtours@mbay.net
Evan Oakes explains fascinating details of wine-growing as part
of his AgVenture Tour.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Spend a day or perhaps just a few hours in the country with tour guide, Evan Oakes. This knowledgeable and engaging expert will guide you through the" Salad Bowl Capital of the World", the Salinas Valley, which is part of Monterey County. You will learn about, pick and taste all of the produce that makes this the land of plenty. Evan, who has degrees in agriculture and viticulture, will also introduce you to the eight distinct wine growing areas of Monterey County and you will have an opportunity to sample some of the fine wines that make this area the newest discovery for wine lovers. In addition, he can arrange for tastings of the finest olive oils, vinegars and local specialties. Evan can also combine his tour with a cooking class to offer you a well rounded culinary adventure.
Monterey Bay Scenic Tours - (831) 372-6278
e-mail: mbstours@aol.com
a
Doug Lumsden's bus is comfortable and equipped with multimedia.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Experience a spectacular 3-hour tour of the scenic Monterey Peninsula, one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Hear a memorable live narration and then enjoy a DVD multimedia digital sound and video presentation in one of eight languages, to enhance your experience. Tour guide, Doug Lumsden, is entertaining, accommodating and an expert on the area.
Food as Art - Intimate Culinary Opportunities with Chef Wendy Brodie
of Lincoln Court Restaurant - Carmel- 831-624 6220
e-mail: bob@hci-bb.com
Chef Wendy Brodie uses her lovely Carmel Highlands professional
home kitchen for cooking instruction.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Imagine a famous chef inviting you to her stunning Carmel Highlands home to observe, and try your hand in her kitchen. Imagine making a gourmet feast and then sharing it with her and her other guests cum students. Imagine watching her and having her share her kitchen secrets with you. Well, dream no more! Chef Wendy invites you to participate in her cooking experiences. Much more than a cooking class, this is an intimate encounter that will reverberate in your psyche and on your palate. Treat yourself to a memorable moment in time. Share Wendy's unique cuisine and energy with your friends and colleagues through her catering and custom events offerings.
The Culinary Center of Monterey - 625 Cannery Row, Monterey - 831
333 2133
e-mail: info@culinarycenterofmonterey.com
Classes at The Culinary Center are fun, spirited, and highly
interactive.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Chef/Owner, Mary Pagan and her team of internationally trained chefs offers over 100 classes in either a demonstration or hands-on format that allows even the most kitchen shy individuals to "cook up a storm"and eat it too! The relaxed, informal environment allows for all manner of questions and the hands on approach allows for budding creative genius to flourish. Also included in the center is a beer and wine bar, restaurant, bakery and specialty food area. It's a fantasy land for foodies waiting to be discovered!