Monterey. Dining Guide

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Elmer Jenkins
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2 SUGGESTED RESTAURANTS IN THE MONTEREY AREA By the Fellows of Estes Park Institute The Peninsula has some of the finest natural scenery and sightseeing in America. It also offers a remarkable array of dining options. Following is a list of some of the wonderful restaurants available in the area. As restaurants can change from year to year, we suggest that you reconfirm information with the hotel concierge desk. They will be happy to help with making your reservations and providing directions. Enjoy the conference and the area, and thank you for choosing Estes Park Institute. at PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA The following restaurants are located at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Jacks Restaurant & Lounge Enjoy fresh, local California cuisine in a bustling fireside dining room or dine al fresco on the outdoor heated patio. Jacks Restaurant features a European breakfast buffet daily and is a popular hot spot for lunch, boasting the best salad bar in town. Award-winning Executive Chef, Jason Giles, has designed a new dinner menu inspired by the coastal beauty and bounty of the Bay. In addition to exquisite entrees and appetizers, Jacks recently unveiled a new Oyster Bar and Live Action Kitchen where guests can choose from three different oyster options including Baked Oysters Rockefeller, Seasonal Oysters on the Half Shell with a Shallot Mignonette, and Barbecued Oysters served with a Chipotle Wash. Jacks is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a unique and sophisticated private dining room for group events. Peter B s Brewpub s first and only craft brewery, Peter B s Brewpub is the perfect place for enjoying a cold beer and delicious pub food. With delicious, locally-brewed beer, pub menu stocked with innovative, delicious favorites, and 15 high-definition televisions, Peter B s Brewpub is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Relax on the pet-friendly patio, play a game of pool, and enjoy some of the best craft beers available on the Central Coast. Peter B s is open for dinner nightly and open for lunch Friday through Sunday. Private Inspired by the world-renowned tasting rooms of County boutique wineries, the private dining room is a sophisticated venue unique to the Portola Hotel & Spa. Located in Jacks Restaurant, the room can accommodate up to 22 people To plan a private dining event in one of the hotel s meeting rooms, please contact Catering & Convention Services at

3 Alvarado Fish & Steakhouse 481 Alvarado Street Alvarado Fish & Steakhouse serves straightforward, made to order, high quality fish, shellfish, and steaks. The dining room is a no froufrou space. Well-trained wait staff. Recommended 4:00 pm 9:30 pm, Monday and Tuesday 11:30 am 10:00 pm, Wednesday thru Sunday Anton & Michel Mission between Ocean and Seventh The restaurant offers superb continental cuisine. Specials include rack of lamb and fresh seafood entrees. It s known for excellent service and its extensive wine list. A total renovation of the dining room and menu were completed in February Lunch: 11:30 am 3:00 pm, Daily Dinner: 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Nightly Aubergine at L Auberge Carmel Seventh Avenue and Monte Verde Street This 12-table restaurant is the perfect place for a quiet, intimate dinner. Patrons may choose from either a Four- Course Menu with a selection of choices for each course or the Chef s Tasting Menu which is developed by the chef from twenty ultra-seasonal ingredients. It s been described as very expensive and worth every penny. Required - Online reservations available 6:00 pm 9:30 pm, Nightly Beach House at Lovers Point 620 Ocean View Blvd Beach House is the new, long-awaited restaurant at Lovers Point. Enjoy California cuisine while overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean. Strongly recommended - Online reservations available 4:00 pm 10:00 pm, Nightly Bistro Moulin 867 Wave Street After 25 years at Restaurant Casanova, Didier Dutertre opened a small French bistro in. Bistro Moulin serves a menu of classic French dishes plus daily fish specials. The food, wine and service get excellent reviews. Strongly recommended 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Nightly Café Fina 47 Fisherman s Wharf This Fisherman s Wharf restaurant has been owned and operated by the Mercurio family since The family grows much of the produce used at the restaurant. The restaurant serves a wide variety of fresh pasta and seafood dishes and pizzas. 11:00 am 9:30 pm, Daily 2

4 Cantinetta Luca Dolores Street between Ocean and Seventh The reviews for Cantinetta Luca are all over the map, from one star to five stars. The bottom line seems to be the house-cured meats and cheeses are fantastic, the main courses are so-so, and the gelato and tiramisu are very good. Lunch: 11:30 am 2:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday Dinner: 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday Casanova Fifth Street between Mission and San Carlos Casanova is a quaint, warm restaurant and especially nice for lunch on the sunny patio. Everything served at Casanova is perfectly fresh and expertly prepared. The dessert tarts are irresistible. Service is friendly and professional. Recommended Lunch: 11:30 am 3:00 pm, Daily Dinner: 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday Domenico s on the Wharf 50 Fisherman s Wharf Domenico s is one of the better restaurants along Fisherman s Wharf. Service can be spotty. 11:00 am 10:00 pm, Daily Grasing s Coastal Cuisine Sixth Street and Mission Avenue This award-winning Carmel restaurant features a Contemporary California menu created from fresh Central Valley produce and other sustainable local ingredients. Outdoor seating is available. Lunch: 11:00 am 3:00 pm, Monday thru Friday Dinner: 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday Brunch: 10:30 am 3:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday Happy Girl Kitchen 173 Central Avenue A farm-to-fork café and cannery, Happy Girl Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch and an occasional pop-up dinner. Enjoy a pickle or some local honey with lunch. Only for pop-up dinners 7:30 am 3:00 pm, Monday thru Saturday 7:30 am 2:00 pm, Sunday il vecchio 110 Central Avenue This ardently Italian restaurant was voted Best Italian Restaurant 2012 and was also a contender for Best New Restaurant by the readers of County Weekly. Il vecchio is a family affair from dining room and furniture design to menu design. The welcoming atmosphere of the dining room and straightforward Italian menu are a winning combination. Recommended Lunch: 12:00 pm 1:30 pm, Monday thru Friday Dinner: 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 3

5 Joe Rombi s La Mia Cucina th Street Joe Rombi s is a small, neighborhood restaurant decorated with colorful European posters. The menu features homemade pasta and seafood and meat specials. The ravioli dishes are a local favorite. 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Wednesday thru Sunday Closed Monday and Tuesday La Balena Junipero between 5th Street and 6th Street This new Northern Italian restaurant s owners are determined to keep ingredients fresh, local and simple to create rustic Italian dishes. The restaurant s reviews were excellent just a week after opening in November Recommended Lunch: 11:30 am 3:30 pm, Thursday thru Sunday Dinner: 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Tuesday thru Sunday Closed Monday Le Saint Tropez Dolores Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenue This restaurant has married the culture of the California coast and the hills of Provence to create the Cuisine of the Sun. It gets high points for food and service. 11:30 am 9:30 pm, Daily Marinus at Bernardus Lodge 415 Carmel Valley Road Carmel Valley The remodel of Marinus in 2012 kept the signature fireplace and complemented it with hand forged chandeliers and wall sconces and cozy chairs. In Gayot the restaurant retains its sixteen out of twenty rating, as well as the five dollar signs! Be ready to pay for such fine dining. Strongly recommended - Online reservations available 6:00 pm 9:00 pm, Wednesday thru Sunday Closed Monday and Tuesday Montrio Bistro 414 Calle Principal This casual upscale French/Italian/Continental bistro has some of the best servers and kitchen staff in the area. The menu shows appetizers in the small bites category mix and match to make a meal. Otherwise choose from the seasonal specials or grilled meats from the wood-burning rotisserie. 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday Passionfish 701 Lighthouse Avenue Passionfish restaurant was voted Best Restaurant in County in 2011 and 2012 by the readers of County Weekly. That about says it all. Strongly recommended - Online reservations available 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 4

Restaurant 1833 500 Hartnell Street 831-643-1833 www.restaurant1833.com The historic Stokes Adobe now houses its third eatery, Restaurant 1833.

6 Restaurant Hartnell Street The historic Stokes Adobe now houses its third eatery, Restaurant The bacon-cheddar biscuits and charred baby octopus starters get good comments and the pizza, pasta, and steak entrees are popular. Good for groups. Strongly recommended - Online reservations available 6:00 pm 9:30 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:30 pm 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday Rio Grill 101 Crossroads Boulevard Crossroads Shopping Village Carmel Southwestern American cuisine is served from the grill at this boisterous, fun restaurant. The food is quite good and the atmosphere upbeat. 11:30 am 10:00 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 11:30 am 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday The Sardine Factory Taste Café & Bistro 1199 Forest Avenue Taste Café & Bistro offers a classic European menu of grilled rabbit, escargot, chicken dijonnaise and veal marsala. The cozy restaurant is located in the heart of. Lunch: 11:30 am 2:30 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday Dinner: 5:00 pm 9:00 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday Whaling Station Prime Steaks & Seafood 763 Wave Street Whaling Station has been rated the number one steakhouse in for 40 years. The dry-aged beef and fresh seafood are the obvious menu choices at this restaurant. Bring a hearty appetite for an evening at Whaling Station. 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Nightly 701 Wave Street The Sardine Factory has been welcoming guests to this historic, haunted restaurant since The restaurant has four dining areas: the elaborate Captain s room, the glass domed Conservatory, the Lounge, and the Wine Cellar. It serves fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime beef. The veteran servers are pros. Strongly recommended - Online reservations available 5:00 pm 9:30 pm, Sunday thru Thursday 5:00 pm 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 5

7 ENTERTAINMENT Weather Average Temperatures in October Highs in the low 70's, lows in the low 50's Golf Pebble Beach Golf Links Mile Drive Pebble Beach Del Monte Golf Course 1300 Sylvan Road Spyglass Hill Golf Course Stevenson Drive Pebble Beach The Links at Spanish Bay Mile Drive Pebble Beach Pines Golf Course Fairground & Gardens Road Rancho Canada 4860 Carmel Valley Road Carmel Laguna Seca Golf Ranch York Road

8 ENTERTAINMENT Tennis Tennis Center Six lighted courts, walking distance from the Portola Hotel & Spa 401 Pearl Street Spa and Fitness Center Spa on the Plaza The Spa on the Plaza at the Portola Hotel & Spa offers guests access to the finest of spa and fitness facilities in a beautiful, serene environment. Complete with a full salon, relaxing lounge, steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, the newly renovated facility offers 10 treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu. Fitness Center Open 24 hours a day, the Portola Hotel & Spa Fitness Center features state-of-the-art equipment including the latest in Cybex cardiovascular, Nautilus resistance weight training equipment, free-weights, treadmills, elliptical stationary cycles, and more Attractions & Activities The Bay Aquarium Exciting exhibits, live shows, aquarium adventures, and marine life 886 Cannery Row Fisherman s Wharf Enjoy the famous Wharf's many fine restaurants, specialty shops, and art galleries - just a short walk from the Portola Hotel & Spa. Bay Coastal Bike Trail Explore the Bay area by bicycle or on foot. Adventures by the Sea Bicycles, surreys, kayaks, paddle boards, tours and more Locations throughout the area, including the Portola Hotel & Spa

9 ENTERTAINMENT Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Home to seals, sea lions, sea otters, and thousands of seabirds Three miles south of Carmel on Highway Mile Drive Scenic Tour This famous coastal landmark is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Wineries & Tasting Rooms The Wine Trolley Hop aboard and experience the beauty of the Carmel Valley while visiting several area wineries. Board the trolley at the Portola Hotel & Spa Bargetto Winery Tasting Room Handcrafted wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains 700-G Cannery Row A Taste of A variety of local wines representing over 85 regional wineries 700-KK Cannery Row Shopping Cannery Row Cannery Row boasts more than 85 shops, including independent, family-owned stores and top-selling national name brands. Carmel By-the-Sea From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, there s something for everyone among the stone-paved alleyways and village-like shops. 8

10 ENTERTAINMENT Old Market Place Held every Tuesday afternoon on the city s historic main street, this farmer s market offers a deliciously tempting Baker's Alley, fresh organic produce, and dozens of unique arts and craft vendors. Del Monte Shopping Center Macy s anchors this open-air shopping center featuring a large, diverse group of national retailers. Off Highway 1 at Munras Avenue Museums & Arts Hearst Castle This architectural wonder is a must-see. 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon Museum of Explore the artifacts of 's historic and artistic influence and its rich maritime history. 5 Custom House Plaza (across from Fisherman s Wharf) Museum of Art One great museum in two locations! Museum of Art - Pacific Street Eight galleries are devoted to exhibitions of American and early California painting, photography and contemporary art. 559 Pacific Street Museum of Art - La Mirada Contemporary galleries complement the old-world elegance and lavish rose gardens of this gorgeous, historic estate. 720 Via Mirada

ENTERTAINMENT Museum of Natural History Explore the birds and wildlife, plants, geology and cultural richness that make the California Central Coast unique. 165 Forest Avenue 831-648-5716 www.

11 ENTERTAINMENT Museum of Natural History Explore the birds and wildlife, plants, geology and cultural richness that make the California Central Coast unique. 165 Forest Avenue National Steinbeck Center Discover John Steinbeck s world through interactive, multi-sensory exhibits for all ages. One Main Street Salinas Contact the Concierge Desk at the Portola Hotel & Spa for more information or help in arranging various activities and excursions

SUGGESTED RESTAURANTS IN THE HALF MOON BAY AREA

Dining Guide Dining SUGGESTED RESTAURANTS IN THE HALF MOON BAY AREA By the Fellows of Estes Park Institute Welcome to Half Moon Bay! Following is a list of restaurants available in the area developed from