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Carmel’s Bistro Giovanni, Carmel, Ca

1 Jan

Firok Shield has been a restauranteur for quite some time in the Carmel Area. Now the owner of three restaurants, Carmel’s Bistro, Bistro Beaujolais, and Da Giovanni all in Carmel, this man knows how to keep an crowd happy.

All three restaurants are highly regarded, this particular one is my favorite of the three. Delicious Mediterranean food, fantastic wine list, and a full bar provide an extremely pleasant dining experience. My go to dish, Osso Bucco…this is perfectly executed by the chef team here. Highly recommended a visit!

Carmel's Bistro Giovanni on Urbanspoon

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Bistro Beaujolais Carmel, Ca

11 Jul

The proprietor of this restaurant, Firouk Shield has been a restaurant owner for well over a decade in the Carmel area, Certainly a very accomplished restauranteur.  With Da Giovanni, and Carmel’s Bistro in Carmel being a couple of my favorite in the region, this one is very good too. Just not quite as amazing.

This restaurant does have a good wine list, a great lunch menu, live music often, and very good french onion soup.  If you are shopping in the Plaza in Carmel, step into this little place, you will be glad you did.
Bistro Beaujolais on Urbanspoon

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Tommy’s Wok

14 Jun

If you are looking for a hole in the wall with really great cult craved food, then this might be a spot for you.  Oh yeah, and you have to like Chinese food!  The restaurant is called Tommy’s Wok.  It is absolutely delicious. I am kind of getting a craving thinking about it.  It is tucked away in Carmel, you have to really know where you are going, but it is worth the effort if you don’t mind the terrible ambiance.  Or just takeout and eat it at home or in your room!

Tommy's Wok on Urbanspoon

California Market Carmel Highlands, Ca

23 Mar

If you want stunning views of the rocky cliffs of Big Sur in a friendly inviting environment, this is a great little lunch spot to check out.
I finally made the trek out to this restaurant, situated inside of the Hyatt Carmel Highlands.  They have two restaurants in the Hotel – the California Market – and the Pacific’s Edge Restaurant.  Both provide breath taking views and decent food at an indecent price.  That said, the California Market has the lower price point and is more of a lunch style spot with sandwiches etc.

California Market Restaurant/ Carmel Highlands Inn on Urbanspoon

I Started with crab and lobster spring rolls, which were nice – cant go wrong with deep fried crab and lobster – they were a touch on the overdone side, shellfish can get a little rubbery when overcooked.  Then I had the chicken club sandwich which was also very good. Then I sampled the fish tacos, which were smothered in sauce, but were fried in a fantastically crunchy beer batter.  Overall the food was great, the view was stunning, and the price tag matched it, especially with a 16 dollar glass of Rombauer chard – which while drinking reminded me of how much I hate buttery chardonnays, yuck. 
Ambiance/Décor – 4.5 Great views, nice decor
Initial Greeting/Seating – 4.0 friendly staff
Wait Staff –  3.9 – Bar Staff was attentive but had to go grab her once
Food Presentation 4.5 very good presentation
Food Quality – 4.0 Tasty but not outstanding in any way
Price – $$$ – be prepared to spend 50 per person with a glass of wine
Overall rating (out of 5 stars) – 4.3 delightful lunch experience and paid for it.  

Grasings Coastal Cuisine Carmel, Ca

23 Mar
This is a beautiful little Carmel establishment with a very consistent following.  Kurt Grasing has won many awards for this restaurant.  During my visit I sat in the bar area and dined on some very good fresh food.

Grasings Coastal Cuisine on Urbanspoon

During my visit I sampled the Bruschetta which was very tasty – the tomatoes, garlic, and cheese appeared to have been baked onto the crostini. I also sampled their vegetarian Lasagna, which was very nice and fresh tasting – it more resembled a pasta burrito however. I also tried the Pistachio Crusted Halibut Special which was served atop some roasted red pepper Coos Coos.  All in all a lovely evening with a formidable wine selection.
The food though, seemed a bit under seasoned to me, a bit on the bland side. But nonetheless very nice experience.
Ambiance/Décor – 4.5 very warming and elegant
Initial Greeting/Seating – 4.0 friendly staff
Wait Staff –  3.9 – Bar Staff was attentive but had to go grab her once
Food Presentation 4.5 very good presentation
Food Quality – 4.0 Tasty yet a touch under seasoned
Price – $$$ – be prepared to spend 50 per person with a glass of wine
Overall rating (out of 5 stars) – 4.2 lovely dining experience 

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