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Tag Archives: food

Coffee Mia, Marina, Ca

There is a reason why this little coffee bar is always busy, and it ties into the reason why they have great reviews online. The owner, and his retired father run the join, and they put the passion into the food and drink. I go there for the sandwiches…order up any of the signature subs and you will not be disappointed…or utilize the brew bar for a fresh brewed coffee right into your cup! pictured below are a signature sub, and the Meatball Fantastic! Seriously one of the meatball sammies I have ever had…cheesy saucy, and delicious.

Either way you look at it…this is a must visit in Marina for the coffee, and the eats!

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Tags: coffee bar, food, restaurants, sandwiches

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Categories Uncategorized

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!

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Tags: bistro bistro, carmel area, food, mediterranean food

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Categories carmel, Restaurants

Five Guys Burgers, Salinas, Ca

1 Jan

Five Guys Burgers, although a chain, which I am never big on, provides a very tasty burger. Cooked to order you can add bacon, mustard, ketchup…a myriad of toppings. I will still rank In and Out above these tasty treats, but they are very good. The patty itself had a fresh ground texture (Rather then the processed firmness of most franchise burgers). That really sets it apart for me. Other then the 3 thousand calorie meal that is sure to cause issues down the road with heart disease, this burger is something I would like to experience again.

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Tags: five guys burgers, food, ground texture, restaurants, tasty burger

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Categories burgers, Restaurants, salinas

Big Sur Bakery, Big Sur, Ca

1 Jan

I love this little spot. A rustic, charming little restaurant that used to be just a gas station (still has a gas station). The restaurant is run by a husband and wife duo from LA, she a pastry chef, he a traditional chef. They sold everything to pursue a dream in Big Sur.

We just stopped in for coffee and a piece of their delicious frittata and both were fantastic. They do full breakfast and Dinner depending on the time of year…this is a must stop destination if you are anywhere near the area.

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Tags: food, frittata, restaurants

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Categories big sur, Restaurants

Baan Thai, Seaside, Ca

31 Dec

One of the wonderful things about the central coast community, and California in general is that we have such a fantastic array of cultural food offerings. I love Vietnamese food, Thai Food, and Korean BBQ.

This little hidden gem stands out because it took the Weekly’s Peoples Choice award for Thai food for 2012, and also the Carmel Pine Cone’s, which is odd due to its distribution largely in the Carmel area…

Either way, this restaurant is very good, I would definately recommend it, and of course, bringing your own bottle of Riesling to enjoy with the meal, as their wine list is limited at best. Definitely a recommendation from our publication…Oh, and expect very humble ambiance, and general location/atmosphere.

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Tags: carmel pine cone, food, restaurants

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Categories Restaurants, seaside

Sierra Mar, Post Ranch, Big Sur, Ca

31 Dec

Big Sur is obviously one of the most stunningly beautiful destinations in the known universe. Breathtaking cliff side vistas and a peaceful ambiance create a beautiful atmosphere for visitors. Post Ranch is one of the most expensive, and exclusive resorts in the Big Sur area, and deserves the price it commands.

Although I did not stay there, i did enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant, Sierra Mar. This restaurant is one of the finest I have ever been to and rivals the Michelin Rated restaurants I have been to around the world. The views are stunning, and the food (including the wine list) are superb. The menu varies seasonally, however here are some photographs of the food that I sampled.

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Tags: big sur, food

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Categories big sur, french, Restaurants

Dave’s Oyster Shake and Grill – Pacific Grove Farmers Market

11 Dec

After feeling quite depressed the past few days at our seeming lack of the local love for this delicious bi-valve (the Oyster), I decided that since good oysters cant be found at my local grocery store, nor many restaurants, I would forge into the PG farmers market. I am glad that I did.

After purchasing a dozen blue point oysters from the fish monger, I mosied around to check out the other offerings and I stumbled across this Dave’s Oyster Shake and Grill. I was rather excited to see they do cajun style Oyster Po boys, a delicious sandwich that is almost impossible to find in our neck of the woods. As I had in hand a dozen oysters that I planned to go home and shuck instantly, I opted for a 2 dollar taco.

Talk about paradise. This oyster taco was fantastic. The most amazing batter, spicey and crisp, with the delicate oyster soft and velvety inside. Topped with some cabbage, mango salsa, and s drizzle of spicy sauce, this treat was amazing. I will return every Monday my friend, except next time for the Po Boy!!!

Tags: dozen oysters, farmers market, food

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Categories pacific grove

Haute Enchilada, Moss Landing, Ca

11 Dec

It has been a long time coming, but finally I made the journey out to Moss Landing, passed right by my favorite Cabo Fish Taco’s at Whole Enchilada and arrived at the doorstep of this little establishment. The Haute Enchilada is purportedly owned/run by the daughter of Rey Retez, however it appears on the website as a member of the whole enchilada family of restaurants. I am not entirely certain how the pieces fit together.

Despite what was a very pleasant looking establishment (the architecture of which reminded me of a colonial plantation) the food was not something I would necessarily return for. I must say that the service was friendly and the Menu itself was quite a bit more ambition then the more family style whole enchilada.

I started my evening with the black bean empenadas. These had potential hte crust was nice, and the filling was hot, but on the flavorless side. Little did I know this was sort of harbinger for my entre.

I moved on to the Mole enchiladas. These two lacked flavor and I just kept wishing they had seasoned each portion of the meal a little bit better. Honestly, it seemed to me that whomever is in charge executing these recipes is NOT tasting their food before it goes out. Dry, saltless blackbeans, and a flavorless Mole. Its culinary skills 101, TASTE ALL FOOD ITEMS, especially sauces before they go out. I might try this place again…but for now if I want a good margarita and some good enchiladas in Moss Landing, ill stick to the Whole Enchilada.