Where to eat in Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay is a wonderful city, surrounded by great place, such as Carmel by the Sea and Pacific Grove. Here are the restaurants we tried during our road trip in the Central Coast of California.

1. Restaurant 1833 : What to order --- First, arrived the Amuse Bouche (a cream of cauliflower). We wanted the order a Cheese course, but they don't serve cheese, can you imagine??? But then, another SURPRISE: I have to tell you. In this restaurant, they don't serve bread. I am serious! So, it is located in an old house and it is very well designed inside, but when the server told us that there are only buttery biscuits, we decided to start with a pizza. He said it was a small, thin pizza. Well, I don't know what kind of pizza is he normally eating, but this one was HUGE. Anyway, it was delicious. The crust was kind of thick, the cheese was melty and gooey.

We open a bottle of nice Spanish wine from Alicante and continued with the entrees. I ordered the Mahi Mahi with leeks, mussels, tomato, and russel potato. The server said that it is light and comes with a little bit of cream. But then, SURPRISE: It was a huge pool of cream and on top some fish and seafood. I liked the flavors and the combination of mushrooms with potatoes, but I didn't like the fact he was not telling us the truth. The dish was overly creamy. THE SERVICE IS REALLY BAD. THEY NEED TO HIRE NEW STAFF, SERIOUSLY!

My husband ordered the Parmesan Crusted Chicken served with salsify and lemon butter. It was an organic breast, but it was a big portion. Nothing impressive, just a regular preparation. But the dessert was very very delicious (So, the chef is so so, but the pastry chef is amazing!!!). We shared a Chocolate Mousse Cake with Caramelized Hazelnuts, and Chocolate Ice Cream. It came as two triangles, which was perfect for sharing. STUNNING dessert!!!



Amuse-Bouche




Grilled eggplant pizza with basil pesto, goat cheese, gruyere, and peppers




Parmesan Crusted Chicken with salsify, lemon butter, and basil




Mahi Mahi, leeks, mussels, tomato and russel potato




Chocolate Mousse Cake with Caramelized Hazelnuts, Chocolate Ice Cream

2. Cantinetta Luca : What to order --- This is my favorite restaurant in Carmel by the Sea. Amazing service, great food, and moderate prices! We started with the delicious Italian bread that comes with a sun-dried tomato tapenade. So soft, warm, and tasty. A bottle of Syrah & Merlot blend from France helped us to elevate our lunch even more! We shared the classic Pizza Margherita: traditional San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil. The crust was pleasantly salty, thin, and delicious! The wood-fired oven is essential to achieve this kind of chewy, but also toasted crust.

The dessert was very Thanksgiving-inspired: a warm apple crostata drizzled with honey and served with vanilla ice cream. This was a recommendation from our server (Rodrigo) and I really appreciated it. He was such a good server. Honest, nice, happy. The food arrived on time. We had a great table next to the window (perfect for people watching the turists) :)

I strongly recommend this restaurant if you are going to Carmel by the Sea. Next door is a Salumeria, where you can buy cheese and house made salami. Not a bad idea, ah?



Delicious Italian bread with sun-dried tomatoes tapenade




Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and House-pulled Mozzarella




San Marzano Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil




Apple crostata with honey and vanilla ice cream

  3. Passionfish : What to order --- This is the BEST RESTAURANT in Pacific Grove. Great for fish lovers like me. Great service! Supporters of Sustainable Seafood and Fish, just like us. We started with the famous Mussels steamed in a spicy tomato-cilantro broth. Those were super tasty, but be aware that they are very spicy (hot habanero peppers...).

I got the Whole Rainbow Trout. It was butterflied, no spine, nothing to remove. I was able to eat it with a knife and fork. It was stuffed with basil and came with red wine braised vegetables (artichokes, peppers, potatoes, and kalamatas). The fish was topped with a flavorful basil-garlic aioli! Recommendable!

My husband ordered the Tilapia with Thyme-Mashed Potatoes, soy beans, and red-wine balsamic butter. He liked it a lot, but it was not so extraordinary. The wine was great: a bottle of Chateau d'Oupia. For dessert, we had the Chocolate Truffle Torte with blood orange syrup. It tasted like a Chocolate Soufflee. It was served with Whipped Cream and it was a good size for sharing. You should try this restaurant!!!





Mussels steamed in a spicy tomato-cilantro broth




Tilapia with Thyme-Mashed Potatoes, soy beans and red wine balsamic butter




Whole Rainbow Trout / basil stuffed / red wine braised vegetables



Chocolate Truffle Torte with blood orange syrup

4. The C Restaurant and Bar : What to order --- This restaurant is very close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. So if you are visiting it, stop by the C Restaurant and request a table next to window. You will have the same great view to the Ocean as we did.

I ordered the Grilled Arctic Char, which was served with plenty of delicious butterbeans, tuscan kale, fennel, and whole grain mustard vinaigrette. It was nicely presented and a very good portion for a lunch. Oh, and the bread was warm rosemary rustic bread, amazingly good. I got a glass of a3 Red Blend wine (Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet), very fruity and ripe.

My husband got the Fish and Chips (beer battered Ling Cod served with coleslaw, garlic herb fries, and house made ketchup. It was a big serving, but we had a light breakfast, so it was perfect for him. He got a draft local beer: Fat Lip Ale!

The dessert was the BEST OF THIS TRIP: Hazelnut Crunch Bar: Milk Chocolate Mousse, Hazelnut Dacquoise, and Sun-Dried Apricot Sauce. It was so small, but so full of flavors. Creamy and crunchy at the same time, the perfect ending of a great trip!!!



Arctic Char with butterbeans, tuscan kale, fennel, and mustard vinaigrette




Fish and Chips (beer-battered Ling Cod with garlic herb fries)




Hazelnut Crunch Bar (Milk Chocolate Mousse, Hazelnut Dacquoise, Sun-Dried Apricot Sauce)



Where to eat in Paso Robles, California

Last week, we went to a road trip to the Central Coast of California. We visited Paso Robles, a great wine and food destination. Try these restaurants and let me know what is your opinion.

1. Thomas Hill Organics : What to order --- This is a nice place for a lunch, but it is very informal, not elegant at all. I ordered a salad of Grilled Shrimp Skewers, served with Zucchini Noodles, Basil, Mint, Cilantro, Avocado, Strawberries, Watermelon, and a Green Onion Relish. It had an Asian flavor and I have to be honest, I didn't like it a lot. The herbs were too overpowering and the sesame oil was too strong. Also, I was very disappointed with the bread. You know me, I am a home baker. I make my own bread at home: always soft, fresh, and delicious. At Thomas Hill, I ordered a roll to eat with my salad and the waitress gave me an old roll, so dense, dry, and hard.

My husband ordered the BLTA with Bacon, Spring Greens, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Avocado with Garlic Aioli. It came on a Ciabatta bread with a side of field green and quinoa salad with Basil Vinaigrette. I think he liked it, but it was huge. If you are a petite lady, avoid the sandwiches there. They are made for men.

We drank a whole bottle of Tempranillo and ordered the classical Chocolate Fondant for dessert. It was not the perfect execution, though. The inside was not liquid. It was more like a moist muffin, served with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and pomegranate seeds. The caramel sauce was super sweet, but the pomegranate seeds were tart and they balanced the whole treat. In conclusion, if you go there, expect fresh, organic ingredients from the farm, but not an extraordinary meal!



Grilled Shrimp Salad with Zucchini Noodles, Basil, Strawberries, and Watermelon





BLTA with Bacon, Spring Greens, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Avocado





Chocolate Fondant with caramel sauce and pomegranate seeds

2. Il Cortile : What to order --- We went to Il Cortile on a Friday night. We had a reservation and I am glad we did. It was full and there were people waiting at the front. We started with a Insalata caprese - seasonal heirloom tomatoes with fresh burrata, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette. The burrata cheese was so creamy, fresh, and decadent. The heirlooms were sweet and juicy. A perfect beginning to a great night. 

We opened a bottle of Velvet Burgundy and continued with our main courses. I got the Filetto di salmone - grilled salmon with fresh olive oil, lemon and herbs, served with white sweet potato puree and julienne cut sauteed vegetables. The puree was too buttery for my taste buds, but thanks God it was a very small serving, so I was able to finish it. The salmon was too overcooked. I think the chef forgot that salmon should be cooked to medium (pink inside).

My husband ordered the pasta verdi al frutti di mare: it was a tarragon infused pasta with shrimps, scallops, clams, and mussels in a white wine sauce. It was not a spectacular dish, but it was a reasonable size and it looked great.

The Tiramisu al Vin Santo was probably the best part of this whole meal. It was like a traditional serving of tiramisu, but it was so light and fluffy. Sweet, but with bold flavors from the coffee! Overall, the service was great. Our waitress was very polite and willing to help with the selections. Salute!



Insalata caprese with seasonal heirloom tomatoes and fresh burrata cheese




Grilled Salmon with white sweet potato puree



Pasta verdi al frutti di mare (tarragon infused pasta)



Tiramisu al Vin Santo: fluffy deliciousness

3. Artisan : What to order --- Hands down, this is the best restaurant in Paso Robles. For lunch on a beautiful Saturday morning (after going to the Farmer's Market at the City Park Downtown), I ordered the Roasted Salmon (this time prepared medium) with sesame sauteed green beans, red quinoa, and garden heirloom yellow tomatoes. IT WAS SUPER DELICIOUS! Oh, and the local wine (Tolosa, Chardonnay "no oak", was the perfect match, crispy, refreshing with peach notes).

My husband got the lamb leg french dip sandwich, served with pimiento cheese and lamb neck jus for dipping. It was big, but delicious. A little bit messy to eat, but worthy! He tried a Chinese beer (Tsingtao): malty flavor, with a nutty sweet taste.

For dessert, a great autumn classic: Pumpkin Cheesecake, served with dulce de leche ice-cream and toasted pepitas. WONDERFUL, so tasty. The texture was between Mexican flan and creme brulee. And yes, the top was nicely bruleed. Such a great experience!

 

Roasted Salmon with sesame green beans and yellow heirlooms

Lamb leg Sandwich with pimiento cheese and lamb neck jus




Pumpkin Cheesecake with dulce de lech ice-cream and pepitas!



Californian cuisine

Two months ago we moved from Texas to California. This decision was one of the best we have ever made. California is beautiful, plentiful, and one of the best states in this country. It produces the majority of fruits and vegetables year round. Here, in Bakersfield, you can find local table grapes, almonds, avocados, and other amazing local ingredients. I got really inspired and decided to remake some of my favorite recipes. Also, I decided to take more professional photos, so here are the new shots. I hope you enjoy them !



Making avocado-yogurt-cumin dip




How to plate a main dish. Butternut squash puree has great color.




Breakfast: homemade ciabatta with boiled egg, avocado, and grape tomatoes



Where to eat in Washington, D. C.

Washington D. C. is a great destination for foodies. It has some of the best restaurants in the country. Try one of these places and you are going to be amazed!!!

 1. Blue Duck Tavern - We went to Blue Duck Tavern for a delicious brunch. The place is very popular, so it was very busy and we had to wait a lot for our food. However, the food was delicious. I tried the Crispy Skin Salmon from Scuna Bay, BC. It was served with cucumber, smoked roe, and sorrel cream. It was so rich and perfectly cooked. It does not come with a side dish, so you will need plenty of bread...My husband ordered the Fried Chicken Liver with sweet peppers relish, smoked gouda grits and fried eggs. He loved it. For dessert, we decided to try the new addition to the menu: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar with Salted Caramel Cream and Whipped Cream. It was SUPER SWEET, so I couldn't eat more than two-three bites.

Fried Chicken Liver with Fried Eggs and Smoked Gouda Grits

Crispy Skin Salmon with smoked roe and sorrel cream



Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar with Salted Caramel Cream



 2. Lafayette - This was such a great Saturday brunch! The service is top-notch, the restaurant is located in the Hay-Adams hotel, just in front of the White House. Elegant tables and refined flavors. I got the Tuna Nicoise Salad: multi-colored potatoes, soft boiled eggs, lemon white anchovies, olives, french beans, and butterhead lettuce. It was scruptuous and unbelievable!!! The best one I have ever tried. My husband opted for the Poached Eggs Benedict, served with Italian Porchetta, asparagus spear, and Hollandaise Sauce. But the best part was the dessert. Mayorga Coffee Cremeux (Dark Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Salted Caramel Glaze, and Mayorga Coffee Ice Cream). So creamy, great balance between the chocolate and the coffee flavors :)



Poached Eggs Benedict with Italian Porchetta





Tuna Nicoise Salad with white anchovies and soft boiled egg





Mayorga Coffee Cremeux (Dark Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Crunch, Salted Caramel Glaze)



3. Proof - Very nice restaurant. Great for a date night. We started with a selection of 3 cheeses: 1) Lou Bergier Pichin (cow, Italy): semi-firm, velvety, buttery, mushrooms, thistle, like a camembert; 2) Pata Negra (goat, Spain): semi-soft, washed rind, pungent, tangy, intense; 3) Idiazabal (sheep, Spain): firm, smoky, nutty, and tangy. They were served with toasted walnut bread, dried figs, apple sauce (a little bit acidic), and honey. We ate all the honey, but left the apple sauce. My entree was very well served (good portion): Grilled Block Island Swordfish Loin with fennel, castelvetrano olives, and tomato confit. It tasted like Puttanesca Sauce. Delish. My husband tried the Roasted Organic Chicken Breast: goat cheese-wild mushroom stuffing, rapini, creamy polenta. We also ordered a bottle of wine: Cantele Salice Salentino (2008). The dessert was very Thanksgiving oriented: Pumpkin Cheesecake: super creamy, graham crackers crumble, fresh cranberries, and maple ice cream. It was very small, but at the same time, super rich!



Lou Bergier Pichin, Pata Cabra, and Idiazabal Cheeses



Roasted Organic Chicken Breast with creamy polenta



Grilled Block Island Swordfish Loin with fennel, castelvetrano olives





Pumpkin Cheesecake with maple ice cream



 4. Ripple - Very cozy place, tiny space, but big flavors. Start with a selection of cheeses: 1) Carr valley "snow white"- a creamy white goat cheddar, aged for 6 months; deep, complex flavor with pleasant earthy tones (La valle, WI); 2) Arrigoni "tallegio"- rich and beefy with a slight saltiness, soft velvety washed rind formerly used as currency (Lombardia, Italy). A bottle of wine complements the delicious meal: "Primitivo" de Puglia Primaterra. Try the pine-smoked albacore tuna, served with millet, chesnuts, kale, and oyster emulsion. It is so tasty! My husband decided to try the roasted spinach mackerel, served with blood sausage, broccoli, black walnuts, and celeriac jus. As always, the best was the dessert: DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE, prailline feuilletine, smoked white chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, and cocoa nibs. LOVELY.



Snow white goat cheddar and arrigoni tallegio





Roasted Spinach Mackerel, blood sausage, broccoli, black walnuts




Pine-smoked albacore tuna, millet, chesnuts, kale, oyster emulsion





Dark chocolate mousse, prailline feuilletine, smoked white chocolate ganache



5. Tosca - Excellent restaurant. As usually, we started with the cheese plate: talegio with strawberry sauce; gorgonzola with honey and sweet nuts; wine-infused sheep cheese with grapes; parmegiano with micro-greens and balsamic vinaigrette. A good start. But then, the main dishes were outstanding. I ordered the Grilled Spanish sea bass with chestnut and butternut squash puree, baby carrots, Chioggia beets and fresh olive oil. Tosca makes fresh pasta everyday, so definitely try their specialty: Spinach ravioli filled with roasted veal, Prosciutto, and pistachio Mortadella with a red wine reduction. The dessert menu is pretty much modern Italian. The chef's modernized tiramisu was delicious.



Amuse-bouche



Cheese plate: talegio, gorgonzola, parmegiano, wine-infused sheep cheese



Grilled Spanish sea bass with chestnut and butternut squash puree





Spinach ravioli filled with roasted veal, Prosciutto, and pistachio Mortadella





Chef's modernized tiramisu