Sand, Surf, and Man's Best Friend

This is Carmel.

Bring your boards and your dogs.

A Carmel Must-Visit: Casanova

Casanova looks and feels like a small country inn in Italy or France.

I imagine that the food tastes a bit like the food in such a place, too.

Good service was a running theme during our Carmel visit. Casanova was no different. We felt like revered guests of this country inn.

I had one of the best cups of hot chocolate I've ever had.

It literally came on a silver platter. I may have applauded when it arrived.

Crepes campagnardes -- roasted chicken, mushrooms, light creamy veloute, mixed greens ($12.75).

Completely unfussy and exquisite.

Side of fries ($4.00).

Awesome awesome awesome. How could fries be so awesome?

Side of chicken apple sausage ($4.00).

Plump and juicy and meaty. That's what she said.

Belgian waffles, organic apricot sauce, fresh berries, fresh whipped cream ($10.75).


Crisp, light, and fluffy all at the same time. That's no easy feat.

One highlight of Casanova is the Van Gogh table.

You can actually dine at a table upon which Vincent Van Gogh had his meals.

Casanova has many interesting rooms.

It's definitely not your ordinary restaurant. We had a fantastic experience.

I would love to try dinner here.

Decent Steak Dinner: Carmel Chop House

Carmel Chop House was at the bottom of our hotel, so we gave it a whirl. It has closed since our visit, but this post is still relevant because Chef Kurt Grasing moved just a few doors down and serves most of the same menu at Grasing's now.

Our laziness in going to the restaurant at the bottom of our hotel actually paid off. We didn't have high expectations for Carmel Chop House, and we found the food surprisingly palatable. Word has it that Grasing's is even better, so consider this my endorsement for the new restaurant.

Mr. Monkey opted for the $29.95 prix fixe three-course meal. The items below without a price comprised the prix fixe deal. I got a mish-mash of other items.

By now, you all know the truth. We share everything!

Warm spinach salad, diced pancetta, beets, feta, dijon vinaigrette ($9.75).

Refreshing start with some great flavor, thanks to the pancetta.

Butternut squash soup.

Warm and comforting.

Grilled prime top sirloin, Tawny port reduction, sweet potato bleu cheese fries, sauteed garlic broccoli.

The sides were forgettable, but this was a very nice cut of meat.

Kurt's duo of bacon-wrapped jalapeño-jack shrimp and BBQ pork baby back ribs ($16.50).

The barbecue sauce was a tad too sweet, and the shrimp was overcooked. But the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. That was the saving grace of this dish.

Side of mac 'n' cheese ($7.50).

A bit bland but still a welcome accompaniment.

Seasonal fruit and oatmeal crisp with cinnamon vanilla ice cream.

Strong end to the meal. Like homemade.

Carmel Chop House wasn't perfect by a long shot, but we had a decent dinner for a decent price. Grasing's is probably worth a visit if you're staying nearby.