Top Ten Things Edible Skinny Love Love Loves about California Market

By Kelly Grace Thomas

California Market, a gem of a restaurant, tucked away at Hyatt Carmel Highlands is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or brunch with friends. Built with breathtaking views of the Big Sur and Yankee Point, California Market offers a sophisticated and savory selections to be enjoyed on their open air redwood deck or snuggled inside by their cozy fireplace. Because there are so many wonderful things about this place, seriously, we could go on and on and on and on…. We want to give you, our fabulous readers, the top ten highlights of California Market

Top Ten Reasons Edible Skinny loves California Market

10. They’re latte that looks like layer cake. Edible Skinny noticed this deliciously decorative drink as it was being carried across the restaurant, it looked like the prettiest liquid tiramisu like decadence you’ve ever seen, in a glass. We just had to try it, fortunately they were able to give us coconut milk instead of whole milk. Even with our slight substitutions, it was caffeinated luxury.

9. They respect the vegetarians. Kat Thomas, editor-in-chief is Edible’s resident vegetarian. And while she eats lots of delicious food, sometimes her options are more limited, especially during brunch. Kat was excited to start the day California Market’s Zucchini & Cheese Frittata made with Gruyere, Goat, & White Cheddar Cheese, Tomato & Onion, Ciabatta Toast. A light and healthy option that was heavy on health.

8. They know how to make a real salad. When it comes to salads, restaurants have a tendency to go to extremes. We have all seen the garden salad with one cherry tomato or the chicken finger explosion covered in ranch. California Market is still health focused without skimping on flavor. We were delightfully surprised by how refreshing and satisfying their Seared Ahi Salad with Tatsoi, Haricot Vert, Chopped Romaine, Mandarin Oranges, Enoki Mushrooms, Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette was. We also sampled their  Monterey Salad with Shrimp, Jack Cheese, Cucumber, Avocado, Tomatoes, Pickled onions, House Vinaigrette but substituted Grilled Portabello Mushrooms for Shrimp. It was “light and fresh like something you should eat a la piscine, in France,” said Kat.

7. The fact that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt had lunch here after they got engaged, according to Shelly Rodriguez, Catering and Events Manager. And who could blame them? California Market is the perfect romantic backdrop to celebrate life’s most precious moments.

6. Server Tony Lorenz!  Our server Tony Lorenz delivered excellent service. Knowledgeable and friendly, Tony went above and beyond sharing details about the dishes, hotel and Monterey’s wildlife. In the past Tony worked as a Naturalist for Monterey Bay Whale Watch where he invited us to whale watch the following afternoon. Thanks, Tony!!!  Best whale watching ever, Monterey’s marine life is something of a marvel.

5. The bacon. Oh the bacon... I am somewhat of a bacon connoisseur. Applewood, Hickory Smoked, Maple. You name it, I love it. The Hyatt Highlands side of bacon served with breakfast was the perfect savory compliment to our delicious Point Lobos dish. It was thick and plump, with a depth of flavor without being too rich. An A+

4. Point Lobos.  Perhaps the most decadent thing we have sampled before 9am. Point Lobos Dungeness Crab, Avocado, & Cilantro, English Muffin with Hollandaise. The light refreshing crab mixed with the rich and creamy hollandaise is the perfect combination to pamper your palette.

3. The insta-vacation effect.  Today we all lead such stressful jobs. And sometimes it is difficult to unwind. California Market is an instant vacation, after five minutes on their deck staring at the view and sipping their delicious Carneros Chardonnay by Rombauer Vineyards and you’ll think, “Stress? What stress?”

2. The indoor/outdoor versatility.  Some of us love the sunshine of the outdoors, the feel of salt air in our lungs, the breeze in our hair. While others love to snuggle up next to a fire and lazily sip coffee as we read the newspaper. California Market is the best of both worlds, you can dine with any backdrop of your choosing enjoying both beauty and comfort.

1. The view, how that pacific sparkles. When we stepped out on their deck, where we enjoyed both breakfast and lunch, I couldn’t help but hold my breath for a minute. This type of beauty stops you mid sentence sometimes, it is that powerful. It is rare that you get to dine this closely to nature, in all its awe and power. California Market has so many beautiful and delicious opportunities to soak in.

Thank you, California Market, for proving as always, life is delicious.

For more information about California Market visit http://highlandsinn.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/CaliforniaMarket.html

 

Point Lobos, the Greatest Meeting of Land & Water in the World

A few weeks ago Edible Skinny spent the night in Carmel at the rustically luxurious Hyatt Highlands.  The next morning Kelly and I were able to pedal some of their killer Bianchi bikes only one mile north to the stunning Point Lobos State Park. 

Long considered the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a magnet for nature lovers from all over the world. 

Coined the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world” by landscape artist Francis McComas, Point Lobos’ beauty is breathtaking beyond explanation.   The 2 mile shoreline park offers 14 interconnecting trails that wind through, pine forests, Cypress Groves, and jaw dropping rugged coastal scenery.  

Whalers Cover and other locations provide plenty of opportunities to view over three hundred types of plants and 250 bird and animal species including sea otters, sea lions, and, from December to April, migrating gray whales. 

Point Lobos ocean vistas are unmatched anywhere else on the Monterey Peninsula.  Their rocky shoreline is constantly under attack from the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean.   These infamous “angry seas” crash on the shore like the finishing bars of a philharmonic performance. 

From flora to fauna to vistas this perfect natural orchestra a must see destination for anyone on the Monterey Peninsula. 

 

 

 

 

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands, a Location of Details

Welcome to living the High Life!  Edible Skinny was up in Carmel last weekend for a night at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands.  This charming rustic retreat is surrounded by the inspiring crisp freshness of pine trees (absolutely nothing smells cleaner, there’s a reason why we use this smell in all our cleaning supplies…) while overlooking the Big Sur coastline with epic views of the Pacific Ocean!

So let’s get this out of the way: YES! The Highlands is definitely the perfect place for a small intimate sunset wedding ceremony.  It’s absolutely gorgeous during the magic hour!  And this is a venue that thrives on making each couple’s special day perfect (and their booking schedule reflects such…).  But there’s so much more to the Highlands than a fantastic place to wear a white dress…

There’s the award winning Pacific’s Edge restaurant (of which you’ll hear more about from Kelly).   There’s complimentary Bianchi bikes you can take down to Point Lobos (also more on this one coming up).  There’s S’Mores kits in the gift shop and fire pits every few steps.  Complimentary binoculars allow you to get a closer look at the seagulls drifting on the gusts echoing from the cliffs below.   The saltwater pool is heated to exactly 82 degrees and three outdoor Jacuzzis are strategically placed around the property for those chilly Carmel evenings. 

The Highlands is a location of details.  When we arrived at this picturesque hideaway we were quickly greeted with a welcome glass of Prosecco, not one but two roaring fireplaces, and a view you will never forget.  Each of the 48 rooms also has a fireplace (whose chimneys are the originals of the 100 year old property) with preset kindling in the hearth so all you need to do is light a match.  There’s intimate boardrooms with view inspiring vistas for an intimate corporate retreat of thirty or less.  When showing us our room our bellman recommended we leave our balcony open at night, allowing us to hear the Pacific’s melodic waves crashing below when drifting off to sleep. 

And with the potential for bottles of wine, plates of cheese, and fabulous Monterey Meringues strategically placed around the room, it’s the perfect retreat for a couple looking to drive up the coast for the weekend.  Or to return once again!  Along with the hotel, Hyatt offers a timeshare side of the property for those who want to return year after year, a popular choice for those wishing to celebrate their wedding anniversary in the same location they got married at!

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands, a great choice for a romantic getaway, an intimate corporate retreat, and yes a charming boutique wedding.