On our second day in Carmel, I decided to take us off property for brunch. While I think brunch at our hotel is quite good, I really wanted to check out Stationaery Carmel, which is a really popular neighborhood restaurant in Carmel by the Sea. … [Read more...] about Review: Stationaery Carmel
Trip Reports
Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
You know that I'm always on the lookout for great eats where ever I go. So, in Carmel, I knew from early on that I wanted to check out the iconic Aubergine Carmel. Yeah, our previous dinner in the area was an utter disappointment, though that was NOT the case at Auberge Carmel - quite the opposite, actually. … [Read more...] about Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
After our adventures in Big Sur, we had a small amount of time to kill. So after scoping out the area around our upcoming dinner reservation, we went to check out the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which was pretty cool! … [Read more...] about Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Exploring Big Sur
As is always the case, we were short on time in Carmel, so we only had a day to drive up and down the coast. But, I made the most of exploring Big Sur, making sure we hit up the specific sites that were on my bucket list, though we didn't see anything beyond that. … [Read more...] about Exploring Big Sur
Disappointing: Chez Noir Carmel
Hailed as one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2022, I was so excited to find out that Chez Noir Carmel would open not long before. Better yet, I was able to secure a reservation on our first night in Carmel. Unfortunately, my experience with them was a complete letdown. … [Read more...] about Disappointing: Chez Noir Carmel
Review: Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki
I've been on a bit of a ramen bender lately, seeking redemption for my disappointing experience at STIX Asia. The latest stop on my ramen adventure is Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki - someplace I've actually been eyeing for a while now. … [Read more...] about Review: Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki
Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge (Hyatt Carmel Highlands)
While I don't typically like eating at hotel restaurants, we ended up eating breakfast at Pacific's Edge twice during our three-night stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. While expensive, Iʻd say that the restaurant wasnʻt bad. Mostly. … [Read more...] about Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge (Hyatt Carmel Highlands)
Review: Kamakura Ramen Hawaii
Recently, needing a bite to eat in Ala Moana Center, I ended up deciding to check out Kamakura Ramen's Hawaii shop in the Center's Lanai food court. It's a supposedly different type of ramen that's healthier but still tasty. While I think it's healthier than what I normally eat, I don't think I'd choose it over others. … [Read more...] about Review: Kamakura Ramen Hawaii
Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands
After checking out from our positioning hotel - Hotel Citrine -, we started the one-hour half-plus drive to our next hotel, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur. After reading several of Matthew Klint's reviews over the years, I was excited to finally check this place out. … [Read more...] about Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Review: Hotel Citrine, Tribute Collection
Given our late arrival into San Jose, there was no way I was going to drive out to Carmel that night. So, for our first night in California, I chose Hotel Citrine, a Marriott Tribute Collection property in Palo Alto. This was my second Tribute Collection stay and my first dual-brand property. … [Read more...] about Review: Hotel Citrine, Tribute Collection