TRIP REPORT: Manka's Inverness Lodge, Carmel, Big Sur, Pacific Grove
Oct 6th, 2003, 05:58 PM
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TRIP REPORT: Manka's Inverness Lodge, Carmel, Big Sur, Pacific Grove
Thanks to all who gave me ideas for this trip. I hope this will help you with your trip to Manka's, Carmel, Big Sur or Pacific Grove, if it doesn't put you to sleep first 
October 2003
Tuesday afternoon, we arrived in tiny coastal Inverness, an hour north of SF. Tucked away on a hill surrounded by forest and fog stood charming Manka's Lodge. A warm fireplace and staff welcomed us. We were directed to our cabin 1-2-5, one of two newly available off-site cabins located a good mile from the Lodge. 125 refers to the cabin's street address.
THE CABINS: This beautiful property backs to the National Forest and contains cabins Perch and 1-2-5. Perch was Manka's owner's private home and 1-2-5 was the guest cottage up until a year ago, when she built a new home, we were told. 1-2-5 is done in sage, gold and green brocades, velvet & corduroy--rustic elegance. Sits above the treetops, open to light. Approx. 375 sq. ft., it's cozy, but we were comfortable. Split level, stone fireplace, windowseats, tall windows open to large deck with hot tub. We didn't see a stream--maybe Spring? White bathroom w/ shower only (no tub)w/ Euro fixtures and plenty of hot water Lower level could have used a couple strong lamps, darkish at night. We felt like residents and liked the very private feel here. Downside: have to drive or walk to Manka's for meals. Perch is larger overall w/ single 2nd bedroom & kitchenette, but no hot tub. Just a little more $$, worth it.
FOOD: Dinner that night: small plates or tasting menu ($58) Confit of duck on creamy risotto, unbelievably good. Thursday dinner: 5 course prix fix the only choice ($58, more on week-end)Impossibly light souffle with salmon champagne sauce, dessert gingercake w/ poached quince, cream, Red Hawk and walnuts--complex flavors! We recognized an actor dining nearby. Excellent service and warm ambiance, no wonder they got a Top 50 Hotel Restaurant award. Good for a special occasion or when you're feeling flush (our final meal, breakfast for 2 set us back $55!) A sad note:no Louie. They said he belonged to someone who worked there, but they left and so did Louie.
OUT & ABOUT: For a picnic, grabbed Bovine bread,Cowgirl cheese, good wine and found a deserted grove of redwoods & enjoyed the beauty. The locals said it was unusually cold for early October, but we explored Limantour Beach (fogged in), a few short walks near Manka's, Point Reyes Station and Marshall. Some places we wanted to do were closed early in the week, so we missed out. Took a day trip to Sonoma, shopping the square, lunch at Hotel Ledson (wonderful food & wine), Gundlach-Bundschu winery.
CARMEL: Drove to Carmel to the Crystal Terrace Inn, in the neighborhood we used to live in. Beautiful flower gardens, nice rooms, all immaculate. Faces a busy street, but not loud. Laura Ashley prints, wood-burning fireplace, kitchenette, good wine & apps, cont. breakfast for $150, not bad for Carmel. We also liked Sea View Inn, loaded w/ character & charm in a residential area not close to town (we like the peacefulness), Room #7 our fave.
PACIFIC GROVE: Dinner at Robert Kinkaid's White House Restaurant. We've been fans of his cooking for years and the love affair continues. In a beautiful white Victorian home. Dinner: 3 course menu w/ lots of choices for $24. You must taste his food to understand what a value this is. Some of the best food on our trip. Highlights: creamy onion custard tart (1st course), duck cassoulet, fillet of beef in peppercorn cream sauce, tart Tatin (apple tart). Menu changes daily. Btw, this is Robert's home, he lives on the 3rd floor. Back in Carmel, we worked off dinner strolling the village, window-shopping.
Our last day in Carmel started with breakfast at Katy's Place--bountiful Benedicts, then on to a walk at Pt. Lobos. The sun came out and we were in awe of the beauty here. On to Big Sur to Nepenthe to watch the fog drift in & out, shop the Phoenix. Being fogged in, we drove back to sunny Highlands Inn for a glass of the grape and more R&R, checking out the fab ocean views at Tickle Pink next door. Lunch back in Carmel at Patisserie Boisserie for salads and authentic French pastries. Missed Bouchee's Tapas & Wine Bar, but ran out of meals and time. One last farewell to our old friend, then we were gone to dream about our next trip. Thanks for reading--Happy Travels to you!
October 2003
Tuesday afternoon, we arrived in tiny coastal Inverness, an hour north of SF. Tucked away on a hill surrounded by forest and fog stood charming Manka's Lodge. A warm fireplace and staff welcomed us. We were directed to our cabin 1-2-5, one of two newly available off-site cabins located a good mile from the Lodge. 125 refers to the cabin's street address.
THE CABINS: This beautiful property backs to the National Forest and contains cabins Perch and 1-2-5. Perch was Manka's owner's private home and 1-2-5 was the guest cottage up until a year ago, when she built a new home, we were told. 1-2-5 is done in sage, gold and green brocades, velvet & corduroy--rustic elegance. Sits above the treetops, open to light. Approx. 375 sq. ft., it's cozy, but we were comfortable. Split level, stone fireplace, windowseats, tall windows open to large deck with hot tub. We didn't see a stream--maybe Spring? White bathroom w/ shower only (no tub)w/ Euro fixtures and plenty of hot water
Lower level could have used a couple strong lamps, darkish at night. We felt like residents and liked the very private feel here. Downside: have to drive or walk to Manka's for meals. Perch is larger overall w/ single 2nd bedroom & kitchenette, but no hot tub. Just a little more $$, worth it.FOOD: Dinner that night: small plates or tasting menu ($58) Confit of duck on creamy risotto, unbelievably good. Thursday dinner: 5 course prix fix the only choice ($58, more on week-end)Impossibly light souffle with salmon champagne sauce, dessert gingercake w/ poached quince, cream, Red Hawk and walnuts--complex flavors! We recognized an actor dining nearby. Excellent service and warm ambiance, no wonder they got a Top 50 Hotel Restaurant award. Good for a special occasion or when you're feeling flush (our final meal, breakfast for 2 set us back $55!) A sad note:no Louie. They said he belonged to someone who worked there, but they left and so did Louie.
OUT & ABOUT: For a picnic, grabbed Bovine bread,Cowgirl cheese, good wine and found a deserted grove of redwoods & enjoyed the beauty. The locals said it was unusually cold for early October, but we explored Limantour Beach (fogged in), a few short walks near Manka's, Point Reyes Station and Marshall. Some places we wanted to do were closed early in the week, so we missed out. Took a day trip to Sonoma, shopping the square, lunch at Hotel Ledson (wonderful food & wine), Gundlach-Bundschu winery.
CARMEL: Drove to Carmel to the Crystal Terrace Inn, in the neighborhood we used to live in. Beautiful flower gardens, nice rooms, all immaculate. Faces a busy street, but not loud. Laura Ashley prints, wood-burning fireplace, kitchenette, good wine & apps, cont. breakfast for $150, not bad for Carmel. We also liked Sea View Inn, loaded w/ character & charm in a residential area not close to town (we like the peacefulness), Room #7 our fave.
PACIFIC GROVE: Dinner at Robert Kinkaid's White House Restaurant. We've been fans of his cooking for years and the love affair continues. In a beautiful white Victorian home. Dinner: 3 course menu w/ lots of choices for $24. You must taste his food to understand what a value this is. Some of the best food on our trip. Highlights: creamy onion custard tart (1st course), duck cassoulet, fillet of beef in peppercorn cream sauce, tart Tatin (apple tart). Menu changes daily. Btw, this is Robert's home, he lives on the 3rd floor. Back in Carmel, we worked off dinner strolling the village, window-shopping.
Our last day in Carmel started with breakfast at Katy's Place--bountiful Benedicts, then on to a walk at Pt. Lobos. The sun came out and we were in awe of the beauty here. On to Big Sur to Nepenthe to watch the fog drift in & out, shop the Phoenix. Being fogged in, we drove back to sunny Highlands Inn for a glass of the grape and more R&R, checking out the fab ocean views at Tickle Pink next door. Lunch back in Carmel at Patisserie Boisserie for salads and authentic French pastries. Missed Bouchee's Tapas & Wine Bar, but ran out of meals and time. One last farewell to our old friend, then we were gone to dream about our next trip. Thanks for reading--Happy Travels to you!
Oct 7th, 2003, 04:43 PM
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Louie is a beautiful yellow Lab (pretty sure he's a Lab, I only saw his picture on the website--maybe someone else knows for sure.) Anyway, he was kinda like Manka's mascot, known to hang out on the lobby's sofa, charming guests with his cuteness. Fodorites told me he was their favorite thing at Manka's so I was really looking forward to meeting him.
Manka's said that rarely Louie's owner comes in to help out in a pinch, so during those times Louie would be there, so you could possibly see him, if your timing is right.
Manka's said that rarely Louie's owner comes in to help out in a pinch, so during those times Louie would be there, so you could possibly see him, if your timing is right.
Oct 8th, 2003, 08:13 AM
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PamSF: You are so right about that soul thing! Pt. Reyes & Pt. Lobos are both incredibly scenic spots, yet they are quite different from each other. Seeing them both on the same trip was an interesting contrast, and very doable, if you have the time.
I noticed my trip report does not show up with the other California posts--I would like it to. Can anyone tell me what I should have done to make this happen and what I can do now to make it appear in the California section too?
I noticed my trip report does not show up with the other California posts--I would like it to. Can anyone tell me what I should have done to make this happen and what I can do now to make it appear in the California section too?
