We arrived in Carmel a little before lunch and chose The California Market at the Highland's Inn for our lunch spot. It had been raining so we were seated inside by the fire. The views from the windows were just amazing. I chose the fish tacos and my husband chose the gourmet hamburger. Both were excellent. For dessert I chose the Tahitian vanilla bean creme brulee with fresh raspberries. Everything was wonderful. We then went to the gift shop where my husband chose a hand-painted Christams ornament for me. It was done by a local artist in Carmel.

We then went to the lobby to linger and take in the beautiful views. The Christmas tree and the decorations are just gorgeous. We plan to return here in the Springs to do their promotional presentation. The gentleman who did our valet parking took our picture by the gorgeous flowers.

We then headed to the Carmel Beach to sit out on our beach blanket for awhile and enjoy the fresh ocean air and watch the surfers. The waves were actually pretty good here. When it got too chilly we packed up and headed to downtown Carmel for some serious Christmas shopping. I dropped my ring off at the Sun Studios for its annual cleaning. Lee Andrews is the wonderful gemologist at this jewelry shop.

WE peeked in the Bouchee bistro and picked up a menu. It looks very nice. The Plaza and all the shops are beautiful this time of year with all the Christmas decorations.

Then to the wharf in Monterey to pick up some fresh crab, more souvenirs and some fudge at the Carousel candy shop. Our dinner reservations were for 5:30 at the White House in Pacific Grove.

We were promptly seated at 5:30 with a table for two by the window. The Hart mansion is just beautiful. The menu is prix fixe for $24/person not including wine and dessert.

I started with a lobster ravioli and my husband chose the salmon and bay shrimp cake. The first course was delicious and my husband said his was also excellent. The second course was the salad of vine ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fried polenta, and basil vinaigrette. Outstanding!! My husband chose the organic arugula greens with roasted almonds and feta cheese which was also excellent.

For the main course I chose the pan seared herb and sesame encrusted ahi tuna fillet, pineapple rum and beurre blanc sauce. It was excellent. My husband chose the ballotine of roasted poussin, young hen stuffed with chicken mousse and orange brandy demi glaze. He raved about it through the whole meal.

For dessert we shared a chocolate sac. A small chocolate milkshake in the center of a rich, dark chocolate block. It is accompanied by warm hand towels and a lemon. Very yummy!!!! I would recommend this place to anyone in the area. We are already planning to go back for a Valentine's dinner!! Our dinner was paired perfectly with a Pinto Noir from Blackstone winery. (Monterey County) It was the perfect anniversary in a very beautiful part of our coast. ***kim***

kim: Having trouble trying to post a response to your report. If this works, I'll continue on another post.

I'm back! Loved reading your report, Kim -- you put together a really nice trip, in spite of the rain. You're right, Christmas shopping in Carmel is a great way to go, especially when you duck into one of their charming little cafes with fireplaces every now and then.

I'm so glad you enjoyed your anniversary dinner at Robert Kincaid's White House Restaurant as much as we did. It all sounded good, but next time I've got to try that ballotine stuffed with chicken mousse in brandied-orange sauce! But, if we keep recommending this place, we'll never get a table for ourselves when we want it! Thanks so much for reporting back.

Winerycat, I can't say enough good things about this place. My husband is very picky and he loved it. I guess it put the Old Bath House down to number two on our PG list!!! We looked into Bouchee and hubby really wanted to try it, but I insisted on the White House. I'm glad we did!!! Our Pinot Noir was from Blackstone. I was not aware that they had a winery in Monterey as well as Sonoma. You can purchase their Merlot at Costco but I'm ordering some PN off their website for him for Christmas since he like it so much. Now I have to think of a reason to go back to this area soon!!! ***kim***

Thanks for the great report on the White House. We live in PG and I have never been there. My wife has been and loved it. Now you have me wanting to go. Right around the corner and now I will go for sure!

Glad you enjoy our little town. Fantastic place to live year round. Hard to beat!

Right around the corner, oh, that would be dangerous for me!! LOL We have places in our home town that we go to once a week. If I lived in PG, this would definitely be one of those weekly musts for us!! ***kim***