You're welcome. The reason I listed Japanese/sushi is because it's not just sushi. They have chicken, beef, cooked fish, soups and salads. If you do go, try the Rock Roll and the Maui roll. For the girls - some teriyaki beef is mmmm good!

Rocky roll, not rock roll. Wish we could edit, Fodors.

Anybody mention Casanova's in Carmel. We took our 3 yr old niece there once, sat in the patio and had a great time.

Of course she's 13 now so it may have changed a bit?

Yeah, Kal...it's changed. Love the owners, love the restaurant but the food has changed. You can do better, much better.

Thank you all again for your suggestions. Safeway worked out great for picnic items, we did that twice. We also tried Montrio, Allegro Pizzeria, and Bahama Billy's, all very good choices.

Redhead - you're a class act to post back, thank you!

If you were in Safeway on Sunday - me too. I'm glad it worked out well for you. Our weather was pretty nice, don't you think? Where did you stay? By the way, we were at Billy Quon's (Bahama Billy) house on Sunday. He sold the restaurant but is proud that it's doing well. Allegro is our family's local pizza joint.

We too are travelling to the area in May with a toddler. WOuld any of you know where we should stay in either Carmel or Monterey? Which is the two is more beautiful. Our budget is up to $200 per night.

VISIT

www.nepenthebigsur.com

The restaurant is one that I visited in 2005 while at a yoga retreat in Watsonville. The ladies at the retreat told me I HAD to go there.

It is called Nepenthe. It is 28 miles south of Carmel. 63 miles north of Hearst Castle.

Highway One
Big Sur California
93920
(have the card out so I can go at any moment.....you know how that is...)