My wife and I are going to be in Monterey for 3 days next week. Any recommendations for a special occassion restaurant? We have reservations at the Pacific's Edge. Thanks, Sid

Sid: My husband and I have enjoyed the Pacific's Edge while staying at the Tickle Pink. We also like the Sardine Factory. We've had great service the menu is devine and the chefs and waiters love to accomodate requests.I like to arrange combinations of their selections. Have fun.

A wonderful "special occasion resturant" is the Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. The drive is spectacular and the restaurant sits on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific. The web site is www.postranchinn.com. My wife and I enjoyed dinner there on our wedding day.

Monterey sounds romantic. Thinking of a get away. Where's the best place to stay? Great view, etc.

I don't think of Monterey as being romantic, especially in the summer when it is packed with tourists and their children. Instead, I would consider either Carmel or Pacific Grove. If you like Victorians, either the Green Gables Inn or the Seven Gables in P.G. are wonderful little inns. In Carmel, La Playa, or down into Big Sur at Ventana are romantic. Pacific's Edge is a great idea. Try also Fresh Cream and Anton and Michel's in Carmel. Lots of folks love Roy's as well.

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful suggestions. The executive chef at the Pacific's edge is new (Cal Stamenov, the former chef has moved on to a new place to open in July). This leads me to wonder if the kitchen may be going through an adjustment period. Has anyone eaten there in the last month? I agree with the suggestion of Fresh Cream; one of my friends is in the food and beverage industry and raves about the food at Fresh Cream. Thanks again.

Don't change a thing! Pacific's Edge is fantastic. See if you can get a reservation for dinner at sunset. The view is spectacular. At a minimum, get there at sunset for a cocktail at the piano bar. It's a memorable restaurant. Enjoy.