We will be going to Carmel in about a month for our annual fall visit, are there any new restaurants you would recommend? We will go to some of our usual favorites such as Passionfish, La Boheme, Grasing's, but I was wondering if there were any new restuarants on the scene.

La Boheme is closed. Have you been to Bouchee? Pacific's Edge was fantastic when we spent 4 nights at the Highland's Inn last December. ***kim***

Too bad about La Boheme closing, it was one of my favorite places in Carmel.

I heard that the family that owns Cassanova opened a bistro, La Bicyclette, in the old La Boheme space. Serving 3 course family style dinners, which probably means big bowls or platters where everyone helps themselves. If anyone has tried it, I'd be interested to hear your impressions of the restaurant.

Hi SAB

Have you ever dined at Christopher's? We adore Christopher Caul's culinary talents. The restaurant is located in Lincoln Court. Just head down Ocean to the beach, turn right on Lincoln and it's on the right side. http://www.christophersonlincoln.com/

How about Kurt's Chop House? http://www.carmelchophouse.com/ Kurt Grasing serves some very nice steaks, even Kobe beef, in downtown Carmel. Kurt and Christopher are social acquaintances of ours and very, very nice men.
Need more suggestions? Feel free to ask, I promise I won't steer you in a syrah direction.

Thanks for the info on La Boheme--yes, kim I've been to Bouchee (in fact I think I might have even recommend it to you some years back) and to Pacific's Edge. We have been going for weekends in Carmel for many years so we have dined in lots of places. I'm looking for any new restaurants news, such as the info about La Boheme.

Thanks Tess-- the menu at Christopher's looks very interesting and it sounds like our kind of place, love the review about throwing out the chandeliers. I like places with atmosphere, but I'll take good food any day over a view, or overdone decor.

SAB - just as with your driving directions, you know your food! You'll really enjoy Christopher's, I just know it.

By the way, took the 280 to 380 to and from SFO, again on Friday during commute traffic...the only way to go. My husband had to catch a flight out of SJC at the same time. He went straight up 101 and made good time, too. I guess you never know but 280 is so much prettier that if I'm going to go without him, I'm going that way. Of course, as you and I both know, 101 north of SJC can get pretty ugly traffic-wise.

Now, for more Carmel talk, if you like sushi and other Japanese cuisine, you've got to go to Wasabi Bistro at the Crossroads Shopping Center...best in town. Of course, nothing can beat Sansei on Maui but WB will do.

I like Bahama Billy's at the Barnyard (next to the Crossroads). Also, Monterrey's Fish House in Monterrey. Lunch at the Red House Cafe in Pacific Grove. Breakfasts at the Old Monterey Cafe and Toasties Cafe (PG).

Thanks trip--I like Bahama Billy's also, and have often recommended the Monterey Fish House--however, I'm looking for new as in recently opened places.

Have you tried L'Escargot on Mission? About a half block from Casanova - away from Ocean Ave. Lovely little place.

<<Have you tried L'Escargot on Mission? About a half block from Casanova - away from Ocean Ave. Lovely little place.>>

No, but we tried it in Paris and found that the wait staff moved at a snail's pace. Turns out they drove these funny little cars named S Cars...don't know how they made them go.

Have you tried the owner of Bahama Billy's newest restaurant in the Barnyard?It is called Bixbys Martini Bistro. Very good.
Also people rave about the restaurant at Bernardus Lodge.Pricy but very good.

I had forgotten about Bixby's--it had just opened when we were in Carmel this past May. Thanks.

You are welcome. Anything that Bill lee does is good. You cant go wrong. He opens great restauratns on the Monterey Penninsula then evetually sells them, then creates new ones.

Billy and Teresa Lee constantly "give back" to our community. While their dishes are certainly not five star, their restaurants are good with a fun and lively atmosphere.

I think we will visit Bixby's instead of Bahama Billy's this time--looks like it will be good for the ususal casual late lunch after the required morning visit to Point Lobos assuming we don't drive on down to Cielo.

I didn't know about Bixby's. I'll have to check it out soon!
Travel Tess- Billy and Teresa put together a great dinner for my daughter's wedding rehearsal summer of 05. Billy suffered a mild heart attack, and was in the hospital the night of our dinner. He called Teresa from his hospital room to make sure eveything was going well.

Sorry SAB, I haven't been getting down there enough lately to discover the new places.

You summed it up their restaurants are a lot of fun!!! Now that i just moved away from the area, i so wish i can find a duplicate Bahama Billys because i have a craving for the bread!!!!
Never going to happen unfortunatly.