My husband and I are driving from San Francisco to San Diego the week after Labor Day (thanks to all the posters for helping us plan our route and lodging). We are looking for dining recommendations in the following places:

Carmel
Big Sur (have already eaten at Cielo and Nepanthe - looking for somewhere new this trip)
Santa Barbara

We really like all kinds of foods and are looking for a few good meals that will really knock our socks off. It would be even better if they are "only in California" experiences. We are not necessarily looking for something high end or fancy (though are certainly up for it) and we have been fortunate enough to stumble on some fantastic meals in out of the way places (chili crab from a shack next to a dock in Melaka stands out) - so if there is anywhere along the route worth stopping off for, please share that too.

Thanks.

Big Sur: Sierra Mar (as the Post Ranch Inn. That's definitely high end but the view is breathtaking, award-winning wine list and excellent food. Some nights there's a guy out on the deck with a high-powered telescope for star gazing. You can check it all out at www.postranchinn.com. My favorite hotel in the world. Definitely an "only in California experience"!

Santa Barbara: Spice Avenue for Indian (really reasonable, they have regular service or buffet, I like to go there for lunch), Piranha for sushi. Both on State Street.

Carmel: Roy's at Inn at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach) is good, fantastic ocean view.

La Super Rica, the famous mexican shack in Santa Barbara, for lunch...followed by McConnell's Ice Cream.

The Restaurant at the Getty in Los Angeles (open Fri & Sat for dinner or any day for lunch).

Sierra Mar @ the Post Ranch Inn is a must! Gorgeous views and a true destination restaurant.

In Carmel, Bouchee is very nice as is the Pacific's Edge where you will have stunning views of the coastline.

In Santa Barbara, we loved our experience at the Wine Cask. Have a nice time! ***kim***

Three in Half Moon Bay California getting raves are:
Cafe Gibralter in El Granada- Med + cillantro.
Red Ginger-creative Asian
and
RogueChefs.com is really the talk of the town!
Hi Kim, I'm in HMB now and hope to be dining for reports to follow soon.

Fantastic - thank you so much.

Cafe Gibralter is great--have eaten there several times, have friends who know the owners.

Red Ginger was good as well.

Absolutely agree - Sierra Mar at Post Ranch. It is actually cheaper than Nepenthe and is 100 time better - world class. Even though it's world class dining and viewing, it is still casual. It's a must! I will post again tomorrow regarding Santa Barbara - I have the name of Julia Child's favorite Mexican restaurant at home. There was also a great place in San Clemente I'll try to remember.

I remembered the place in San Clemente - it's actually Capistrano Beach: Olamendis, 34660 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach 949-661-1005. I haven't been in years but it was a mainstay - great food and live music - small mariachi strolling band (small - maybe one guy or two). Hopefully, someone in that area will see this and post some current information about it. I think even Nixon ate there when he lived in San Clemente.

Couldn't decide which to have so I am dining again tomorrow at HMB's RogueChefs. It was delightful and great fun! Chef, staff and room all a joy and food is wonderful. Dry Rub steak tonight, Meatloaf with Paprika sauce tomorrow. The pairing of perfect wine with each dish was excellent. Personal favorite-Ameritas (sp?)

A breakast or lunch recommendation if you are in downtown Carmel during the day -- try the Little Swiss. It's one block north of Ocean Ave -- on 6th street.

http://www.carmel.com/pjb-cgi/carmel...est&num=921173

Red Ginger last night
Yellowfin Tuna Tartar
Still THE BEST Anywhere!

Hi Bodi, sounds heavenly! I have never been to Half Moon Bay. Sounds like you are in a foodie's dream there! ***kim***