A roundup of  where and what I ate this weekend to tantalize your tastebuds!

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Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge at the Portola Hotel & Spa at Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey

Upon our arrival in Monterey, Susie and I were looking for a glass of wine and some light bites to tide us over until dinner. Okay, okay, we were also looking to kick off our mini vacation because, really, you’re not on vacation until you’re sippin’ an overpriced glass of something yummy mid-afternoon. We found everything we were looking for + great hospitality  and  - the exorbitant prices at Jack’s Lounge! How convenient is it that the Portola Hotel is connected to the conference center where the expo is located?

(Shrimp Scampi, Crispy Calamari, Fresh Dungeness Crab & Avocado Sliders Portobello Mushroom Ravioli)

All their small plates were $3 – $5, they served all wines local to the Carmel Valley (Talbott, which I love but I also discovered Bernardus!), our server was totally friendly, knowledgeable, and down to earth despite the posh decor. Loved it and I would definitely go back.

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Cafe Dametra in Carmel 

Despite the 30 minute wait and the so-so food (my pasta was overcooked and didn’t have outstanding flavor at $18), this place is a gem based on hospitality alone! To compensate us for the long wait despite having made reservations two weeks in advance, our entire party of 6 received wine and dessert on the house. Everyone was completely charming and friendly, apologetic for the wait — and talented! We were treated to live Mediterranean music, singing, and dancing performed by the employees! Everyone got a hug and a “Good luck with the race! Come back soon!” when we departed. My group’s only real complaint was the lack of space (I think they can maybe seat 25 max comfortably and they had about 35 in there) and ventilation. It was super hot and crowded with the door closed and too cold with it open. I’m sorry to say, but with all of the fantastic eats in Carmel and Monterey, I would skip this next time.

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Schooner’s Bistro on the Bay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa in Monterey

I have to say that this was probably my favorite meal of the trip, and it’s not just because I was ravenous after my race. Susie and I came here Sunday afternoon to unwind after running the marathon relay. It’s located on the lower level of the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at the end of Cannery Row and right on the bay. We had the best of both worlds sitting inside next to the open french doors because we were out of the sun and away from the seagulls but could enjoy the fantastic waterfront views and slight sea breeze. We relaxed and celebrated our running feat with a margarita and blood mary, some field greens, a turkey avocado club paired with sweet potato fries and the BEST CLAM CHOWDER EVER. Seriously. No joke. The best. I’d make the 1.5 hour just for that!

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(Suze and I made a little detour at this point and headed over to the beach at Carmel to bury our feet in the sand and relax.)

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Then we did a little window shopping while enjoying ice cream cones from Carmel Bakery and Coffee Co. Eventually we stopped in a local wine bar to share a $12 tasting flight that consisted of 2 sparkling, 2 whites, and 1 pinot. I don’t remember the name of the winery’s bar (it started with a C) but I wasn’t impressed with the service or wine so I’m not concerned about it

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Cantinetta Luca in Carmel, CA

This place is what an Italian restaurant in Carmel should be! Gorgeous, modern yet inviting and spacious interior, impressive wine lists, and they make their own salume and pastas from scratch! No wonder they were voted “Best Restaurant” in Carmel 2008-2010! I had the most incredible fennel sausage here and can even say I like polenta now! I am totally booking this for our team dinner next year.

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Em Le’s Carmel Restaurant

This might just be a close 2nd for best meal of the weekend. Susie and I crossed it while window shopping Sunday and decided we HAD to come back Monday morning for breakfast before we hit the road home. The building’s exterior and interior are totally cute and cottage-y. The food was awesome, too! I had a Denver omelet + spicy skillet potatoes and toast, Susie had eggs benedict, and we shared an order of Em Le’s famous french toast. WOW! What a meal and a great way to wrap up our trip!