It has been many years since I last compiled a restaurant “Year in Review.” But Lauren suggested I consider it, especially since I am writing – again – and I agreed that I should share a peek back at 2024 and where we had been and what we had experienced…
Looking back at previous years in review, I see that I stated “The year 2010 was a disaster for many reasons…” and “The year 2010 also saw its share of disappointments in terms of restaurant closings.” I had hoped that 2009 would “bring with it new hope for a better future.” But “Unfortunately, it didn’t start out that way.” 2008? Well… “The outlook at the end of the year is on a low note and one that has brought high unemployment and fears of what lies on the horizon.” One last look for comparison is at the year 2007, when I mused: “I am also surprised and amazed at the number of local restaurants that have closed in this past year, as well as the number that have opened… the restaurant business is a truly tough one in which to compete.”
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Why Only Eight Reviews?
That’s all in the past now. I usually have at least a dozen selections from which to choose. 2024 was challenging, for many reasons. Lauren and I spent a lot of windshield time on the road, and that reduced my available time to write. Other commitments also got in the way. As a result, only 8 reviews grace the review list this year. I’m planning for 2025 to provide a better and more consequential list.
Keep in mind that 2024 was an election year, and this caused multiple problems on its own. Combine that with 1) the war in Ukraine, 2) the war in the Middle East, 3) Multiple hurricanes and tornados, floods and wildfires, 4) a renewed interest in the “space race”, 5) The increased interest in AI, 6) increased concern over climate change, and last, but not least, 7) the reelection of Donald Trump as now the 47th President of the United States. Let’s put all that behind us, as it is now 2025. But first…
Four Major Criteria
On the review side of things… It is always interesting to look again at the varied venues at which we dined in any given year. The decisions as to placement are always difficult. Unfortunately, multiple visits are not usually possible before a restaurant review is written. Also keep in mind that no matter the venue type or location, ratings are always based on four major criteria:
- Food Quality
- Plating & Plate Presentation
- Service
- Distractions (excessive noise level, sloppily or poorly attired or non-attentive wait staff, etc., location)
As has been the case since I first started this annual summary, again keep in mind that this is how I would rate them if they were the only – in this case – 8 restaurants available… period. And as always, I certainly appreciate your opinions as to why you may or may not agree with my choices. All that said, here we go…
#8: Village Corner – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
(Original Review Oct 23, 2024) Food Type: Breakfast, American
Unfortunately, the review of one of my (used to be) favorite breakfast haunts in Carmel has made it to last place on my list for 2024. It has been a very tough year for anyone in the restaurant biz. I can only guess that management at Village Corner has changed. Otherwise I can find no reason for such a turnabout at this one in Carmel. 2024 rating: 2.5 Zins
#7: Lumberyard Bar & Grill – Marshfield, WI
(Original Review Sep 9, 2024) Food Type: Pub Grub
The Lumberyard appeared to be a sort of sports bar… I stated that “I have seen Chinese restaurants with fewer menu items and that was a bit worrisome. But it wasn’t the number of menu items that ultimately made the difference here. It was the lack of imagination, poor plating, lack of any kind of uniform on employees, and what seemed to be sub-par standards (among other noticeable negatives). 2024 rating: 3.0 Zins
#6: Wissota High Shores Supper Club – Chippewa Falls, WI
(Original Review August 3, 2024) Food Type: American, Seafood, Steaks & Chops
After searching far and wide for a representative supper club, I was certain we had found a prime example with High Shores. Between our two visits, I would say that the only thing that High Shores needs to do is focus a bit more on consistency with the menu items. They have a beautiful view, an incredible wait staff (friendly, helpful, and in uniforms!), and a marvelous salad bar. My kind of supper club – they’ve almost got it all. 2024 rating: 3.5 Zins
#5: Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Original Review Nov 22, 2024 Food Type: Fine Dining, Italian
It may have only been for lunch, but a rooftop lunch – when we were the sole occupants of the area – was the perfect solution for the start of a beautiful California day. The Pacific ocean was crashing in the distance, hummingbirds were all around us, the service was very good, and the food, plating, flavors and wine were… just perfect. An excellent Italian venue. 2024 rating: 4.0 Zins
#4: A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
(Original Review Nov 14, 2024) Food Type: Seafood, American Cuisine
So many positives here. Food, food prep, and service are all consistent – and always great – from day to day and visit to visit. Location is only a tiny distraction, along with the hostess (she sits in a small “cubicle” just outside the restaurant, and is not the friendliest). Otherwise, it’d be easy to rate the venue ½ Zin higher. As I said in my latest review, we have never been disappointed by A.W Shucks. 2024 rating: 4.5 Zins
#3: Sea Harvest Fish Market – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
(Original Review November 6, 2024) Food Type: Seafood
From my review: “Lauren and I delight in buying some of the freshest seafood available. From shrimp to crab to clams, oysters, calamari and several varieties of fresh – and local – fish”. The key here is fresh. And to walk in off the street and dine here for the first time and receive the kind of service, plating and quality of food that we did, well… the experience was awesome. If you haven’t tried it yet – you need to! 2024 rating: 4.5 Zins
#2: Catch Carmel – Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
(Original Review October 24, 2024) Food Type: Seafood, Fine Dining
I was really surprised by this one. Except for the distraction of the noise coming from the street (delivery trucks, etc.) and sidewalk (pedestrian traffic) just outside the restaurant, Catch was a delight – especially in freshness, plating, and flavors. Catch is definitely a place to which I’d like to return. Just check their website and menus – if your mouth doesn’t start watering, your taste buds just might be shot. 2024 rating: 4.5 Zins
#1: C Restaurant + Bar – Monterey, California
(Original Review November 2, 2024) Food Type: American Cuisine, Fine Dining, Seafood
This was – unbelievably – only my second visit to the restaurant scene on Monterey Bay. SO many restaurants there! Importantly, I will be back! This oceanfront seafood restaurant on Monterey Bay is located at the upscale InterContinental The Clement Monterey hotel. We were planning to stay at the hotel anyway, as that made it more convenient for a departure the next day. So why not experience the dining there? There are several possibilities for dining near the hotel, but we chose the C Restaurant + Bar, located right on the harbor. Splendid views, exquisite and imaginative cuisine with marvelous plating and excellent flavors, great service, and a wonderful place for making an occasion memorable. Perhaps a bit pricey, but also one of the best dining experiences you might ever have. 2024 rating: 5.0 Zins
