On a whim – as is often the case for us – we headed to California this past October. We had longed for the ocean breezes and the crash of waves on the shores of the California coast. Of all the many stops in the Carmel area, one memorable venue in particular was the Intercontinental The Clement Monterey and a “light” dinner at the C Restaurant + Bar at the hotel.
No Ka `Oi
We had gotten a bit nostalgic on our last afternoon in the Carmel area, bought a bottle of wine and decided to sip it while we sat on the patio of the hotel. Seagulls and pelicans were crazy with laughter as we watched them glide and dive along the coastal shoreline of Monterey Bay. As we enjoyed the sun and the wine and pondered beaucoup west coast memories from the last twenty years, time – for a while – stood still. And I recalled a phrase from our long ago Hawaiian vacation: “no ka `oi”, meaning “the best” or “nothing better”.
The decision to dine at the C restaurant may have been one of the better decisions on the trip, although all our dining decisions were well founded on that trip… We saw open tables on the deck of the restaurant and asked if we needed a reservation. We got our answer as we were immediately guided to a deuce and seated. Let the smiles begin!
Awesome Start to a Delightful Evening
For starters, we ordered from the bar: an InterContinental Drift, made with Don Julio Tequila, fresh lemon juice, and fresh muddled kiwi (for me) and a Queen Elizabeth, made with Empress gin, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and egg whites (for Lauren). A most excellent start! To accompany that delight was an appetizer of Monterey Bay Calamari (with Blue Lake Beans, Lemon, Shaved Parmesan, and Chipotle Aïoli). Of the half-dozen or so app’s, this dish was not only serious eye candy, but it was also an awesome start to a delightful evening on the bay.
Since it was our last evening in California before a necessary flight back to “the Hinterland”, we decided to splurge. So, Lauren then decided to have a glass of Talbott Chardonnay. I asked for – and received – an Old Fashion made with Templeton Rye whisky. I might add there was a large, single ball of ice floating in it – nice presentation! ‘Twas quite tasty, too! But wait, there’s more…
Dinner Under Patio Heaters
First things first. The evening had started to develop a chill as the sun was beginning to set. We noticed Bromic patio heaters strategically placed around the deck and asked our waitress if they could be lighted for us. Almost immediately, several in our immediate area, plus several more around the patio area were lit. The heaters soon engulfed us in a soothing warmth on this cooling California night.
Our waitress returned, asking if the heater was sufficient. we smiled and said “yes, definitely”. Satisfied that all was well, she informed us of an evening special: Fish Tacos made with Rock Cod (what I had once known in the kitchen of the Abbey in Marina Del Rey as “Pacific Red Snapper”).
Final Thoughts
The tacos arrived shortly after my Old Fashion. The plating was superb, and the dish was served with aplomb. Pardon me if I say “no ka `oi” one more time! Why? Well, you’d have to have been there, but the final addition to our seaside meal was Fish Tacos. They were draped in an avocado lime sauce with chopped cilantro, a run of salsa alongside, and a bit of slaw added for style and flavor. All of this resting on a street-sized corn tortilla. WOW – what a treat, and major kudos to the chef and his staff at the C restaurant & Bar!! Excellent food and presentations!
Lauren and I had not planned to eat this much as we were flying in the morning. But actually… it was perfect, as was the whole experience at the Intercontinental. We actually stayed at the hotel that evening and savored a comfortable room with a fireplace and a view of the bay. What more could a guy ask? Lauren and I agreed that it was a marvelous way to end a memorable trip back to the coast. We’d absolutely go back — to California, as well as the C Restaurant + Bar — at the drop of a hat! And by the way, the C restaurant + bar earns a definite 5 Zins, and I would recommend that you give it a try – any time you are in the area of Fisherman’s Wharf on Monterey Bay!
Your Table is Waiting
Ralph Pancetta
The C restaurant is located within the InterContinental The Clement Monterey Hotel. Their address is 750 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA.
