There are dozens of reasons to fall in love with Carmel, California. Among those dozens are the almost uncountable number of restaurants that dot the main street (Ocean Ave) of Carmel, as well as the numerous streets that crisscross the town itself and nearby environs. But one of the very best of reasons is Mission Ranch Restaurant. It sits serenely on twenty-two acres, overlooking the Carmel River and Carmel Bay, Pt. Lobos and the not-too-distant Pacific Ocean. It is Lauren’s and my favorite place to dine.
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One of My Most Favorite Places in the World
Carmel is, unquestionably and without a doubt, one of my most favorite places in the world. I am not quite sure why. There are numerous possible reasons. My sister (who lives just south of San Francisco) took my mother and me there once many years ago. I will never forget the long walk down the very steep Ocean Avenue hill to the beautiful beach with its chilly and damp but very fresh and briny ocean air. Another good reason might be the frequent visits to the Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt Carmel (a few miles south of Carmel) and the California Market Restaurant where one can dine “al fresco” or the Pacific’s Edge Restaurant inside with its marvelous cuisine and spectacular view of the California coastline (named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by Zagat). In the same location one can enjoy their favorite beverage in the Lobos Lounge or the Sunset Lounge – incredibly awesome views – and watch both the sunset and the waves as they crash carelessly into Point Lobos far below.
Another reason might be a little place farther south of Carmel called Rocky Point where the three of us went to eat one night and enjoyed not only a great dinner, but also an incredible view of the setting sun as it slithered into the dark and purplish Pacific Ocean. Although I have been to the Carmel area many times, I returned to Rocky Point a couple of years ago and exchanged vows with my soul mate high on a cliff there, as a few family members and friends looked on. Afterward, we sipped champagne and munched on delicious Dungeness Crab Cocktail prior to our heading to dinner at Mission Ranch.
Many an Afternoon Relaxing in one of Their Large Adirondack Chairs
Mission Ranch, another for-certain reason that Carmel is one of my favorite destinations, is one place that I absolutely must go each and every time I have the good fortune to be able to visit Carmel. And there are numerous reasons for that, too. I have spent many an afternoon relaxing in one of their large Adirondack chairs on the outdoor patio with an adult beverage in hand, watching the sun dip into Carmel Bay, hoping to catch a glimpse of the evanescent green flash prior to the glow of evening casting its cool shadow across the grassy fields just next to the property.
I have enjoyed countless fires, forged with the driftwood collected along the shore, with my wife Lauren, my sister and brother-in-law and mother in a rented house near the beach, only to take the short walk down to Mission Ranch for a cocktail, a light snack before bed or even a full dinner when the occasion permits. And on certain nights, just my wife and I will go there for the ambience of the outdoor propane heaters, an appetizer and a few moments of solitude. I also must shamelessly admit to hoping to catch a brief glimpse of owner Clint Eastwood – I have always been a huge fan – on one of his rare appearances at the restaurant.
Somewhere Near the Roaring Fireplace
But I think that, more than anything else, I simply like the place. I feel almost as at home as the Carmel residents who frequent Mission Ranch and have been doing so for many, many years. I prefer a small table for two somewhere near to the roaring fireplace and the nightly piano bar entertainment. And as much as I would normally prefer the quiet and solitude of a deserted stretch of beach with only the sound of the crashing surf, I don’t mind at all the din of the place at its busiest, when everyone there seems to be talking at the top of their loudness and pitch and glasses and dishes are clanking ferociously.
Numerous Items on the Menu Always Get My Attention
There are numerous items on the menu that always get my attention (Appetizers like Baked Goat Cheese, Smoked Salmon, Fresh Oysters or Crab Cakes, for instance, or dinner entrees like Hawaiian Mahi Mahi, Short Ribs Ossobuco Style, Three-Mushroom Pasta or Roasted Maple Leaf Duck) but trust me when I say that I haven’t ever had a mediocre meal there. One of my all-time favorites though is their Charbroiled Hamburger (they grind their own filet and chuck roll). Normally one might think that I would go for something far more elaborate and “gourmand” but this burger is maybe one of the best that I have had… anywhere. Sure, it could be the ambience. It could be the allure of the ocean nearby. It could be because this is where my wife and I celebrated our wedding dinner. Or it could simply be that the food and service are always consistently top notch.
I have often asked people who have told me that they have been to Carmel, if they have been to Mission Ranch. The quizzical looks I normally see are often followed with: “No, I have never heard of that place. Where is it?” I am certain that the look that they receive in return is just as puzzling. However, I ignore the ignorance and politely give them directions to one of my favorite restaurants.
The Place is Always Busy
I always remind them though, that the place is always busy, and if they want a seat, get there early, because there always seems to be a wait (No reservations are accepted). This is one venue though, where I have never minded the wait. It has for me an almost home-away-from-home feel to it. Along with the great food… it’s a hard combination to beat. And I like that. Thanks Clint, for maintaining such a fine and comfortable place that always keeps its customers coming back! An easy four and a half Zin rating.
Ralph Pancetta
Mission Ranch is located at 26270 Dolores Street in Carmel, CA.
