One of the things that I enjoy most in life is food, and I especially enjoy it when I can eat outside. Just a few miles south of Carmel – on a hill, high above the Pacific Ocean – is a place called the Park Hyatt Highlands Inn. It is a marvelous venue at which to spend some time to enjoy life, as well as to enjoy some incredible views of the ocean while dining at the Inn’s California Market.
(This page may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure about affiliate links.)
Exquisite Azure Blue Beauty of the Pacific Ocean
Recently I had the opportunity to do just that. It was about 11:30 am on a drop-dead gorgeous day with a clear and bright blue sky; the temperature was in the mid 70’s. We were seated at a small table right next to the railing on the outside porch that came complete with a view to the west and the exquisite azure blue beauty of the Pacific Ocean. There were binoculars on the table to use in the event that any whales might swim past; it was close to the end of their migration back to the north.
The tone was set with a pair of perfectly chilled Grey Goose martinis, served straight up and quite happy to float a small twist of lemon rind. The menu was brimming with mouth-watering items and I had difficulty choosing the perfect compliment for the occasion (more on that in a minute). It was the Ahi Tuna Niçoise that finally got the nod. That selection was appropriately joined by the selection of an artichoke in a marvelous duo of presentations: deep-fried and steamed.
The medium-rare Ahi was plentiful and surrounded by myriad greens, cherry tomatoes, baby artichokes, hard-boiled eggs and green beans, topped with red onions. The ‘chokes were accompanied by a pair of dipping sauces. One was a mildly piquant chipotle pepper dip; the other a spiced mayonnaise. The table could only be considered complete were one to include the warm basket of sourdough bread and olive oil with balsamic vinaigrette – which was actually served first, with the martinis.
One of the Finest Displays of Color Nature Has to Offer
Lauren and I spent a leisurely hour and a half that was filled with soft Pacific breezes, sunshine and wonderful conversation. I could have stayed for the rest of the afternoon! This is a place that you should definitely not pass up if you are in the area. And if you happen to miss the lunch hour, stop by for dinner. But make absolutely certain that if the sun is beginning to set, you are headed for the Sunset Lounge. Here you can enjoy one of the finest displays of color that nature has to offer. Share some conversation and a glass or two of wine. Perhaps you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare “green flash” as the sun disappears into the Pacific Ocean.
I highly recommend the Highlands Inn and California Market for you next stop when you are in the area of Carmel, and I give it a 5-Zin rating.
A Future in Our Future
And in case you may be wondering about the “more on that in a minute” statement from above, this was where Lauren and I took some time to discuss whether or not our future had a future together. There is insufficient room here to bore you with all the details… However, suffice it to say we both figured it was high time to stop just fooling around. This was the day we decided that Lauren and Ralph would become a true duo. Can you perhaps hear wedding bells? And a place not far at all from here would serve as the perfect altar for those bells. Sorry — more on that later.
Ralph Pancetta
