Many years ago for a birthday present, on one of my very first trips to Carmel, my sister and brother-in-law took my mother and me to Quail Lodge – just east of Carmel – to play golf. We stayed at the lodge that evening, and in the morning we went next door for breakfast to a small place called the Wagon Wheel Restaurant.
Marvelous Breakfast
We had a marvelous breakfast. I don’t recall what everyone else ordered, although I’m sure that my sister ordered Eggs Benedict and my mom probably got the waffles; I had Trout and Eggs. What I do recall is how incredibly busy the place was, especially for being so far out of town (actually it’s only about 3 miles – it just seemed like a long ways back then).
Inside there are only about 10 tables and probably another 10 stools at the counter with generous space between them. The kitchen area was tiny but ran like a well-oiled machine. I also noticed that there seemed to be a lot of local people there. Either this was a well-kept secret or word hadn’t traveled vary far. In any case, everyone at our table was in agreement: the food and service were both excellent! As we left, the line waiting for breakfast extended out the door and into the parking lot.
This spring when my girlfriend and I returned to Carmel for another birthday celebration, I once again found myself returning to the Wagon Wheel for breakfast. I saw that the Trout and Eggs breakfast was still on the menu and since I really enjoy fish, I had to have it. It consisted of a whole trout, a huge portion of country-style hash brown potatoes and sourdough toast. This seemed to be a bigger breakfast than I remember, but it was every bit as good… I’m glad that we decided to split it!
Drill-Team Precision
I introduced myself to the gentleman who seated himself on the stool next to me. We spoke almost as if we had known each other for a very long time – it turned out that he grew up not far from where I spend many of my summers fishing. It also turned out that he was one of the owners. His name was Harry and he told me that he was shortly going to be starting his 28th year in business at the Wagon Wheel.
During intermittent breaks in the conversation, I watched as the cooks in the tiny kitchen prepared breakfasts with drill-team precision. The plates were well presented and eye appealing. If my breakfast was any indication – and I’m sure it was – than I know that every item on the menu is just as good. The menu includes eggs and 14 different items, 5 types of Eggs Benedict and 15 different omelettes along with waffles, pancakes, French toast and cereals. Lunch is also served and includes a large selection of burgers, salads, hot sandwiches and deli items.
The full name of the business is “Katy ‘n’ Harry’s Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop”. I take my hat off to both Katy and Harry and hope that the Wagon Wheel continues their top-notch food and service for another 27 years. And shame on you if you are anywhere within 25 miles and don’t make an attempt to go there for breakfast or lunch! I toast the Wagon Wheel with 4 Zins!
Ralph Pancetta
