The Central Coast is known for its amazing wines, but the region is also full of renowned farm-to-table restaurants! As your Central Coast real estate agent, I’m excited to share some of these with you, which the LA Times recently deemed as Monterey County’s eight best.
Thanks to the climate and soil conditions found in Monterey County, it’s loaded with fresh, organic produce, beekeeping, olive pressing, cattle ranching, chicken raising and seafood. Here are some of the best farm-to-table options in the region, according to LA Times!
Passionfish in Pacific Grove – The owners select their ingredients daily from nearby farms, markets and sustainable fisheries. Try the ricotta-bee pollen gnocchi with tomato brown butter, or smoked trout ceviche tostaditas with cashew pesto for starters, and then onto duck confit.
Cindy’s Waterfront at Monterey Bay Aquarium – This was nominated for a James Beard Award, thanks to the locally sourced ingredients and delicious seafood ingredients. Indulge in the Green List fish of the day and daily menu additions from local suppliers.
Porter’s in the Forest near Pebble Beach – This eatery resides at Poppy’s Hill Golf Course and revolves around artisanal dishes made with local products. They smoke their own whole pork bellies for bacon, churn heavy cream into butter, and make all their own breads and pastas and most of their condiments!
Lucia Restaurant in Carmel Valley – Many of these ingredients come from the organic herb and vegetable gardens, vineyards and fruit orchards, on the 28-acre estate. Enjoy Monterey Bay abalone carbonara, alder-smoked Sonoma duck cassoulet with foie gras, and a slew of decadent desserts.
Aubergine in Carmel Village – Try the eight-course tasting menu that always features the season’s best ingredients! The dishes are also enhanced by a 2,500-bottle wine cellar with a focus on local vintages. The executive chef regularly scouts the coastline for edible, “hyperlocal” ingredients as well.
Restaurant 1833 in Downtown Monterey – The environment is something to admire in itself! The chef works with local suppliers and foragers to incorporate wild ingredients onto the menu whenever possible. Special feasts include a whole suckling pig, whole roasted king salmon and more.
Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey – This chef builds his menu around ingredients from local farmer’s markets. He was considered a pioneer of the farm-to-table dining experience. Enjoy warm Napa cabbage salad with chili-crusted chicken, bacon, gorgonzola and spicy peanuts!
Epsalen Institute in Big Sur – They offer locavore-focused menus, such as from May 29 to June 3, when they will host an “Experiencing the Epsalen Farm and Garden” week. Visitors can also explore working the land that culminates in meals that go straight from field to table.
What is your favorite farm-to-table restaurant in Monterey County or SLO County? Share by leaving a comment! Get out and enjoy all the wonderfully local, delicious food fare we have to offer here on the Central Coast.
Ready to buy a Central Coast home? Ready to sell your Central Coast home? Contact me, your Monterey County real estate agent, anytime!
Grace Borzini
Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
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