Plant-Based Eating in Carmel Valley

Check out Sharon Palmer’s guide to plant-based eating in Carmel Valley.

I just got back from a lovely, long weekend in Carmel Valley, California, one of the prettiest places in the planet. Just look at those rolling hills, blue sky, and puffy clouds. Situated inland of Carmel near the Pacific Coast, this area is known for its ranches and laidback lifestyle—and more recently for their impressive wines. More and more vineyards are popping up in this area, producing primarily Pinot Noir. I can’t wait to share with you the best of plant-powered eating in the Carmel Valley region.

Almond Farms in the Central Valley

On my way up to Carmel, we drove past miles of almond farms, which are losing their leaves this time of year. So pretty against the backdrop of blue skies and clouds, thanks to a light rain (which California needs desperately).

La Bicyclette, Carmel-By-The-Sea

Our first stop was La Bicyclette in Carmel-By-The-Sea. I come here each time I visit, because it is just the most adorable, French café—complete with copper pots hanging on the walls, French dining chairs, and a rustic wood-burning oven in the dining room. I enjoyed a crisp local Chardonnay for lunch, too.

 

Fresh Breads, La Bicyclette, Carmel-By-The-Sea

Our meal started with fresh breads—so divine!

Seasonal Salad, La Bicyclette, Carmel-By-The-Sea

OK, I have to admit that La Bicyclette isn’t exactly plant-friendly. Each time I come, I have to really search for something satisfying to eat on the menu. Some places in Carmel haven’t really caught on to the plant movement. However, I worked with the server to enhance their lovely seasonal salad (it had pomegranates and shaved beets) with avocado and marcona almonds for a little bit more substance. Isn’t it pretty?

Carmel-By-The-Sea

I have been coming to Carmel-by-the Sea for years, always falling in love with the charm of this quaint village. Year round, it’s so fun to walk around the streets to look at the fairytale buildings and walk along the gorgeous beaches. This is one of my favorite buildings.

Carmel-By-The-Sea

Just look at how cute this bakery shop window is—all decked out for the holidays!

Holman Ranch, Carmel Valley

We are members of this winery, so we get to stay in their historic lodge once a year as part of our reward. It’s located right in the heart of the valley, surrounded by nothing but rolling hills, vineyards, and grazing cattle and horses. So lovely!

Wine Dog, Carmel Valley

We tried a few new wines in Carmel Valley during this trip, such as Cima Collina. Right in the main part of town, this winery tasting room is in a charming historic building, and the wine dog is sure to greet you! Loved their Pinot Noir!

Holiday Décor in Carmel Valley

The town is all decorated for the holidays—even the tractor!

Parsonage Vineyards, Carmel Valley

We were told to visit this winery in Carmel Valley, and fell in love with their elegant vintages. Our favorite of the wines we tried on this trip.

Carmel Valley Farmers Market

The farmers market is on Sundays in Carmel Valley, so we were just in time to check it out. It’s very small, but just look at those views of the valley.

Winter Produce, Carmel Valley Farmers Market

Just loved this display of seasonal, local produce: pomegranates, walnuts, and citrus!

Crumbunny Coffee, Carmel Valley Farmers Market

We tried some of this locally roasted coffee—look at this cute hand-crafted sign!

Onions, Carmel Farmers Market

Why am I always drawn to onions? The earthy colors, dirty tangled roots, papery skins—they are so pretty!

Mission Ranch, Carmel

We stopped by this historic inn for a glass of wine. It’s situated right at the beach, with views of the cliffs to the south. The restaurant and bar has a view of grazing sheep. This used to be an old dairy ranch, and it was going to be sold and fashioned into condos, but Carmel resident and celebrity Clint Eastwood bought the land and saved it from development. He restored the property and now it is a charming inn.

Brussels Sprouts, Restaurant 1883, Monterey, CA

For dinner, we drove into Monterey, just a few miles up the coast from Carmel—another beautiful, historic place. We dined at Restaurant 1883, which is housed in an old adobe structure in the historic section of Monterey. The food was amazing! The chef is very focused on plant-friendly, seasonal, local fare. There was a vegan entrée right on the menu! But, I started with these savory little Brussels sprouts bombs, which were served with a sweet-salty sauce.

Black-eyed Peas with Butternut Squash and Coconut Curry, Restaurant 1883, Monterey, CA

For my main entrée, this dish just blew me away. Right off the menu—no special requests needed! The chef roasted the squash, then served it with black-eyed peas in three versions: cooked, sprouted, and sprouts. Then the server poured this luscious coconut curry atop right before I plunged in. Ah-maz-ing!

Bernardus Lodge, Lucia Restaurant, Carmel Valley

We also ate at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley—at their restaurant called Lucia, which is known for local foods. Look at how lovely the lobby is here!

Beluga Lentils with Chanterelles, Bernardus Lodge, Lucia Restaurant, Carmel Valley

We had a wonderful dinner at Lucia. So committed to local foods, and no problem with plant-forward options—the menu included a savory dish with beluga lentils, chanterelle mushrooms, and vegetables.

Squash, EarthBound Farm Stand, Carmel Valley

The highlight of our trip was a visit to the Earthbound Farm Stand. Earthbound Farm started in Carmel Valley in the 1980s. Since then, they’ve expanded from their first small organic farm to almost 50,000 acres. You can visit their Farm Stand just down the road from where the original farm started. At the farm stand, you can buy gorgeous seasonal organic produce, like these squash.

EarthBound Farm Stand

Earthbound Farm is dedicated to organic agriculture—just love this sign at the Farm Stand!

Herb Garden, EarthBound Farm Stand

At the farm stand, you can stop by and visit the charming kitchen and herb garden, and even snip some herbs to purchase at the farm stand (scissors and baskets are provided). Even in the off season, the herbs were so beautiful and fragrant.

Produce, EarthBound Farm Stand

Lots of gorgeous produce is available for purchase as the Farm Stand, along with a salad bar, healthy meals, and other artisanal, local, organic, plant-friendly food supplies. Plan to stop for lunch when you visit.

Honey Bee Habitat, EarthBound Farm Stand

I love the honey bee habitat station at the Farm Stand, with a beekeeper on hand to answer questions about bees. What with colony collapse disorder, we all need to be concerned about caring for our pollinators. Planting flowers that attracts them, as well as avoiding spraying with pesticides, can help.

Tofu Sandwich, EarthBound Farm Stand

The simple menu at the Farm Stand was so appealing—a salad bar to die for, and many other options, including a hand-made, veggie-filled tofu sandwich. Yum!

Sweet Earth Foods, Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company

Whenever I’m in Carmel Valley, I can’t get enough of this coffee! They are situated in a few places though out the region, and the coffee is rich and delicious. Plus—I just love that they all feature Sweet Earth Foods products in their cafes! As you know, I’m a fan of Sweet Earth Foods plant-based offerings, and the company is located in the area, too. Yet another reason to love Carmel Valley.

For more plant-based eating guides, check out:

Plant-Based Eating in Walla Walla, WA
Plant-Based Eating in the Big Island, Hawaii
Plant-Based Eating in New York City