Plant-Based Eating in Carmel
Check out Sharon Palmer’s guide to plant-based eating in Carmel, CA.
This week, I’m bringing you my favorite things straight from Carmel, California, where I spent three lovely days last week. I’ve always thought Carmel was one of the loveliest places on the planet. If you get a chance to visit, take along some of my favorite traveling tips.
Eat and Live Well,
Sharon
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This stunning state park is always on my top go-to list while in this region. Just a few miles from the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea, it includes beautifully maintained trails along gorgeous inlets, golden cliffs, and cypress trees. You are sure to spot birds and sea mammals, too. I saw a fat, happy harbor seal and a striking gray heron.
I am a member of this winery, which cones with an annual stay at the historic lodge. When you visit, you sit among miles of pristine, untouched vistas, like the one you see her.
I always make a pit stop at this cute little farmers market on Sundays, which has gorgeous produce grown locally in this Mediterranean climate.
Such pretty produce to take home with you.
Just look at this gorgeous image of heirloom tomatoes! They are still growing these locally this time of year, thanks to our mild climate.
What’s better than local almonds and pomegranates?
Another favorite stop is the Earth Bound Farm Stand, located right along the main route in Carmel Valley. They have a wonderful organic heirloom farm on site that you can stroll through, beautiful displays, classes, and a darling shop and café filled with healthy, organic, plant-based foods.
Earthbound Farm Herb Garden
How cute is this herb garden, right against the gorgeous Carmel hills?
This is my motto! It’s all about the soil.
Earthbound Farm Shop
The shop has an array of pretty, organic produce.
Salad Bar at Earthbound Farm Stand
I had lunch at the cute café, and this was the result of my BYO salad—isn’t that yummy looking?
Basil Seasonal Dining, Carmel
Here’s a new restaurant that I tried this time, located right in the heart of the village. It is a certified green restaurant, featuring lots of local plant foods. This vegan roasted vegetable plate with filled ravioli was so good!
La Bicyclette, Carmel
I never miss a chance to go to this adorable, French bistro right in the heart of the village. Just sitting among the charming French paintings, copper pots, and antiques is enough to calm my soul. Though the menu isn’t very plant-based, I always find something. The breads are from Gayle’s in Santa Cruz, which is fabulous. And Carmel Valley olive oil is the best.
Winter Salad, La Bicyclette, Carmel
This salad was as delicious as it was beautiful—filled with heirloom carrots, beets, and hazelnuts.
Beet Sourdough Bread, Lucia, Carmel Valley
This is my favorite restaurant in Carmel Valley—located in the beautiful Bernardus Lodge. They have their own gardens on property. They had me at “beet sourdough bread”.
Winter Salad, Lucia, Carmel Valley
This salad was one of the best ever: local citrus, pomegranates, pecans, Asian pears, fennel, greens, with a drizzle of local olive oil!
Moroccan Lentils and Couscous, Lucia, Carmel Valley
They are very plant forward at this restaurant, and this entrée was divine—redolent with spices, fragrance, and flavor.
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