Back in April/May, we took a two week Road Trip with JJ. He’d already proven himself during our road trips to June Lake, Morro Bay/Cambria and to Scottsdale/Winslow/Lake Havasu among others. We were basically doing a road trip every month and this “two-weeker” would cover two months!
This one was more “my thing” as I’m more of a city/coast kinda guy. Our northern destination was Mendocino.
Our “first leg” was going to be to a place now familiar to us Paso Robles. We decided to go up via the 101 and stop for lunch at another place I’ve posted on twice already; Industrial Eats in Buellton.
We had the same two dishes as on our last visit; the Smoked Duck Salad and Miso Cod. Both were just as delicious as what we’d had last time.
We’re still not quite sure what that avocado is for; but the cod is so buttery and the mushrooms add a wonderful earthiness.
From Buellton, it was an easy hour-and-a-half to Paso Robles. Since we started doing so many road trips during Covid; Paso Robles has become a favorite stop for us.
This time, with JJ in tow, we decided to stay at the Paso Robles Inn, which is right across the street from the Downtown City Park.
It was fairly pricey; but the location was great, as were the grounds….JJ was fascinated by the Koi Pond.
Our room wasn’t that great, the noise from upstairs and the rooms next door were fairly loud. So, while we loved the location; we’d try and find a different place to stay at the next time…..
Paso Robles Inn
1103 Spring St.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Of course, once we settled in we headed out.
We enjoy stopping in at the Paso Robles General Store…….which is dog friendly.
And they stock Paso Almonds which are a must buy for snacks and gifts when we get back home.
General Store Paso Robles
841 12th St.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
As for dinner….well, our favorite restaurant in Paso; Les Petites Canailles is not dog friendly; so we thought we’d just grab some eats at what is possibly my favorite Cocktail Bar in California; Alchemist Garden; which I’ve already posted on three times! Though this would be the first time we’d actually be having a full meal there. We got a table on the patio so JJ could hang out with us.
Of course the cocktails were awesome!
We were pleasantly surprised at the food as well. The Bone Marrow was very buttery and though we had doubts about the Cherry Onion Jam; the sheet-acidity really paired well with the marrow.
It was also “Taco Tuesday”….so we ordered one each of the Shrimp, Duck, Chicken, and Skirt Steak Taco. Our expectations were very low….but man; the corn tortillas were decent and held up well. And the meats; especially the skirt steak and the shrimp, with a perfectly crunchy-crisp batter and tender shrimp were very good!
The skirt steak was topped with harissa; which had an almost kimchi like sour-spiciness….surprisingly good. We could even deal with the sour cream on the tacos as well!
Such a nice surprise and meal!
The Alchemists’ Garden
1144 Pine St.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
The following morning we headed out to our next stop Carmel By the Sea. But first we decided to make a stop at Fiscalini Ranch. We had really enjoyed the easy trails and the views before, so we thought JJ might have fun. This time we did the Marine Terrace and Bluff Loop Trail.
Which JJ enjoyed!
And the views on the bluff trail are lovely.
And the wildflowers were beautiful.
And of course, there are the benches……
It was a fun time!
From here it was a two hour drive to Carmel. We’d be in early, so we decided to get some lunch. There is a Korean Restaurant in Carmel Plaza with outdoor seating…Carmel is known to be very dog friendly; we found street parking and headed on into the mall and Jeju Kitchen.
It was past noon, but it was pretty quiet. We easily found a table near the fire pit.
Serers were very friendly; even bringing JJ a bowl of water. Though the prices gave me pause.
The Missus got the Dolsot Bi Bim Bap. Which was $26 but had no meat!
The egg was fine; though we prefer crisp edges. Still the yolk was fairly soft and runny. The dolsot wasn’t hot enough, so no rice “crust” developed. The kimchi didn’t have a deep fermented flavor and was just salty and sour. And within the confines of the dolsot made this dish pretty bland.
Like I mentioned above; the panchan was pretty bland.
I ordered the Korean Fried Chicken – would you believe this cost $28?
The Mu Kimchi was overly sweet. The batter was too thick and initially crunchy, but got mushy pretty quickly. It was also pretty bland….something I’ll almost never say about “KFC”. I appreciate a bit of “lightness” in my KFC; but this was definitely not that. This one went in the “soy-garlic” direction. Though it was more drizzled sugar-soy. Overly sweet for our taste. Not enough sauce, lacking in depth of flavor….
The meat was chewy, but fine.
In the end, a shadow of Korean cuisine. I should have known better when I saw Miso Cacio de Pepe, Smashburgers, and Coconut Prawns on the menu. Lesson learned.
Jeju Kitchen (In Carmel Plaza)
106 Mission St.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
We took a stroll around the plaza….I think we prefer the shops in the Downtown Village/Ocean Avenue area.
We did manage to kill time before heading to our accommodations. We were staying at the Green Lantern Inn once again. Though this time for two nights, so we could spend a bit more time exploring!
Thanks for stopping by – hope you have an awesome weekend!