After doing the 17 Mile Drive and some shopping in Pacific Grove, we headed back to Carmel. After parking the car, we decided to take JJ down to Carmel Beach which was just a few blocks from where we were staying.
It was kind of overcast, but we enjoyed the short stroll.
We then headed back up Ocean Avenue where the Missus did a bit more shopping.
While looking at this window display, the Artist and owner of the shop, Edi Matsumoto came out. She was so nice and we had a lovely chat!
As we headed on back to the Green Lantern, I happened to look down the driveway off of San Carlos Street and I noticed something.
Hmmm…..
Ok, they really know how to get me, right? You know I just had to see what was down that path.
It was a cute little path, adorned with statuary, fountains, very serene and relaxing.
There’s a little Garden shop.
And the path leads out to Dolores Street and this bookstore.
It was a very nice community bookstore and the owners were oh so friendly and kind.
You can really tell they’re part of the community here!
And you know what; I just happened to open up this Children’s book….
And I saw all those places we’d been walking past! I loved it! I wanted to support this shop, so I bought an Autographed copy! Of course it features pooches, right? But wait, there’s more! There’s a fabulous map, and you can follow Olly’s and Lucille’s adventure using the Voicemap App – from the book’s website!
Here’s a screenshot of the map from that website:
Also, more about the Secret Garden here and here.
Pilgrims Way Community Bookstore
Dolores St. between 5th & 6th
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
On the way back we came across this cute little park between all the art galleries on Dolores Street.
Away from the hustle and bustle, Carmel is quite charming.
We took a short break before heading out to dinner. I had made reservations at a French restaurant for our last dinner in the city. The name, L’Escargot hooked me. The restaurant was a 15 minute walk from our room. It was dinner time and all the traffic was back. Though once we got past 6th Avenue, things seemed to quiet down a bit. The restaurant had ample outdoor seating.
I walked over; peeked into the restaurant and the host seated us at one of the al fresco tables.
I got a Kir Royale and some baguette and butter was dropped off while we looked over the menu.
The butter was cold, but nicely whipped very creamy, milky, and light. The baguette was a bit damp, but the crust was very good!
As we often do; we just went with several apps. Starting with the Duck and Pork Country Pate.
Coarsely ground, but oh so rich….deep earthy-gamy flavors. Those cornichons came in handy. The mustard helped to cut the liveryness. Man, this was so good with the baguette….our Server saw us blasting thru it and brought us another basket!
Of course we had to try the Escargot, right?
Man, these were jumbo sized! Plump, great texture, toothsome, but not chewy! Oh my, that garlic butter was so rick and savory….guess who needed more baguette?
The Sweetbread and Mushroom Vol au Vent was also a big winnah!
Light, crisp puff pastry; crisp and creamy, mildly gamey-sweet sweetbreads, earthy-sweet mushrooms. That mushroom sauce was earth-buttery-perfectly seasoned.
Our Server saw how much we loved this and he brought us another piece of the Veal Sweetbreads – such great service!
Man, I wish this were in San Diego! Even though we were outside of the restaurant; we were checked on on a regular basis. And they gave us that extra sweetbread! This was a delicious meal, our favorite of the two week trip and made up for the other mediocre meals we had in Carmel!
L’Escargot
Mission At 4th Ave.
Carmel, CA 93921
what a great meal and area!