California Dreamin'

I feel it my official responsibility to warn you before you read any further. This post is sure to be hazardous to any who currently find themselves watching their weight. Just say "No" and back out of this blog -- quick like. I don't want to be responsible for a horde of ladies kicking their diet pills and rice cakes out the window and high tailing it to Carmel. Although, no one would blame you if you did. Nope, not one little bit...

I tried to warn you.

We just returned from visiting family in California. A couple of months ago I mentioned that one of our favorite haunts when we go to California is Cassanova Restaurant in Carmel. You'll find it tucked between Mission and San Carlos on 5th Street in Carmel. Cassanova has become a family favorite over the years. There's good reason for that. In my opinion everything about it is fabulous.

Old world charm greets you when you arrive, but as wonderful as the surroundings are the thing that keeps you coming back time and time again is the food. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the flavors of France and Italy and hosts a variety of rustic regional delicacies. Here's a sampling of what we experienced this time.

Spaghettini "Mimmo di Capri"

Pasta with sauteed beef fillet tips with fresh tomato sauce

Shrimp Scampi Linguini

Linguini with shrimp simmered in a light cream sauce

Goat Cheese & Salami Sandwich

As for dessert...

Profiteroles
Cream puffs filled with vanilla ice cream
with warm chocolate sauce and roasted almond toffee

Dolce di Cioccolata
Molten chocolate cake with ice cream

Tartes Grand-mère

Lemon tart

These three were fooling around at the end of our table on the patio. They kept us entertained.

After lunch we strolled the streets of Carmel and made a couple of delightful purchases...

Then we drove down Ocean Avenue, sat on the beach, and took a few photos. Did I mention it was warm and clear that day? Well, it was. Unbelievably so.

Thanks for putting up with my travel log. I'll be back to projects later this week, and tomorrow morning I'll post the winner of the Give Away! Have a relaxing night.