Carmel...God's Home of Golf

Having played golf courses all over the world, many people have asked me what is my favorite place to play? In a simple answer, Pebble Beach is always first on my list. The problem with Pebble Beach is that is costs $500.00 to play the course. I would highly recommend that every golfer do it one time. If you don't have the financial resources, there are other options that are much more affordable in the area.

For example, you can play the Peter Hay Golf Course located next to Pebble Beach with fabulous ocean vistas. You can play this challenging par 3, 9 hole course all day long for $30 for adults, $10 for 13-17 year old juniors and free for under 12.  Rental clubs are available for $5. This is a fun track and ideal for families and all skill levels. After you are done, you can have lunch at the historic Tap Room at the Pebble Beach Lodge overlooking the world famous 18th hole.

Next you can take a short scenic drive to the Inn At Spanish Bay and order drinks sitting outside by the gas fireplaces to watch the Piper play the bagpipes as the sun sets over the deep blue Pacific. Having experienced both, "the Piper playing on the Pacific Ocean at sunset at Pebble Beach is better than Mass at the Vatican."

Carmel by the sea is a short distance from Spanish Bay and there are many affordable places to stay and enjoy in this refined and special town. Downtown Carmel is like being in a live movie. Happy people from all over the world stroll down the street breathing fresh sea air as they enjoy the many art galleries, restaurants and wine bars.

After eating at one of the many great restaurants, nearby Mission Ranch is a fun way to end the day. Owner and local celebrity Clint Eastwood is often at the Ranch. Last time I was there, he sang along with the many patrons at the circular piano bar late into the night.

After getting a good nights rest, there are lots of other golf courses to play. Two courses that are very interesting and affordable are Pacific Grove Links voted in the top 50 courses in America to play for under 50 dollars and Poppy Hills.  Pacific Grove is located near 17 mile drive and the back nine has beautiful ocean vistas on almost every hole. Two time US Amateur Champion Chandler Egan designed the first 9 holes. Jack Neville, who also designed the Pebble Beach Links, did the spectacular back nine.

Poppy Hills was one of the 3 golf courses played during the ATT professional tournament for many years. Famous designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. did a multi-million redesign that was completed in April of 2014. If you are a member of the Northern California Golf Association, you can play this world class course for under 100 bucks. If not, you can play for around 200 bucks which is a lot less than Pebble Beach and getting rave reviews from avid golfers and professionals. Five time ATT Pebble Beach winner Mark O'Meara said, "I think it is amazing. Nothing beats being on the Monterey Peninsula. It is beautiful. It is really nice."

The bottom line is that golf on the Monterey Peninsula is the best in the world. Spending a few days in the Carmel area is a great way to recharge your batteries, play golf at God's home of golf and soothe your soul from the rigors of the rat race.

For more information and to make tee times go to:

Click here: Pacific Grove Golf Links

Click here: http://poppyhillsgolf.com/

Mike L. Mc Colgan has been writing about golf, food, wine and travel for 20 years. He has written 5 successful golf books with his son MJ who is 3 time National Special Olympics Golf Champion and has been inducted into 3 Hall Of Fames. They have played golf all over the world. In addition, he also has a food column with his wife Linda and trying to hit all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and have been to over 500. His email address is lmccol3525@aol.com

Perfecto Day in Wine Country...The Vineyardist Rocks

 In an effort to eat at all 3000 restaurants in San Francisco and having been to over 800, my wife Linda and I recently spent a "perfecto" day in Napa Valley enjoying some great wine and food.

Our foodie friends Josie and Ron Hable joined the fun. We had the pleasure of visiting The Vineyardist Winery on Diamond Mountain in Calistoga on Petrified Forest Road.

My friend and Bay Area lawyer Dirk Fulton and his wife, Becky Kukkola, spent 10 years finding their perfect gem, a hidden 1879 Victorian farmhouse. The house has a fabulous renovated kitchen as a result of the previous owner, a professional chef.  The grounds are abundant with lemon, olive trees, organic herb gardens and spectacular and heavenly views. We enjoyed a wonderful tour from the Director of Marketing & Hospitality Mark Sherwood.  The 100 percent 2013 Cabernet is rated 98 by Robert Parker and a  worthwhile treat even for the most sophisticated wine lovers. We had a private tasting of their 2011 and 2013 vintage that were bursting with flavor and a silky smooth finish. Both of these vintages were so great that a bottle of each made it back to Danville with us.

We also enjoyed a lovely lunch at Sams Social Club in downtown Calistoga. It was named after Samuel Brannon California's first millionaire. We started with house made ricotta crostini with pepper jam that went well with our Venge Cabernet that we brought with us. Sams has no corking fee so it is smart to bring your favorite juice. Ron ordered the in house cured Reuben sandwich that brought an eternal smile to his face. Josie had the tuna sandwich that was also tasty and nicely presented.  I had the chicken soup with dumplings and thin crust pepperoni pizza that was  fantastic and large enough to take home for dinner too. Linda ordered their famous cheeseburger and fries on a homemade bun and said "it was the best she had ever eaten."

On the way home, we stopped at The Olive Oil Company.  This tiny white house at the end of the street from the former Tres Vigne Restaurant is a hidden St. Helena gem. The Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salami and pantone from Italy is something not to be missed.  This place has been around since the 1930's and a "must do"  to complete a perfect day of Napa wine tasting.

Whether it be winter, spring, summer or fall, the natural beauty of Napa is always a ball.

For more information go to:

Info@ thevineyardist.com 

Sonoma Getaway

In an effort to eat at all 3000 SF restaurants and having been to over 500, our culinary journey took my wife Linda and her sister Karen visiting from Motown to Sonoma for some great food and vino.

Just like a plump ripe fig, The girl & the fig Restaurant food is fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. We had the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful restaurant during a mini vacation jaunt to the Sonoma Wine Country.

Our trip took us to several excellent wineries that included St. Francis, Ledson, Chalk Hill, Roth, Cline and Jacuzzi Vineyards. We sipped and tasted excellent wine at each location and bought more than our share of wine.

The first day ended at The girl & the fig Restaurant which was over the TOP! This restaurant is located on the northwest corner of the square in Sonoma in the historic Sonoma Hotel. 

One of the signature dishes is a memorable dish of Mussels prepared in a flavored broth that included fennel, onions and a new taste called Herbsaint which is an absinthe flavored liquor famous in New Orleans. The flavor in the mussels was unique.  We also did a goat cheese sampling and concluded that our favorite was Lara Chenel Goat cheese that was drizzled with Lavender honey. Lara Chenel is a recognized pioneer of American goat cheese production located in Sonoma County.

We both did a wonderful wine flight with our dinner. One was a Viognier and the other was a Syrah. We sipped three wines and the ability to compare the tastes was so much more fun than drinking just one glass.

A wonderful way to make the “fig” experience last is through the “FIG FOOD” product line. This includes jam, chutney, compote, vinegar, vinaigrette and herb blends that are sold nationwide and at www.thegirlandthefig.com .

The restaurant was a healthy balance of elegance and offbeat personality, unparalleled cuisine and attentive staff, resulting in a refreshingly unique and wholly pleasurable dining experience. We will definitely return soon.

Osso Steakhouse-San Francisco Nob Hill

In an effort to eat all all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 500, my wife Linda and I recently experienced Osso Steakhouse. Osso which means bone opened about 18 months ago and is located on Nob Hill across from famous Grace Cathedral. Valet parking is offered and it located next to the swanky 18 story Gramercy Towers Building.

  As you enter this restaurant, you are impressed by the elegant art deco design, open bar and  large black swivel chairs with views of Grace Cathedral. The open kitchen has regal smells that enhance your appetite from their magical food creations.

The service staff are very knowledgeable and dressed in black tuxedos giving you that noble Nob Hill feeling. The wine and drink list is extensive and mirrored bar is a great place to have a drink and appetizer.

We brought our own vino and the corking fee is $15.00. Our waiter Jack decanted our 06 Library bottle of Silver Oak and recommended we start with their famous pan roasted chorizo cheese bread. That was a great compliment to the wine and was served steaming hot in the pan and seasoned perfectly. The proportion is quite large and could easily be shared with 4 people.

For dinner Linda and I ordered their dry aged petite filet mignon.  From their web site, " A great steak must be dry-aged four to six weeks in a large, specialized facility that provides a sanitized and closely monitored environment; the temperature must be maintained at 33-34 degrees (F), the humidity must be precisely 82% and there must also be a constant air flow of fifteen feet per second around the open meat at all times, all of which takes place under the watchful eye of a highly-skilled butcher. The texture and taste of the meat becomes richer and more buttery."

The steak is then pan seared in its own juices with a hint of garlic and rosemary and then deglazed. This process sets Osso apart from other steakhouses producing a "Oh So Good" results. There are larger size steaks for the bigger appetites with or without the bone and also specials served with fresh crab.

I also had the asparagus soup of the day that was sensational. For sides we chose the twice baked potato and mushrooms that were royal compliments to our steaks. The deserts are also works of art and interesting choices. We shared the sorbet of the day dipped in white chocolate that was a fitting ending to a great foodie experience.

It is no wonder that this steakhouse has been rated in the top ten in the country. After dinner, you are just a short walk to see your favorite show at the Curran Theater or visiting famous Grace Cathedral perked proudly on Nob Hill. We saw the eternal I Love Lucy Show after dinner and brought back many good memories.  We will definitely return. As a matter of fact, we are going back Christmas Eve with friends and attend Midnight service at Grace Cathedral.

For more information and to make reservations: go to:Click here: Welcome to Osso Steakhouse San Francisco – “It’s Osso Good!” | 1177 California St. San Francisco, CA 94108 

Johnny Prep Brings Food Expertise to Famous Mr. B's Sports Bar and Pub

 In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 500, Linda and I recently had the pleasure of expanding our foodie experience to our roots in the Motor City at a long time favorite pub called Mr. B's Pub Sports Bar. Mr. B 's is located in the suburban town of Royal Oak right on Main Street where there are many choices to wine and dine. Recently, food author and passionate chef Johnny Prep took ownership of Mr. B's. Changes are happening quickly to this large pub that offers lots of fun for everyone. The place rocks with energy with over 40 TVs, pool tables, video games, music, private party rooms and a new wine/jazz section that will debut at Thanksgiving.  Grand Opening headliner features Detroit Blues Star Thornetta Davis Saturday, November 22, 2014 NOT to be missed!

The menu has also changed offering a variety of appetizers, micro beers, and wine. We especially enjoyed the buttermilk based calamari and avocado spinach dip with savory and lightly toasted bread chips.

For the entree everything looked great but Johnny recommended his fresh burgers. I had one of his newest creations a five ounce burger with smoked pastrami and a special sauce on a fresh bun that was better than fantastic. Linda ordered the salmon salad that was very fresh and presented picture perfect. Our son MJ was with us and had a personal pepperoni pizza that was generous in size and served steaming hot.

Johnny Prep has Mr. B's rocking with a his new menu filled with fresh passionate creations. We look forward to returning to the live jazz and wine bar grand opening that will add another dimension to this very fun pub. 

 For more information go to :Click here: MR. B's Pub Sports Bar Royal Oak, Michigan - 248.399.0017

Also check out Johnny Preps website for great recipes and other food ideas at

Johnny Prep website

A Great Place To Dine Since 1949- House of Prime Rib

 

In our quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 500, my wife and I recently had the pleasure to experience one of the "great city by the bay's" finest establishments --

"The House Of Prime Rib".

Many friends highly recommended this restaurant.  We were not disappointed!   Since 1949, they have been serving happy patrons their famous Prime Rib dinners. As you enter you are immediately soothed by the smell of the succulent prime rib serving carts making the rounds to a full house of happy foodies. The fireplaces throughout the restaurant warm your soul as you prepare for a unique eating experience. The atmosphere is bubbling and loud which reminded of Old San Francisco.

The bar serves a wide selection of drinks and the wine menu is extensive and reasonably priced. If you decide to bring your own, the corking fee is $25.00. The wine cellar is quite extensive filled with many bottles of old French wine as well as well known California wine.  We were fortunate to have a tour of the cellar by the manager, where he shared stories about the wine.

In case you are not a Prime Rib fan, you can also order their fresh fish. Our server was knowledgeable and full of energy to make sure the experience will be forever locked  into your foodie memory bank.

We began with a steaming loaf of sour dough bread and fresh butter that went well with our decanted wine. We both ordered the city cut prime rib that is the smallest  size of the prime rib selections. For the hearty eater there are larger sizes you can order. Our size was a generous proportion that would satisfy most appetites. The meal began with their table side salad preparation that was drenched in their famous sherry dressing. It was like it was just picked out of your garden and was delicious. The dinner also includes either mashed or a baked potato, corn or spinach and Yorkshire pudding. Linda ordered the baked potato that was also served Hollywood table side style and dressed with your choice of items.

The prime rib is cut at table side and was savory and tender. They are 3 types of horseradish that include mild, medium and hot, to compliment the prime rib. For dessert, we shared a generous proportion of vanilla ice cream drenched with warm hot fudge. The ice cream was like eating sugary velvet and the hot fudge was decadent and delicious. We highly recommend this San Francisco treasure and look forward to our return. Additionally, this restaurant gives an incredible amount of value for the dinner price.  For more information go to

:Click here: House of Prime Rib | 1906 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco | 415.885.4605

Robin Williams Lives On At Bridges Restaurant In Danville

In an effort to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 500, my wife Linda and I culinary travels took us back to Bridges in our hometown of Danville. Having been here many times, the food, service and ambience is always excellent.

The memory of Robin Williams lives on as an empty table with roses and candles is displayed in the entrance as you check in for your table . A  large friendly Mrs. Doubtfire poster also hangs on the wall between the men and women restrooms as a reminder of when the movie was filmed here 20 some years ago. Fresh flowers were placed below the picture by many patrons honoring Robin's memory and recent death.

The restaurant has the feel of a San Francisco bistro with a happy hour menu that runs all night long and a outdoor patio that is comfortable and soothing to your soul with live music playing on warm summer nights.

 We began our Bridges experience  with the shrimp and chicken spring rolls that were hot, tasty and a favorite of  many loyal foodies. We then ordered the mushroom pizza that went well with the Silver Oak wine we brought. The corking fee is 20 dollars and if you don't bring your own wine they have  an extensive selection of wine and specialty drinks.

For the entree, I ordered the panko crusted pork filet over a bed of mashed potatoes and vegetables that was served steaming hot. Linda ordered the famous Bridges burger with french fries that brought an eternal smile to her face. For dessert we split the chocolate carmel tart that was decadent and a excellent ending to a very pleasant dining experience. 

We would highly recommend this famous Danville restaurant for lunch, dinner or any special occasion. For more information and to make reservations go to: Click here: Bridges Restaurant

Experience the Kind, Irish Way at Bodega Bay

In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 500, my wife Linda and I recently had the pleasure to visit Bodega Bay.  Located about a hour and a half drive from our home in Danville, we enjoyed the total experience of Bodega Bay which reminded us of the warmth and magic of Ireland complete with Irish Mist overlooking the deep blue Pacific. 

We began our day with Bloody Mary's and a breakfast sandwich before we played the Bodega Links. The golf course is an Irish like setting of rolling hills and ocean views from every hole. There are tees that are challenging for the skilled to beginning golfer. The ladies tees are also very friendly. We had a wind friendly day but when it gusts from the ocean we heard it can be even more challenging with Irish like

conditions.

After golf there is a spa that offers a full menu of soothing options. The rooms all have ocean views and fireplaces with a heated swimming pool, large hot tub and outdoor fire pit that overlooks the ocean. Each night at the Lodge all the guests are invited to a wine and cheese happy hour before your dinner plans.  We ate at the Duck Club Restaurant and Chef Jeff Reilly and Food and Beverage Director Bill Govan are an outgoing team that pride themselves in making your dining experience special. There are some magical drinks on the menu including an Alfred Hitchcock as the famous movie The Birds was filmed nearby. 

The wine menu is filled with great vino from many local winery's and you can also bring your own for a 15 dollar corking fee. Chef Jeff recommended that we start with the Tomalis Bay oysters that were fresh and tasty. There is also a great selection of artesian cheeses to choose from and fresh  baked bread served warm from the oven. For the entree Linda ordered the Crispy Mary's organic half chicken with panzanella salad, sautéed bloomsdale spinach with rich chicken jus that was fresh and tender. I ordered the pan seared liberty duck breast with baby carrots, basmati and wild rice, fresh cherry almond relish and port wine sauce that was savory and delicious.

 For desert we ordered Jeff's Mom's Chocolate cake that was very special. It was so good that Linda asked him for the recipe that he graciously gave to her. So for a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life we highly recommend this special refuge. It is like experiencing Ireland without having to take the long trip to the Emerald Isle. For more information and to make reservations go to:
Click here: Bodega Bay Lodge | Sonoma County Hotel | Bodega Bay Hotel

Recapturing the Magic of San Francisco- The "Big 4"

In an effort to dine at 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having experienced over 500, my wife Linda and I recently had the pleasure of dining at the "Big 4" in San Francisco.

Located on famous Nob Hill,  your soul is immediately soothed at this newly remodeled restaurant by the live streaming music from the bar's grand piano, dark wood decor and elegant green leather chairs, white tablecloths impeccable service and the fireplace in the bar capturing the magic of San Francisco past. Perfectly mixed drinks and a reasonably priced bar menu is also available for those with lighter appetites in the old school bar filled with pictures and artifacts from California's rich past.

From the web site" Established in October 1976, Big 4 Restaurant at The Scarlet Huntington was named after the reputed “Big Four” industrialists – Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins – famed railroad tycoons of the nineteenth century who played a vital role in San Francisco’s history and early development. The renovated restaurant pays tribute to the grandeur of earlier eras, retaining its elegance and impressive collection of original artifacts, historical photographs and memorabilia from California’s unique history. Loyal patrons and first-time guests will continue to enjoy the live piano entertainment that fills this one-of-a-kind destination with a refreshing soul."

Chef Kevin Scott brings more than a decade of culinary experience with a beginning at Traci des Jardin's Jardiniere another San Francisco favorite.

Service is impeccable and our waiter was very knowledgeable. You can bring your own wine and the corking fee is $25.00. Like everything else at the charming eatery, the wine decanters are v shaped  and sit in a silver base that allow the wine to breathe perfectly as you prepare for your dining experience.

We had our own Big 4 experience as we dined with some special friends and celebrated my wife Linda's birthday. They have daily specials and Linda chose the Loch Duart Salmon that was delicate and delicious. She also ordered the crispy artichokes with fried mint and aioli that was graciously shared with all of us. Our friends started with the bibb lettuce salads and ordered the aged rib eye with sour cream mashed potatoes and bordelaise sauce that was cooked to buttery perfection.

I started out with the soup of the day which was minestrone which was the best I had ever experienced. Of course the Caymus and Shafer wine along with some fresh sour dough bread complemented the perfectly seasoned work of art.

For my entree, I ordered the herb-roasted lamb shank with butter beans and mint salsa that also was fantastic.

There are many assorted desserts and after dinner drinks to complete your divine dining experience. We chose to share the crème brulee with the birthday girl that was served with a candle.

The four of us have already made plans to return to rich historical San Francisco bistro for dinner and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at famous Grace Cathedral which is located within walking distance.
For more information and to make reservations go to: Click here: Home | Big 4 Restaurant | San Francisco  

Happy Landing Inn-Carmel By The Sea-Established 1926

Recently my wife Linda and I visited Carmel By the Sea with friends.  Famous actor, director and former mayor of Carmel Clint Eastwood still roams around the town that is a special place to enjoy golf, food and wine. Located on the deep blue Pacific, we stayed at the newly remodeled Happy Landing Inn that was established in 1926. The charm and peace of this great B and B is dog friendly and offers charm and class that is second to none. Located in downtown Carmel one block from the ocean, it has 7 suites named after famous people like Clint Eastwood and Marilyn Monroe. We stayed in the Marilyn Monroe Suite complete with fireplace and sitting room that is stocked with a fine bottle of sherry to warm your spirits when you arrive. Owner and manager Dawn, also brings breakfast to you each morning to begin your day.

It is located near famous Pebble Beach and many shops, art galleries and restaurants.  The fresh ocean air warms your spirits as you enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Carmel by the Sea.

We enjoyed a new restaurant named La Balena that featured an extensive wine list and special dishes which included deep fried cauliflower, meat balls, ravioli and osso bucco that was savory and sensational.  The word is spreading fast on this new place and reservations are highly recommended.

We also enjoyed Cafe Dametra that offered a vibrant menu of Mediterranean food and one of the few restaurants open late at night.  We enjoyed a delicate and delicious dish of mousakka and homemade hummus.   Having eaten at over 500 San Francisco restaurants, this was the best mousakka that we have had. The staff was very attentive.   The highlight of the evening was when the owner and chef entertained the packed crowd with singing and music during our dining experience.

After dinner, a "must do" is the Karaoke piano bar at Mission Ranch owned by Clint Eastwood and only 5 minutes from downtown Carmel.  The Ranch offers 41 rooms and a great restaurant. It sits on 22 acres with a large deck complete with rocking chairs and views of Point Lobos and sheep roaming the property.  Clint is usually around to talk to the patrons and play the piano in the center of the circular bar.  He was there that night and the star gazers enjoyed his warm personality and musical skills. It is one of the few places in Carmel that offers karaoke and singing each night to the late hours. It is definitely "must do" fun experience and as Clint says, "makes your day" complete.

 

Carmel By the Sea Rocks!

 

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: Happy Landing Inn in Carmel, California | B&B Rental

Click here: Dametra Cafe

Click here: la Balena