Monterey Vacation Rental reservationists Ashley Magallanes  and Rhonda Navarro turned me on to Sushi Heaven in Carmel. “The combinations really are heavenly,” Rhonda said.
A person would be foolish not to follow up on a recommendation like that, right?
Sometimes “hole in the wall” is a good thing, like this super cozy sushi bar tucked away on Dolores Street, two blocks east of Ocean Avenue.
Whoever wrote the menu really had some fun, and the chefs back up all the writer’s promises. Try their nigiri/sashimi/roll combos: the “Fantasia,” the “Love Boat” – or, for big eaters – the “Titanic.”
I couldn’t help ordering the “Mama’s Boy” roll – crab, green onions and nuts – because it reminded me of a boss I once had, but the sushi roll combinations go on for pages: from “Crunch” (a California Roll topped with shrimp tempura) to the alarming “911” and the intriguing “007.” Golfers might enjoy the “Whole Nine Yards” or the “Grand Slam” – while honeymooners will probably lean toward “Sensual Pleasure”… or go straight for the “Climax.”
Speaking of cozy, why stay in a hotel when you can rent a two bedroom cottage just a few blocks away? Reminiscent of times gone by, Las Ardillas is lovingly furnished in old-style Carmel with antiques and knickknacks.
Snuggle next to the stone fireplace, or share the outdoor patio with an ardilla (squirrel) or two, under Carmel’s legendary bluebell skies.
Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and that always puts me in the mood for Mexican food.
But then again, I’m always in the mood for Mexican food.
So I took a poll among Monterey Vacation Rental agents, because this team is all about having fun on the Monterey Peninsula – and here are the results:
Sarah Borgomini gives Michael’s Taqueria in Pacific Grove three (!!!) exclamation points. “But it’s not authentic refried beans,” she warns, “it’s more black beans and grilled blackened shrimp.” Sounds good to me.
Agent Rhiannon McCraner swears by Lopez Mexican Restaurant in Monterey because, well, “it’s “yummy.” Matt Collins recommends Jose’s and El Palomar in Monterey, while Lindsay Napoli loves La Tortuga in Seaside and Peppers in Pacific Grove.
But when agent Frank Gallagher heard the above he told me not to pay any attention. “Go to Island Taco at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel for the best fish tacos,” he commanded. (A motion that was seconded by Howard Hartman, who calls their chicken rice bowls “muy bueno.”)
After dinner and drinks – or heck, even a shot or two of Patron – you might consider heading upstairs to El Mariachi on Cannery Row. Because after a few margaritas, riding a mechanical bull might suddenly seem like a great idea.
Six nights in a luxury 4 bedroom home on Kauai?
And that’s just the second prize!
We’re holding a fundraiser for Jay Killen, a long time friend and client of Monterey Bay Property Management. Jay was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease ten years ago and has recently undergone deep brain surgery – his resources are exhausted and he needs our help with medical bills, treatment and medications.
We’re having a drawing on Labor Day, September 5th: first prize winner will receive 50% of total ticket sales (with the other half going to the Jay Killen Fund), second prize is a 7-day/6-night stay at Lei Aloha in Princeville, Kauai (valued at over $3,000), and third prize is a set of Hawaiian earrings, necklace, and bracelet handmade by Jay’s wife Vance.
Tickets are $5 each, or five tickets for $20. Look for the Monterey Bay Property Management booth at the Good Old Days Festival in Pacific Grove this weekend, April 9-10, or buy tickets at our Pacific Grove office, 650 Lighthouse Ave., Suite 105.
50th ANNUAL WILDFLOWER SHOW
The hills are alive… April is peak wildflower season in Monterey County-and the 50th Annual Wildflower Show April 15-17 in Pacific Grove is a rare opportunity to view over 600 varieties at one of largest such shows in the world.
This Golden Anniversary event, held at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, will feature the wildflowers of the California central coast as well as basket weaving demonstrations, sketching classes, lectures, and arts-and-crafts for kids.
WILDFLOWER WALKS AT POINT LOBOS
Meanwhile, everything’s coming up Eschscholzia californica (California poppies) at Point Lobos, where the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society will lead an easy four-mile “Peak of Wildflower Season” walk on April 20. For more info, or to make a reservation call (831) 375-7777.
NEED A PLACE TO STAY IN PACIFIC GROVE (WHILE PERUSING POSIES)?
Sea otters, seals, tidepools, pocket beaches and a mile-long coastal trail…
If you love the beach, look no further than this 4 bedroom/3 bath beauty just one block from the white sand dunes of Asilomar State Beach.
