The holiday season is here, and it’s time to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Whether you’re looking for cozy winter wear, dazzling jewelry, a hostess gift, or fun stocking stuffers, the shops at Carmel Plaza have everything you need to make this holiday season extra special. There truly is something for everyone at Carmel Plaza.
Natalie Baroni, located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza, is celebrating 21 years of jewelry design and couture. To celebrate this milestone Carmel Magazine recently wrote a feature on Natalie and her well established and respected fashion design business. You can read the article in the most recent Carmel Magazine issue, on stands now, or just keep reading here.
Natalie Baroni is known as “The Star of Ocean Avenue.” It’s a well-deserved honor. Her jewelry and couture designs have been featured at red carpet award shows internationally and have been the go-to choice for discriminating women attending the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
“My collections are all inspired by my Italian heritage and life-style, and named after Italian waterfront cities,” she says.
Baroni grew up in the fine/classical jewelry business—in fact, she is the latest in a multigenerational line of jewelers who have designed pieces for Italian nobility. “Jewelry is my foundation,” she says. “It’s my heart and soul.”
Her career was jump started when Saks Fifth Avenue featured one of her jewelry collections in their stores nationwide. In a fateful twist, her Carmel boutique occupies part of that luxury retailer’s former footprint in the Carmel Plaza.
Her couture fashion and jewelry creations are designed for women of taste who lead an active, traveling lifestyle. “My clients travel a great deal and need to look glamorous at the resorts they go to,” Baroni says. “The pieces travel extremely well.” And they’re designed to be versatile and interchangeable. “A woman can pull together a day to evening look absolutely effortlessly.”
Natalie Baroni Atelier is located in the Carmel Plaza on the second level directly off of Ocean Avenue.
Natalie Baroni featured in the Fall 2024 Carmel Magazine
Did you know September is National Honey Month? There’s no sweeter time than during a month dedicated to honey to introduce to you Carmel Honey Company— Although you have probably already heard of them and are even familiar with their high quality products, from their delectable honey and honeycomb to their fantastic gift bundles, sweet treats (we’re looking at you honey macadamia nut caramel corn), bath and body products and some pretty cute merch. However, what you might not know is the story of how Carmel Honey Company came to be everyone’s favorite local honey shop! It is quite the story. Read on to learn more and for some exciting news.
Carmel Honey Company, the quaint yet buzzing gourmet honey store, located in Carmel Plaza was founded by Jake Reisdorf, now 21, as a River elementary school project that took off. Each student was assigned a profession to research and report their findings to the class. While researching his assigned profession of website designer, Jake, 11 years old at the time, decided to take it one step further and actually create a real website. At that time, Jake had taken one beekeeping class with his Dad and thought it would be cool to design a website about honey bees. His passion for honey bees grew and as he expanded his research and education on the topic Jake ultimately decide it was critical to give back.
“We’ve always believed that honey is more than just a sweetener; it’s a connection to nature, a reminder of the importance of bees, and a symbol of the simple pleasures in life,” said Jake.
Jake’s passions led him to not only start a website and the beginnings of a business at 11 years old but to also create the “Jake Gives Back” program where he shares his honey bee knowledge with kids and adults of all ages. Whether he is in a classroom speaking to first-grade students or at a corporate event talking with business owners and seasoned professionals, his passion and appreciation of how honey bees impact our world is infectious.
Jake and his family opened the very first Carmel Honey Company brick and mortar at Carmel Plaza in 2017 when Jake was just 14 years old. Since then Jake has expanded the retail side of his business opening Carmel Honey Company stores in Carmel Plaza, on Cannery Row, and two San Francisco locations at the Ferry Building Marketplace and Pier 39, as well as his online store. In addition to growing his honey business and sharing his knowledge and passion for honey bees, Jake graduated from Carmel High School in 2021 and is currently a student at The Monterey Peninsula College— He is one busy bee!
There will be daily door prizes to the first 50 customers, online website specials on honey and limited edition hive products, discounts for bulk holiday corporate orders, and much more! Visit Carmel Honey Company in Carmel Plaza to join the honey celebration and you might even get a chance to meet and chat with Jake, the boy (now man) who started this sweet business at 11 years old all because of passion and good grades!
Carmel Plaza is inviting everyone back for another summer of dancing, dining and drinking. Enjoy live music by the region’s most talented and popular musicians, including the Chicano All Stars, sip on premier local wines, including Wrath Wines and Chalone Vineyards, and experience samplings of savory appetizers from local restaurants including Carmel Plaza’s, Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro, Links Club, and the Plaza’s newest eatery, Nicolás Cocina de Herencia.
Photo: Michael Troutman/www.dmtimaging.com
The five-week series kicks off Friday, June 28th from 5 – 7 PM with The Money Band and will continue every Friday through July 26th, when the series will close out for the summer with The Money Band taking the stage one more time. In addition to live music, food, and wine, there will be raffle prizes from Carmel Plaza retailers including Cariloha, Salty Souls Yoga Sanctuary, Jenni Kayne, Links Club, and Signature Day Spa, as well as informative opportunities through various local non-profit partnerships and this year’s Summer Live Music Series sponsors, Sanctuary Vacation Rentals and Monterey Motorsports Festival, and more!
The Summer Live Music Series is not just an opportunity for some Friday night fun though. Carmel Plaza will donate $5 of all food and drink packages sold each Friday to that afternoon’s non-profit partner.
“The Carmel community is what makes this event a fun success every year. It is because of the people who come out week after week, year after year, and enjoy not only the free music but purchase a food and drink package that we are able to donate to local nonprofits each Friday night.” Says Jenna Hanson Abramson, Marketing for Carmel Plaza.
“We are excited to welcome back local favorites when it comes to the food and wine as well as have a few new restaurants and wineries participating.” Says Kristin Torrice, Carmel Plaza General Manager.
The Carmel Plaza’s Summer Live Music Series is free to the public, with food and wine packages available for purchase at the even for $25. *
Photo: Michael Troutman/www.dmtimaging.com
2024 SUMMER LIVE MUSIC LINEUP
June 28th: Dance to the Money Band, enjoy small bites as well as beer from Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro, and sips of wine from Scheid Vineyards. Featured Non-profits: Animal Friends Rescue Project and Max’s Helping Paw Foundation.
July 5th: Dance to Wild At Heart, enjoy small bites from Nicolas Cocina de Herencia and sips of wine from De Tierra Winery. Featured Non-profit: All In Monterey.
July 12th: Dance to Chicano All Stars, enjoy small bites from Platter Perfection and Café Carmel and sips of wine from LadySomm Wine Tasting Saloon. Featured Non-profit: Harmony at Home.
July 19th: Dance to Scarlet, enjoy small bites from Links Club and sips of wine from Wrath Winery. Featured Non-profit: Kindness Monterey.
July 26th: Dance to The Money Band, enjoy small bites from Café Carmel and sips of wine from Chalone Vineyards Tasting Room. Featured Non-profit: Carmel Public Library Foundation.
Monterey Motorsports Festival will also be displaying one of their Lamborghinis off of Ocean Avenue— Car enthusiasts, be sure to do a walk-through of the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.
What a year—Let’s recap 2023 at Carmel Plaza before we dive into everything that is currently happening as well as what is still to come in 2024.
Athleta
Early last summer Athleta opened their Carmel store offering a place for women and girls to shop all their favorite styles. From work to work out to weekend—from sweat ready essentials to elevated everyday must haves, Athleta is your new go-to spot.
The much anticipated, Nicolás Cocina de Herencia began welcoming guests right before the 2023 holiday season. The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), honors the Alvarez family patriarch, Nicolás. The new Carmel hotspot serves delectable Michoacán dishes that are as flavorsome as they are eye-catching, as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.
Carmel Plaza excitedly welcomed another local winery to the Plaza when Chalone Vineyard Tasting Room opened in the courtyard in November 2023. Chalone is a pioneering legend in California Winemaking. Planted in 1919, Chalone is the first producing vineyard in Monterey County and is the sole winery in the Chalone appellation. Their focus is on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but they also produce limited amounts of Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Syrah.
The talented Natalie Baroni is back at Carmel Plaza. For generations, the Baroni family have designed for the royal families of Florence, Milan, and Rome. Natalie is dedicated to that heritage and she brings a lifetime of experience, and unique vision when creating a complete lifestyle branding of clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, fragrance, and home décor for the modern, sophisticated, and fashionable woman.
And in case you missed it…
Revival Ice Cream at Rise + Roam
Rise + Roam originally opened in 2020 but last year the local favorite was bought by the women behind Revival Ice Cream. The modern craft bakery and café, located on the corner of Mission and 7th Ave., still has everyone’s favorite pastries, coffee, and pizzas but this year, they will also be selling their legendary Revival Ice Cream. More to come on that so be sure to follow along.
Salty Soul Sanctuary, previously Seaside Yoga Sanctuary, opened in December 2023. The new owners, Amanda and Kyle Hoff, view this time as a soft opening as they plan for their Grand Opening celebration in mid-June 2024. Leading up to the grand opening, the studio is offering, as a token of appreciation for the community’s support during this transformative renovation period, a significant discount on their Unlimited Monthly Auto-Pay Membership. Salty Soul Sanctuary is more than just a yoga studio; it’s a nurturing, vibrant, community where warmth and love greet every soul—Offering diverse yoga classes that cater to various movement styles, ensuring accessibility and a welcoming experience for all.
Café Luna also changed ownership recently but don’t worry, local favorites such as their house made pot stickers and ramen bowls are here to stay. In addition to what everyone knows and loves there are some notable new additions to the menu as well, including a baklava family recipe, boba, and crepes.
Atkins Fine Clothier’s has moved to the courtyard level providing them space to expand their offering of luxury clothing for men and women at approachable prices. It is Atkins Fine Clothier’s mission to promote timeless elegance to their customers by offering high quality garments alongside professional knowledge.
Pure Barre Carmel-by-the-Sea has reopened under new membership to continue offering Carmel locals and visitors effective, total body workouts focusing on low-impact, high intensity isometric movements that lift and tone muscles to improve strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody in 45-50 minutes.
Carmel Burger Bar has rebranded and expanded their menu to include authentic Korean food like kimchi pancakes, stone pot, Korean fried chicken, and miso cacio e pepe pasta. An official name change is still in the works but one can expect to see their new name, Jeju Kitchen, named for the Hawaii of Korea, Jeju Island, over the door soon.
With all that news you are probably wondering what exciting things could possibly be still to come? Keep reading to find out.
The region’s leading designer and builder, Monterey Design Center of Carmel, will officially make Carmel Plaza their home in 2024 when they open their office, design studio and showroom on the third floor. From kitchen and bath remodels to entire complexes, single-family condos to multi-generation forever estates, their design team works around the client’s needs, providing solutions focused on function, sustainability, and contemporary design.
Jenni Kayne, the California lifestyle brand that inspires women to live well every day, is also coming to Carmel Plaza in 2024. The brand’s effortless staples, recognized for their neutral colors and quality, does not sacrifice style or comfort when building a personal uniform that will last season after season.
Monterey Design Center of Carmel
Signature Day Spa is set to open towards the end of 2024 bringing relaxation and a different form of luxury to the Plaza. The eco-friendly, organic, and chemical free day spa offers the best of everything: body treatments, body wraps, body scrubs, Hydrafacial, Dermaplaning, makeup and hair, waxing, and even body stretching. Signature Day Spa may be new to Carmel Plaza but they have been providing their clients and customers with first-class services for almost 30 years.
Carmel Plaza is proud to be Monterey Peninsula’s premier shopping and dining destination offering the community over 40 one-of-a-kind fashion finds and specialty national brands, distinctive restaurants, gourmet shops, wine tasting rooms, wellness studios, and more. Carmel Plaza—The Best of Everything!
Monday, February 19th, 2024, under new ownership, Pure Barre, the largest and most established barre brand in North America, is reopening the Carmel-by-the-Sea studio in Carmel Plaza.
Pure Barre offers five signature class formats including introductory, classic barre, interval training, resistance training, and restorative stretching. The Carmel studio’s effective, total body workouts will focus on low-impact, high intensity isometric movements that lift and tone muscles to improve strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody in 45-50 minutes. Each class is taught by highly trained teachers and features musically driven choreography for a continuously fresh full-body workout.
The Carmel studio has plans to offer special membership promotions, free classes, new retail, and much more to the Carmel community, locals (and visitors), as they welcome everyone back to Pure Barre’s challenging and proprietary barre technique.
Want to meet the new owner? Allow us to introduce you to Tina Bennet. Tina is based in Sacramento, California, has a background in digital marketing and has own
ed her own consulting company since 2017. Her connection to Pure Barre started in 2018, supporting various digital initiatives that gave her insight into the brand’s effective program and loyal member community. “There’s something special here. The combination of our team, this incredible community, our loyal members, and our studio space,” said Tina Bennett. “I am so excited to bring the Pure Barre experience to this generous and welcoming community.”
Meet the instructors:
Leslie, a resident of downtown Carmel, thrives off the energy of this special town. While she’s the General Manager of Pure Barre Carmel-by-the-Sea, teaching is her first love and she is currently in her 7th year of teaching and guiding members to connect with their body.
Jan, lovingly referred to by our community as GI Jan, is trained in all of the Pure Barre formats. Jan brings a unique level of intensity to each and every class she teaches. She lives in Seaside with her husband and 2 sons.
Jess was born and raised in Carmel. She started teaching in 2021. She left briefly to attend school at University of Missouri before returning last summer and rejoining our teaching team. Jess’ high energy is absolutely infectious and you won’t find yourself in her class without a smile. She currently lives in Carmel Valley.
Annette has lived (and taught Pure Barre) all over the country as a Military spouse. Annette’s subtle humor will for sure make you laugh during class, which we consider bonus core work. She lives in Pacific Grove with her husband and 2 daughters.
Sam is the newest addition to the team. Sam started as an instructor in El Paso, TX. She now lives in Monterey with her husband and son. New to the studio but not Pure Barre—Sam brings expert precision and passion to her classes which means you will feel the work.
Lauren teaches the early risers at 6am. Lauren exudes confidence and naturalness in the way she guides her classes—You can’t help but feel the same way when you are taking Lauren’s class. She lives in Salinas with her husband.
Pure Barre Carmel-by-the-Sea will be open Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:45 AM to 11:00 AM. You can check the schedule here. For more information on Pure Barre, please visit www.purebarre.com and to contact the Carmel-by-the-Sea studio directly please call, (831) 250-5452 or email carmelbythesea@purebarre.com.
First timer? Join us at the barre for a Free Barre Class. Meet the teachers and learn the Pure Barre technique with your local studio community. This high-energy experience is valid for local residents and first-timers only.
We hope to see you in the studio soon.
Carmel Plaza is inviting everyone to enjoy live music by the region’s most talented and popular musicians, sip on premier local wines and experience samplings of savory appetizers from local restaurants including Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro and The Forge.
The five-week series kicks off Friday, June 30th from 5 – 7 PM with The Money Band, and will continue every Friday through July 28, 2023. In addition to live music, food, and wine, there will be raffle prizes from Carmel Plaza retailers, special extended hours at select stores, and informative opportunities through various local non-profit partnerships as well as this year’s Summer Live Music Series sponsor, Sanctuary Vacation Rentals. 10% of all ticket sales each Friday will be donated to that afternoon’s non-profit partner.
“We are excited to have the non-profits partnering with us again this year as well as welcoming back local favorites when it comes to the food and wine. We have a few new restaurants and wineries participating as well as a couple of performances by Carmel Dance Festival which we are really excited about.” Says Kristin Torrice, Carmel Plaza General Manager.
Photo: Michael Troutman/www.dmtimaging.com.
The Carmel Plaza’s Summer Live Music Series is free to the public, with food and wine packages available for $25. Must be 21+ to purchase beverage tickets. 10% of every ticket sold will be donated to that evening’s featured non-profit.
2023 SUMMER LIVE MUSIC LINEUP
June 30th: Dance to the Money Band, enjoy bites from Café Carmel and sips of wine from Scheid Vineyards as well as learn more about Animal Friends Rescue Project and Max’s Helping Paw Foundation.
July 7th: Dance to Wild At Heart, enjoy bites from Great British Bake Shop and sips of wine from De Tierra Winery as well as learn more about Harmony At Home.
July 14th: Dance to DRIVE!, enjoy bites from Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro and beer and wine from CRŪ and Alvarado Street Brewery as well as learn more about Kindness Monterey.
July 21st: Dance to Red Beans & Rice, enjoy bites from The Forge and sips of wine from Wrath Winery as well as learn more about All In Monterey.
July 28th: Dance to Chicano All Stars, enjoy bites from Links Club and sips of wine from Hahn Family Wines as well as learn more about Meals on Wheels Salinas & Meals on Wheels Monterey.
Enjoy performances at intermission by the Carmel Dance Festival on the following dates:
July 14 at 6:00 pm ~ Seattle-based contemporary dance company WHIM W’HIM’s Karl Watson and Carmel Dance Festival’s 2023 Summer Program participants
July 21 at 6:00 pm ~ London-based RAMBERT super star Joseph Kudra & Carmel Dance Festival’s 2023 Summer Program participants at Carmel Plaza
July 28 at 6:00 ~ Chicago-based PARA.MAR Dance Theatre Guest Artists Liane Aung & Jared Bogart perform & Carmel Dance Festival’s 2023 Summer Program participants
This past year, Carmel Plaza excitedly welcomed a couple new restaurants, launched the Wellness Series in Davendorf Park, added a mural by local artist, Katie Raquel, and after a two-year hiatus brought back the popular Summer Live Music Series with the addition of highlighting local non-profits. And the good news doesn’t stop there. Keep reading to learn more about what was new in 2022 and what is still to come in 2023 at Carmel Plaza.
Carmel Burger Bar: Serving up creative and renovated hand-packed, grass fed, artisan beef burgers and more. With recipes comprised of both seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Roam Fusion Kitchen: A modern Asian-Latin fusion combining the culinary and cultural influence that represent the melting pot that is California.
Arhaus Studios: Visit Arhaus Studio’s newly renovated location! Their Carmel Studio offers a service-first approach with beautiful, handmade furniture and décor in a smaller store footprint and more intimate setting. Shop with the team of designers dedicated to providing the highest level of hands-on service, guiding clients as they shop, explore, and customize Arhaus pieces to suit their individual styles.
Roam Fusion Kitchen
Athleta: Athleta is on a mission to ignite the limitless potential of all women and girls – it’s also where you can find all your new favorite styles from work to work out to weekend. From sweat ready essentials to elevated everyday must haves.
Nicolás Cocina de Herencia: The newest creation from the owners of the beloved Villa Azteca in Downtown Salinas (Salinas City Center), the eatery honoring the Alvarez family patriarch will open IN 2022 in Carmel Plaza. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant will serve specialty Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes.
Monterey Design Center: The region’s leading designer/builder. From kitchen/bath remodels to entire complexes, single-family condos to multi-generation forever estates, we design around you and your needs, our solutions focused on function, wrapped in the leading edge of sustainable, contemporary design.
Monterey Design Center
Thank you, to everyone who visited Carmel Plaza and supported our several retailers, wine tasting rooms, restaurants and gourmet shops, wellness studios and more in 2022!
We are excited to see you all at Carmel Plaza in 2023.
Carmel Plaza-The Best of Wine Tasting and More!
For decades, Carmel Plaza has been known for its shopping but over the years the Plaza has also become a notable destination to taste the flavors of Monterey County. Visitors to Carmel Plaza enjoy sweet treats like chocolates, and honey, as well as savory gourmet bites of imported cheeses and of course there is wine tasting—Award winning and local wine tasting. Would it even be a visit to Carmel without wine tasting?
Located within just steps of one another are three notable, and welcoming, wine tasting rooms. Although all three are Monterey County wines and offer a pinot noir and chardonnay to write home about they possess very distinctive characteristics from one another. From the diverse palates and aromas of the wines to the different ambiances in which to enjoy them in, each tasting room offers its guest an unique experience… Both locals and visitors will enjoy.
Below is a little more about each tasting room.
Blair Estates: Blair is a small Artisan Winery situated in the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County California. They operate as a tribute to their Grandmother, Delfina Robasciotti Sciaroni, who immigrated to this special place in 1923. She was 18 years old and following a dream when she left her home in Switzerland and traveled to France to board a ship and cross the Atlantic to Ellis Island, unsure of what lay ahead. She left Ellis Island and arrived in what later would become her home for 72 years. She would give us, her Grandchildren, a passion for great food and fine wine as she told us to always follow our dreams, regardless of how big they might be. 5 generations later we are following those dreams and producing great traditional Burgundian Style Pinot Noir from our own vineyards.
Hahn Family Wines: Producer of award-winning handcrafted wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County for more than 30 years. Focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Rhone varietals to pair with amazing foods. Today, Hahn Family Wines owns one of the largest shares of planted vines in the region, equaling more than 650 SLH vineyard acres that range in elevation from 200 to 1,200 feet. The vineyards offer a diverse selection of terroir for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other grape varieties. The brands of Hahn Family Wines include Hahn SLH, Hahn, Lucienne, Smith & Hook and Boneshaker.
Wrath Wines: Wrath produces site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc from its estate vineyard and respected properties in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Its production is small, its distribution is limited and its wines reveal a passion and an inherent respect for what a vineyard can give us. Wrath’s viticulture and wine-making methods are designed to showcase the topography, geology and climate of a finite, naturally redefined piece of land. While all of Wrath wines posses accurate varietal characteristics, their real strength is their ability to deliver the unique aromatics, flavors and textures of a specific terrain.
Also located on the courtyard level of Carmel Plaza are a few local favorites: Lula’s Chocolates (locally made chocolates, caramels, and candies), Carmel Honey Company (locally sourced honey) with a unique backstory… it all started with a passion for bees and a 5th grade homework assignment, and The Cheese Shop, Carmel Plaza’s longest tenant (almost 40 years) serving up the best cheeses (and wines) from all over the world.
Spend the day tasting your way through Carmel Plaza.
UPDATE: We no longer accepting submissions. Thank you to all the talented local artists who entered. We will be opening up the voting on our Instagram and in our emails so please be sure to follow and sign up so you can help us choose the final mural concept.
Located in a coastal village long known for its art and creative community, where visitors simultaneously stroll and appreciate original works from both locally known and world-renowned artists, Carmel Plaza felt inspired to identify an opportunity for public art within the Plaza walls—Cue a mural contest.
We are calling all local artists to enter for the chance to have their creative work on display at Carmel Plaza. We are also excited to engage with the community as we will lean on you to help us choose who will be commissioned for this mural opportunity. This is a great opportunity for a local artist to create a one-of-a-kind mural for both Carmel Plaza and Carmel-by-the-Sea visitors to enjoy for years to come.
The designated location for the mural is roughly 8’ x 8’ and located at the top of the stairs, on the North end of the Plaza, between Dutch Door Donuts and Mark Fenwick. This is a prime location for an artist’s creation to be observed by all Plaza visitors.
All local artist are encouraged to enter with one thing in mind—What Does Carmel-by-the-Sea mean to you? Carmel Plaza will display the winning artist’s name and the title given to the mural on the wall for years to come.
After reviewing all of the submissions internally, the top four renderings will then be presented to the community who will ultimately vote and choose the winner.