5 Wine & Cheese Pairings From The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza

Carmel experiences some of their most beautiful weather in the fall so we thought, what better time than now to plan a picnic to the beach.
We reached out to The Cheese Shop; renowned for their extensive selection of the finest cheeses, gourmet foods and exquisite wines — a chef’s mecca in the heart of Carmel Plaza for over 35 years, and they put together the perfect shopping list for your next beach outing or upcoming holiday party. 
Below you will find 5 local Monterey County wines and the mouthwatering cheeses to pair with them.

1) I. Brand & Family 2015 Cabernet Franc + Peppered Cacciota

Local winemaker Ian Brand sources his fruit for this elegant Cabernet Franc from the Bayly Ranch in the Paicines, San Benito County. Pair it with the Peppered Cacciota, a pasteurized goats’ milk cheese, from central Italy, which is aged 6 months and rubbed down with olive oil and cracked peppercorns for a truly delicious experience.

2) Joyce Submarine Canyon 2016 Pinot Noir + Schoch Dairy’s East of Edam

From Russel Joyce, “this Pinot showcases vibrant fruit sourced entirely from Monterey County. Fresh bing cherry and silky acidity make this wine dangerously lovable.”

We recommend pairing this Monterey County Pinot with a Monterey County cheese, Schoch Dairy’s East of Edam, a raw cows’ milk cheese, inspired by the Dutch Edam.

The Schoch Family produces raw milk and cheese in North Salinas, where they’ve been a staple since the Second World War.

3) Mesa Del Sol 2013 Sangiovese + Aged Boschetto

This classic Tuscan variety has shown itself to be well adapted to the soils of Arroyo Seco. Juicy, red berry fruit, bright acid, and firm tannins make this wine a great pairing with any meal.

The Mesa del Sol estate has a long history in Monterey County as a stagecoach stop and a health retreat that once even hosted Teddy Roosevelt. The Houghmans still run a retreat on the property in addition to cultivating grapes for their own label.
We recommend pairing this wine with Aged Boschetto. A pasteurized sheeps’ milk cheese from Tuscany, the boschetto is aged about 6 months and is infused with truffle shavings for a decadent experience.

4) Seabold 2015 Monterey Chardonnay + Ossau Iraty Istara

From Master Sommelier Chris Miller, “this chardonnay showcases the crisp green apple, stone fruit, and tropical notes typical of Monterey County, while a light touch of oak imparts just the right amount of richness and elegance without overwhelming the fruit.”

For a smooth tasting experience pair this Monterey Chardonnay with Ossau Iraty Istara, a pasteurized sheeps’ milk cheese from the Ossau Valley in the French Pyrenees Mountains; home to the Basque people.

5) Caraccioli Cellars 2012 Brut Rose + Piave Vecchio

This sparkling wine, a favorite domestic sparkling selection for many, was first produced with the help of Michel Sargues, who came from Champagne with the dream of making sparkling wine with Monterey County fruit.

We recommend pairing a glass of this sparkly with Piave Vecchio, a pasteurized cows’ milk cheese from Veneto, Italy. Aged for one year this cheese has a pleasant mellow nuttiness, balanced with a hint of fresh citrus on the finish.

Now that you have your shopping list all you have to do is visit The Cheese Shop, located in Carmel Plaza on courtyard level, and plan a trip to the beach at sunset!
Special orders and holiday gift boxes are available!
Cheers!
September 14th, 2018|Uncategorized|1 Comment

Carmel Plaza Dining Guide

Thank you for visiting our blog. A lot has changed since this post was published in 2018. For a current list of Carmel Plaza restaurants please visit our directory.

 

Nestled in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Plaza is home to one-of-a-kind fashion finds and specialty national brands, gourmet shops, wine tasting rooms and four, soon to be five, distinct restaurants ranging from casual American dining to French cuisine enjoyed by candlelight in the evening.

Amongst Carmel Plaza’s restaurant selections are a few dishes considered by many to be local favorites. During your next visit to Carmel Plaza be sure to stop into one (or all) of our restaurant locations to enjoy the following popular dishes; whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert we have what you’re craving.

400 Degrees

Sun – Thu: 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

400° Gourmet Burgers & Fries features mouthwatering handcrafted burgers and fries using only the best ingredients and cooked to perfection on a custom cast iron griddle.

The Wagyu Burger: Hand formed Wagyu patty, cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, griddled mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, pickles, crispy onions.

Black & White Milkshake: Vanilla Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce.

Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar

Mon – Sun: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Featuring specialty coffee drinks and a variety of teas, pastries, sandwiches, garden fresh salads and ramen noodle bowls.

Sit inside, or outside and enjoy your refreshments on the sun filled patio in front of the coffee shop.

Salmon Bagel: Honey roasted smoked salmon on your choice of multi-seed, sesame, or plain bagel with cream cheese, tomato, red onions, capers and avocado.

Breakfast Sushi (Signature Dish): A seasoned mix of brown and white rice, bacon, ham, egg and avocado wrapped in seaweed.

Flying Fish Grill

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Daily

Enter from the Carmel Plaza Mission Street entrance (between Ocean and 7th Ave.) and through the discreet door leading you to comfortably dim lighting, wood walls, and subtle Asian decor.

Diners are delighted by their distinctive offerings, ranging from salmon to lobster to abalone! Not to mention our delicious traditional clay pot dishes, bursting with noodles, broth & your choice of seafood, beef or vegetables.

Yin Yan Salmon: Oven roasted, sesame seed crusted, soy- lime cream sauce, angel hair pasta, flying fish roe garnish.

Almond Seabass: Almond crusted sea bass, pan- fried, whipped potatoes, chinese cabbage & rock shrimp stir – fry.

Patisserie Boisseire

Lunch: Daily 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Dinner: Wed – Sun 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Brunch: Sat – Sun 11:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Fifty years ago, Elaine and Pierre Boissiere established their eponymous restaurant at its current location, years before Carmel Plaza shopping center was built around it.

They sought to offer the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea a relaxing and comforting venue modeled after a European chateau; where tables are thoughtfully spaced and fresh flowers, a fireplace, candles and soothing musical notes are an integral part of the dining experience.

Sautéed Prawns (available for lunch and dinner): Served over angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes, leeks, artichokes and a light lemon-chive seafood cream sauce.

Beef Bourguignon (dinner only): Oven braised with pearl onions, fresh herbs, garlic, bacon, tomatoes and white wine; served with fresh steamed vegetables and au gratin potatoes.

COMING SOON: Yeast of Eden, Carmel Plaza’s soon to be fifth dining selection. To read more about Alvarado Street Brewery’s latest venture coming soon to Carmel Plaza CLICK HERE!

We hope to see you for breakfast, lunch and dinner very soon!

6 Great Gift Ideas for Dad!

This weekend is all about Dad and one stop to Carmel Plaza is all you need to help make it special. Below are 6 gift ideas that will make Dad smile!

1. BBQ Necessities

Image by Sur La Table. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

Now that it’s summer vacation Dad will be on grilling duty quite a bit; might as well make it fun and simple for him with all the best gadgets on the market. Head to Sur La Table for all your summer barbecuing needs and wants… or should we say Dad’s needs and wants?

2. A Fashionable Tie

Image by Khakis Men Clothier. Located off of Ocean Ave. in Carmel Plaza.

A tie is a classic gift for Dad. Visit Khakis Men Clothier for a vast variety of styles and colors fit for all occasions and all types of dads. Why stop at a tie? While you are there have Jim style a whole look to add to Dad’s wardrobe.

3. Carmel Plaza Gift Card

For purchase at Khakis Men Clothier off of Ocean Ave. in Carmel Plaza.

Let Dad chose his own gift this year by gifting him a Carmel Plaza Gift Card that can be used at any of our shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.

4. A Stylish Sports Coat

Image by Peter Millar Collection available at Madrigal. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

For the Dad who goes from the office into the weekend, always in style, you cannot go wrong when shopping at Madrigal.

5. An Attractive Leather Jacket

Image by Scully available at Parts Unknown. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

Is your dad super cool? We thought so. Visit Parts Unknown for a timeless leather jacket Dad won’t want to take off.

6. A Sophisticated Briefcase… and maybe even a pair of shoes!

Image by Cole Haan. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

Cole Haan has the perfect gift for the dad who travels for work. Or, maybe for the dad who makes everyone a little envious of his remarkable office style.

Well, what are you waiting for? Head to Carmel Plaza today!

5 Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. We’re talking less than 5 days to get Mom a gift. For all of us last minute shoppers, keep it simple yet still super special for Mom, visit Carmel Plaza for all your Mother’s Day gift needs.

Below are 5 gift ideas that you can get during one visit to Carmel Plaza:

1. Skincare on the Go!

Image by L’Occitane en Provence. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza. 

The mini sized hand creams, shampoos, shower gels and body lotions from L’Occitane en Provence are perfect for the Mom who loves to travel.

2. The Perfect Scent!

Available at Cos Bar. Located on the 2nd level of Carmel Plaza.

If Jo Malone London is not on Mom’s list of favorites already rftit will be after you gift her one of their beautiful bottles. Have some fun and mix a couple of the new spring scents.

3. Something Tasty!

Available at Carmel Honey Company. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

This natural and sweet gift idea is perfect for all the tea-drinking Moms out there. Plus, it is local… and delicious.

4. Something That Sparkles!

Swarovski Crystal Jewelry is available at Impressions Fine & Fashion Jewelry. Located on courtyard level of Carmel Plaza.

Mom is sure to feel special when she opens up something sparkly from Impressions Fine & Fashion Jewelry. They have a wide selection of beautiful jewelry in all styles.

5. Carmel Plaza Gift Card

For purchase at Khakis Men Clothier in Carmel Plaza. Located on Ocean Ave. 

Don’t know what Mom wants this year? No problem. The Carmel Plaza gift card can be used at any of our shops, restaurants and tasting rooms. You cannot go wrong with letting Mom pick out her own gift.

We could go on with thebut since there are only 5 days left to shop there is no time to keep reading… head to Carmel Plaza now to pick something out for Mom.

5 Must-Have Fashion Trends for Spring & Summer 2018

As the weather warms up invitations to spring and summer celebrations begin to arrive in the mail; graduations, showers, weddings and simple get together occasions just because it is warmer outside and the sun’s shining longer.

To make sure you are ready to standout out at these upcoming spring and summer festivities and weekend getaways visit Carmel Plaza in Carmel-By-The-Sea for all the latest in fashion and accessory trends. Both nationally known stores and local boutiques make up Carmel Plaza’s fashion, shoes and accessories selection of over 10 stores such as: Bottega Veneta, Khaki’s Men’s Clothier, Kate Spade and Vineyard Vines.

Below are our 5 favorite trends for the season:

1. Fun Accessories… Especially Scarves!

Image by Kate Spade

Accessories are becoming the star of the show. This season your shoes, purse and scarf are not just completing the outfit they are making the outfit and scarves are especially making a statement this season. Put one in your hair, knotted on your purse handle, tied around your neck… the options almost seem endless.

2. Bold Colors

Image from the Etro Lookbook for Spring. Etro is Available at Madrigal

Spring is the time of year everyone starts to add pops of color back into their wardrobes. This year, don’t just stick to pastels. Go bold and have some fun with mixing bolder, brighter colors and even patterns all into one look.

3. Midi Dresses

Image by Anthropologie

We are seeing more and more women opt for the versatile length of a midi dress and we don’t blame them. This style of dress is appropriate for almost all occasion and in all settings.

4. Block Heels

Image by Cole Haan

Luckily this style is sticking around… Not only is the block heel super stylish but also more comfortable than some shoe trends of the past. We suggest investing in this look because we have a feeling it may be sticking around awhile. Or at least our feet hope so.

5. Basket Bags

Image by Anthropologie

Does anything say spring and summer quite like a picnic on a warm, sunny day? Just carrying a basket bag will give you that delighted feeling… even if you are just heading into the office. The woven purse look is popping up everywhere from daily errands to weddings.

There you have it, 5 ways to stand out this spring and summer. Plus, we even created a whole look for you. Pair your bold colored (maybe even mixed patterned) midi dress with a comfortable and stylish block heel, basket bag and scarf in your hair and you’re all set. We bet people will be asking where you got your look and when they do be sure to send them to Carmel Plaza.