Red House Café, Pacific Grove, CA

On a getaway weekend to the Monterey peninsula, My Beloved and I stopped into the Red House Cafe in Pacific Grove for lunch. We had previously enjoyed Toasties in that same charming town, but were in the mood for a change. What a good idea that turned out to be!

Sand dabs lightly breaded with panko and drizzled with a light lemon-buerre blanc sauce. This tender and mild little local fish really needs a simple preparation like this to bring out the best of its flavor - these were done to a turn and as fresh as one could ever wish. Sprinkled with lively chives and a small dice of red pepper and flanked with a fresh green salad, it was one of the very nicest lunches I've eaten in a long time.

Another pleasure of the Red House Café is that whoever designed the interior of this charming little place thought of everything. The cottage decor is lovely, from the charming china right down to the lighted pillar candles in the fireplace, the vintage aprons worn by the wait staff, and the painted clothespin that holds the check. The colors are restful yet cheerful and the furniture completes the homey atmosphere. They even play an eclectic mix of music in the background - no need to shout over it to be heard. Our servers on both visits were equally cheerful and professional - the whole experience was fun, relaxing and delicious.

I'd happily return - so we did - the very next morning for breakfast!