It has been a couple of weeks since I’ve enjoyed the following meals, but the delicious memory lingers and I have to gush…

I had heard great things about Herbivore in S.F., but honestly, out of 5 plates ordered – only the vegan ceviche was particularly good.  Perhaps we ordered poorly, but still… Moving on.  Dosa, oh my god, DOSA!  The Fillmore location has a sexy ambiance and more vegan Indian options than you think are possible.  The place was packed, the service was knowledgable & attentive and the food was divine!  There’s a full bar, so we could enjoy our pre-meal martinis and a wonderful wine list to compliment the food.  Between the 3 of us, I believe we ordered about 7 plates, but I specifically remember the Chana Bhuttara, the Spring Dosa, the carmelized onion Uttapam as being incredible.

Several nights later, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we had a hugely disappointing meal at a deceiving and not-nearly-as-charming-as-it-looks restie called Portobella (It’s a must miss!), but had our spirits lifted when we arrived at Clint Eastwood’s historic saloon (rustic restaurant) at the Mission ranch.  Not only was the atmosphere old-timey, informal, and sublime, but the drinks were strong and there was an honest to god piano sing-a-long.  It was fascinating & fantastic all rolled into one.

Winding our way down the coast the next day, we made a much anticipated stop at one of our favorite places on this earth, The Post Ranch Inn.   There, at our table hanging on a cliffside, I lingered over a savory squash soup (vegan, of course), a wild mushrom & hoisin pizza (sans cheese) and sipped Casa Noble organic tequila with some fresh lime. Seriously…c’est incroiable!  Post Ranch Inn is definitely one of those places you want to go to before… well, you know.

Scene from PRI… that’s the restaurant, Sierra Mar, on the left.