Cheap Eats in Carmel/Monterey

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Just back from a quick jaunt to Northern California. A busy, busy time it was and I didn't visit with anyone. Raincheck?

First sight that greeted me at the San Jose airport: a billboard with the slogan San Jose, Capitol of Silicon Valley. My instant reaction (as a former Palo Altan) was Let the dream die, San Jose. I ran the slogan by my Palo Alto relatives. "Maybe the newcomers believe it but not for long," my niece blurted out.

Yeah, didn't think so, San Jose.

We did take a one-day break at go to Carmel/Monterey. Mes observations:

1. The seahorse exhibit at the Monterey aquarium is even more beautiful and quick-come-here-you've-got-to-see-this! than the jellyfish exhibit. A huge wow from all of us.

2. I tried to get my crew to GC's recommendation but we ended up eating at the cafeteria at the aquarium. Clam chowder in a bread bowl and fresh cherries. All with a great view of sea lions and cormorants on the rocks and pelicans buzzing the water.

3. In Carmel, we ate at a Greek place on the main street (Ocean Ave.?). Food very good, service so excrutiatingly, nausteatingly, mindnumbingly terribleawfulhorrible that the owners gave us the meal for free.

4. We also ate breakfast at the Cottage in Carmel. Great breakfast place but beware if the resort rhythm of life (What me, hurry?) at a restaurant bugs you or you need to get on the road.

5. Carmel is more yuppified by the day, it seems to me. I think I may have reached saturation point. A lunch meeting in Castro Valley (Dino's, the cocktail lounge that time forgot) seemed like a nice antidote - no Tiffany's for miles.

What struck me most this trip: gardens. So many beautiful gardens. My sister's garden. The gardens at Allied Arts in Menlo Park. The Carmel Mission gardens. The gardens in neighborhoods we drove through. Even the oleander by Hwy 101.

Californians, your state is so beautiful. Take good care of it.