The Beach House at Lover's Point

A bit of jet lag and weariness from travel kept me at my hotel the first night in Carmel. The following day feeling spry and well-rested, I ventured out to explore all the beachfront had to offer. As a recommendation and kind gift from the hotel, I had reservations for a sunset dinner at the Beach House at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. The Beach House is a reasonably romantic location with a stunning panoramic view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The California casual setting and window seats were more than ideal for a romantic evening on the beach. I choose a seat out on the Solarium, the outdoor patio complete with solar panels, heat lamps for the chilly breeze of the water, and tall windows to keep the elements (and cunning seagulls) away from the food.

I started the meal with cocktails, like my new standard, the London Lemonade. Not stingy with the pour, my drink was just as much as London, and it was Lemonade. Next, we decided to grab a fresh plate of Seared Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna to start. Ahi Tuna is my absolute favorite fish and this cut seared perfectly and served with on sweet chile glaze adjacent to a wasabi honey mustard sauce. A small helping of pickled asparagus ties the sweet and spicy flavors together and adds a bit of crunch to an otherwise buttery, mouth-melting smooth texture. For the main course, I struggled with the number of exciting choices on the evening menu. Do I stick with the coastal seafood theme and grab a safe but intriguing King Salmon Filet with asparagus, brandy glazed carrots, and Yukon gold potatoes? Or step out of the proverbial comfort zones with a Panko-Crusted Sand Dabs piccata?

Ultimately, I choose neither. Fresh off of a Masterchef binge, I still thought of lollipop lamb dancing in my head. I instead opted for the Char Grilled Double Lamb chops with roasted fingerling potatoes, rosemary jus & sautéed broccolini with soy aioli. The braised lamb is delicate, tender, and flavorful, paired with the tangy soy aioli. The herb rub on the lamb brings out the delicious gamey flavor and just the proper savory, sultry sauce.

After dinner, I sat for a bit and enjoyed the view before heading down to the rocks to watch the waves crash in as the sunset on the bay. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the beautiful view of the water, makes Lovers Point a must-see location for anyone venturing done the coast. So, bring a sweater and enjoy a few drinks while sitting on the rocks listening to the calls of the seagulls. I recommend keeping the rest of your evening free and letting peace and openness wash over you.