Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel Valley (831) 626-2599, carmelvalleyranch.com/dining/valley-kitchen
Whether it’s dinner for two or 20, Valley Kitchen is a great landing spot. It’s casual, it’s elegant. Choose your seat: around the U-shaped bar, on the patio (poolside or vineyard-side), in the quiet(er) room on the westside, on the couches, or near the fireplace. And the food? Out of this world excellent, thanks to Chef Tim Wood’s relationship with local organic farmers, his flair for culinary exploration. Wood brings style, substance and flavor down to Earth. Tuna poke, charcuterie, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, the filets, the burgers with truffle dusted fries, line-caught fish of the day, the Manhattans, the martinis, and on and on. Let’s hope the shuttle launch is delayed so you can stay here and indulge.