Experience a dining adventure: three delicious courses for a fixed price at more than 25 restaurants

Restaurant Week is a dining adventure on the culinary coast that will feature fixed price $25, $35 and $45 menus at top Monterey Bay area restaurants.

Each restaurant will serve three courses – an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert – with several options for each course.

Prices do not include tax, tip or beverages.

Restaurant Week starts October 22 and continues through October 29, 2009.

CARMEL

Andre’s Bouchée Bistro | Mission St. (Between Ocean & 7th) | Carmel, 831.626.7882 | $35

Bouchée Bistro is authentically French right down to its endive salad and rich onion soup. Francophiles will thrill to the listing of bistro classics like scallops provençale, magret de canard, moules marinieres, of course crème brûlée. Reflecting the Gallic menu, the wine list includes Napa and Monterey, and plunges deeply into Bordeaux and Burgundy. Connoisseurs may choose a ten-year-old Sauternes to partner cheeses and desserts. Intimate ambience with an uncompromising culinary theme.

Anton & Michel | Mission St. & 7th Ave. | Carmel, 831.624.2406 | $35

Anton and Michel, a Carmel landmark restaurant for the past 30 years, is proof that quality, taste and exceptional service endure. Classic dining is artfully presented in the tradition of gracious European hospitality. Overlooking the romantic Court of the Fountains, casual elegance highlights menu offerings that include fresh Monterey Bay seafood, filet mignon, fresh-farmed abalone, and house specialties such as rack of lamb, Chateaubriand carved tableside, and flambé desserts. A timeless destination for private events and romantic candle lit dinners – the cuisine and table side service will make you feel like the guest of honor. Anton & Michel also offers an extensive and consistently award-winning wine list and full bar.

Basil Seasonal Dining | San Carlos (Between Ocean & 7th) | Carmel, 831.626.8226 | $25

Carefully created Italian cuisine crowns a menu reflecting the fresh harvests of each season. Made from scratch, the dishes served in this lively little restaurant are matched by wine and spirits menus. Short rib ravioli, linguines and risottos, and a popular grilled baby octopus served with cannellini beans and arugula, are only part of the point of this new Carmel eatery. Classic house tiramisu makes the perfect ending to well made Mediterranean dishes. Hand picked wines and beers add to the cuisine and the late night hours are great for visitors or locals looking to eat after the theater.

Bistro Beaujolais | Carmel Plaza | Carmel, 831.624.5600 | $35

Bistro Beaujolais offers alfresco dining in a lush garden atmosphere, plus a restaurant setting that surrounds guests with visual delights like hand-painted murals and outdoor seating around a fire pit on a heated patio. This French bistro offers light and flavorful influences of the Mediterranean in a number of tapas appetizers and main courses, from Boeuf Bourguignon to French-style pizza. Meticulous attention to detail is present on every spectacular plate. Also offering an extensive wine list and full bar.

Edgar’s | 8000 Valley Greens Dr. | Carmel, 831.620.8910 | $25

Edgar’s at the Quail Lodge has the best view of the golf course outside of standing on the driving range. A full bar and comfortable seating make it a great place to eat an early lunch or dinner or just have drinks and a burger, which BTW is one of the best in Carmel Valley. Their menu offers salads to innovative entrees that range from fish and seafood to poultry, pastas and steaks. Bearing the name of it’s original owner, Ed Haber, the restaurant has a wealth of historic photos hanging on the walls with the story of a dairy farm becoming the dream of a young golfer to the beautiful resort it is today. Great beer and wine list to choose from along with traditional cocktails.

Flaherty’s | 6th Ave., (Between Dolores & San Carlos) Carmel, 831.624.0311 & 831.625.1500 | $25 | $35 | $45

Eating raw oysters and washing them down with a good, reasonably-priced Chardonnay at Flaherty’s is an indulgence, especially because this place doesn’t strain to be casual or unpretentious or retro-cool; it just is. The service is friendly and homey. The menu is simple and straightforward. And the food is spectacular. Plump Atlantic Blue Points and plumper Pacific Fanny Bays with horseradish, cocktail sauce and lemon makes you understand why sea otters go through all that trouble. Crab chowder, crab cocktails, linguini con pescatore (the classic Italian shellfish-and-pasta combo), seafood grill, cioppino, crab ravioli, sand dabs and four varieties of shellfish go well with a bottle of local wine. The restaurant is divided in two; one is the casual oyster bar, the other is a finer dining experience.

The Forge in the Forest | 5th Ave. & Junipero Ave. | Carmel, 831.624.2233 | $35

The Forge is a decades-old Carmel tradition that sets the standard in local al fresco dining. Choose from hearty soups or sandwiches served with thick, satisfying fries or indulge in steak, seafood or pasta. And after the stars come out? Ah, then the Forge really shines – the cozy garden patio is heated with a central fireplace so you can dine beneath the night sky.

The Grill on Ocean Avenue | Ocean Ave. btwn Delores & Lincoln Carmel, 831.624.2569 | $25

Contemporary Pacific Rim flavors drive the diverse menu at this East-meets-West dining room on Ocean Avenue. From prawns tempura and seared ahi with ginger, to oak-grilled rib eye steaks and duck ravioli in orange beurre blanc, the Grill caters to adventurous multi-cultural appetites. A smart wine list spotlights premium Monterey County estates. Wrapped around the central stone fireplace, the graceful dining room provides a welcome atmosphere for cocktails as well as romantic meals.

Il Fornaio | Ocean Ave. & Monte Verde St. | Carmel, 831.622.5100 | $35

Il Fornaio has the distinction of being located in Carmel Village’s oldest building, which is shared with the historic Pine Inn. With expansive views of the charming oceanside village, the dining room’s intimate seating also looks over the open grill and wood-burning fire oven, providing a warm, welcoming feeling for couples, groups and families. The changing menus embrace Italian regional cuisines, with traditional specialties as familiar staples. Il Fornaio also stocks an extensive wine list deep in California and Italian varietals, and diners appreciate the wood fired pizzas. Freshly made pastas and breads are served daily.

L’ Escargot | Mission St. & 4th Ave. | Carmel, 831.620.1942 | $35

L’Escargot manages to have all of the refinement of a good French restaurant without an air of formality. It’s certainly a trickle-down effect from chef Kerry Loutas, and carried forth by a friendly staff. The hallmark of the dishes is their concentrated flavors, with sauces so harmoniously constructed, one can never be certain exactly what is in them. The three-course prix fixe dinner is a great deal for such high-caliber cooking. While there are many recommended dishes, the rabbit is remarkable and though it was once an occasional special, it was put on the menu permanently to quiet the insistent clientèle.

Pacific’s Edge Restaurant | 120 Highlands Dr. | Carmel, 831.622.5445 | $45

Sitting high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Highlands Inn’s Pacific’s Edge restaurant offers an elegant and romantic dining paired with uncommonly delicious food. Chef Mark Ayers’ take on contemporary American cuisine and a deep wine list makes the restaurant one of Monterey Peninsula’s premier dining experiences.

Piatti | 6th Ave. and Junipero | Carmel, 831.625.1766 | $25

Piatti in downtown Carmel celebrates Italian cuisine with an American twist and offers the rich flavors of wood-buring oven-kissed meats, pastas and pizzas. Their small plates and traditional offerings are enhanced by their unique use of seafoods and sauces. Make you own pizzas and a great, full service bar makes this a great family dining restaurant as they over look the Devendorf Park just one block off of Ocean Avenue.

Rio Grill | Highway One at Rio Road | Carmel, 831.625.5436 | $35

Rio Grill put wood-fired culinary specialties on the local map. The colorful adobe interior serves up fire-roasted artichokes and succulent smoked chicken to go with classic Margaritas, as well as baby back ribs, grilled prawns, pumpkin seed-encrusted salmon and a weekly array of tacos with chipotle-cumin black beans. The french fries with rosemary aioli are renowned, as are the definitive cocktails. Upbeat yet casual, a true neighborhood treasure at the mouth of the Valley.

CARMEL VALLEY

Cafe Rustica | 10 Delfino Pl. | Carmel Valley, 831.659.4444 | $25

Located in sunny Carmel Valley Village where the hilltops are visible from the streetfront patio, Café Rustica epitomizes California style with its stone, wood, and charming accents. The setting is casual but upscale and so is the food: thin-crust gourmet pizzas, fresh seafood, and abundant seasonal vegetables are the order of the day. The carefully crafted wine list features select wines by the quarter-liter, a bit more than a standard glass. Reservations advised.

Volcano Grill | 27 E Carmel Valley Rd. | Carmel Valley, 831.659.1280 | $25

Bill and Teresa Lee seem to have the golden touch as their new Volcano Grill in Carmel Valley attests. The Hawaiian seasoned décor and tropical cocktail bar are part of the charm, but the firepit tiki room is a flash back to Elvis’ Blue Hawaii and ’50s movies. The cuisine ranges from ribs and seafood pastas to grilled tuna done two ways – and both are magnificent with a Mai Tai or a fine California wine. The Lees’ personal service and touch makes this a favorite for locals – as well as a find for visitors to the Valley.

Wicket’s Bistro at Bernardus Lodge | 415 Carmel Valley Rd. | Carmel Valley, 831.658.3550 | $35

Wickets at the Bernardus Lodge is a showcase of seasonal, inspired cooking from celebrated chef Cal Stamenov. Sustainable seafood, small farm poultry and meats and homegrown herbs are a fixture on the menu.

Will’s Fargo Dining House & Saloon | Carmel Valley Rd. at Center St. | Carmel Valley, 831.659.2774 | $25

Since the Old West icon’s takeover by the Bernardus Winery group and chef Cal Stamenov, Will’s Fargo has undergone a careful transformation, updating its classic American menu while staying true to its roots. The new operators retained the red velveteen and family-style servings while hiring a French chef and buying produce from farmers down the road. The roadhouse saloon-style establishment still slices up meat and potatoes with authenticity, enhanced by modern culinary touches. More than ever, it remains a memorable destination dining establishment and an anchor of Carmel Valley’s dining community.

MONTEREY

Chart House Restaurant | 444 Cannery Row | Monterey, 831.372.3362 | $35

A longtime favorite on Cannery Row, Chart House offers panoramic views of Monterey Bay & the city lights beyond. Watch the abundant sea life while relaxing at your table. From top-of-the-catch seafood to succulent steaks, our renowned chefs have tailored a menu to complement local cuisine while introducing a hint of the exotic. Choose from our famous entrées such as Shrimp Fresca, Pan-Seared Sea Scallops and our slow roasted Prime Rib Don’t forget about the acclaimed Chart House Salad Bar! We also offer a daily selection of fresh fish, an extensive collection of fine wines and whiskies, and decadent desserts like our famous Hot Chocolate Lava Cake.

C Restaurant | 750 Cannery Row (Prescott Ave.) | Monterey, 831.375.4500 | $35

C Restaurant offers fresh seafood, premium meats and organically grown local produce. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and foods to go. Enjoy their outdoor firepit for cocktails and appetizers or a romantic evening overlooking Monterey Bay.

El Palomar | 724 Abrego St. | Monterey, 831.372.1032 | $25

An entire evening can be spent at this fun restaurant that has great margaritas, fresh seafood appetizers, an outdoor patio and Latin dance music by live bands and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. Serving authentic Mexican food, and a caring staff. For apps, the “El Palomar” has a combo of charbroiled snapper, skirt steak and sauteed prawns, sauces and fresh handmade corn tortillas or eight other appetizers to choose from. Seafood specialties and traditional favorites like fajitas and skirt steak will keep you coming back.

The Fish Hopper | 700 Cannery Row | Monterey 831.372.8543 | $25 | $35 | $45

The Fish Hopper, once an original sardine cannery building, offers spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful Monterey Bay from every table including our heated outdoor patio. The Fish Hopper specializes in fresh sustainable seafood, certified Angus steaks, pastas and live shellfish. Some of our menu favorites are the fresh abalone from the Monterey Bay, the “Island Sampler” (fresh seared Ahi tuna from Kona served with coconut shrimp and a crab cake), Macadamia-crusted halibut, our famous “Tomahawk Chop” long bone-in Rib Eye, or fresh Dungeness Crab available year round. In addition to our fabulous menu indulge in one of our many exotic cocktail creations. While enjoying a delicious meal watch frolicking sea otters at play and even see the occasional whale!

Fresh Cream Restaurant | 99 Pacific St # 100C, Heritage Harbor | Monterey 831.375.9798 | $35

Celebrated as one of Monterey’s signature dining experiences with a window that overlooks Monterey Bay, Fresh Cream has received accolades for its award-winning cuisine during its more than 28 years on the California coast. Stunning ocean views paired with the French elegance create a romantic drama of food and dining.

The menu has a classic French flavor with a touch of California flair. Each dish is displayed with the artistic eye of a professional staff and dedicated chef. The seasonal menu has popular house specialties with both meats and seafood, in addition to vegetarian creations. Awards range from Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence to Conde Nast’s 100 top restaurants in the U.S.

Montrio Bistro | 414 Calle Principal | Monterey, 831.648.8880 | $25 | $45

Located in the heart of downtown Monterey, Montrio Bistro offers a comfortable yet classic dining experience featuring European inspired-American cuisine. For the past 13 years, Chef Tony Baker’s resolve to showcase sustainable seafood, fine quality meat, and Monterey County’s best produce in all of his dishes has made this renovated 1910 firehouse a local favorite.

Jack’s at Portola Hotel and Spa | Two Portola Plaza | Monterey, 831.649.4511 | $35

Elegant, warm and welcoming, Jack’s reflects the best of Monterey’s charm and history. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy the restaurant’s California-influenced American cuisine. The glass-enclosed wine room and elegant booths add to the experience of dining at Jack’s.

Old Fisherman’s Grotto | 39 Fisherman’s Wharf | Monterey, 831.375.4604 $25 | $35 | $45

An authentic Monterey dining experience, Old Fisherman’s Grotto follows in the footsteps of a 50-year legacy on the Monterey Wharf. Chris Shake continues a tradition of fine dining that emphasizes traditionally prepared seafood with his own signature dishes like wild salmon with basil pesto parmesan crust and macadamia crusted halibut with citrus sauce. Old Fisherman’s Grotto’s grilled steaks, pastas and chicken dishes have stood the test of time. Shrimp and Crab Louie salads, as well as appetizers featuring fresh calamari, crab cakes and clam chowder are served alongside a full bar and wine list.

Tarpy’s Roadhouse | 2999 Monterey Salinas Hwy. | Monterey, 831.647.1444 | $35

Set in a historic homestead in the hills of Monterey, Tarpy’s offers a rich dining experience in country elegance. The creative country cuisine is comfort food like you’ve never seen, featuring the finest local ingredients with hearty portions of prime steaks, wild game, grilled seafood, unique vegetarian entrees and house-made desserts. The full bar and award-winning wine list add the perfect compliment to create an unforgettable experience.

TusCA Ristorante | Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa | 1 Old Golf Course Rd. (Hwy. 1) | Monterey, 831.657.6675 | $25

Inspired by the hearty cuisine of Italy’s Tuscan region and its emphasis on abundance and seasonality, TusCA restaurant presents traditional and sophisticated regional Italian dishes created from the wealth of locally and seasonally sourced California produce, meats and fish. The menu specializes in pasta, pizza and dishes baked in our wood-burning oven prepared fresh daily in a spacious demonstration kitchen.

PACIFIC GROVE

An Choi | 1120 Lighthouse Ave. | Pacific Grove, 831.372.8818 | $25

An Choi Restaurant in Pacific Grove is the place to go when seeking Asian contemporary cuisine. This chic restaurant weaves together the flavors of Vietnam, Thailand, China, Japan and Korea, infusing influences from French cuisine. Owner and Executive Chef Thanh Truong uses his expertise cultivated in over 25 years in the kitchen to create unabashedly flavorful, heart-healthy dishes from the freshest natural ingredients available. Among the collection of appetizers and soups are jicama pear salad, tom yum goong noodle soup, Vietnamese grilled chicken, ahi tarts, Singapore chicken skewers, duck confit noodle soup and papaya salad. The entrée menu continues with the inspired style with dishes like Hanoi crispy crab rolls, Chap Che aux Epinards & tofu, sweet & sour pork loin and St. Jack scallops & prawns.

Fandango | 223 17th St. | Pacific Grove, 831-372-3456 | $35 | $45

Fandango has the festive atmosphere of a Mediterranean celebration with the intimacy of a fragrant Spanish night. All three dining rooms are country-French décor with setting for two or four centered around the roaring fireplace hearths, this warm and relaxing restaurant offers traditional cassoulet, couscous, paella, pastas, seafood and steaks with a spotlight on the European and country-style cooking prepared with basic simple ingredients of tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil. The menu offers 25 different main courses with Rack of Lamb Provencale as one of the many standouts. Fandango is rated “Excellent” by Zagat and Wine Spectator with the famed Annual Dirona Award proudly displayed in their rustic entry overlooking their courtyard.

Lattitudes at Lovers’ Point | 631 Ocean View Blvd. | Pacific Grove, 831.658.0880 | $25

Lattitudes at Lover’s Point is Monterey’s destination restaurant, the newest Tene Shake Signature Restaurant located at one of the most picturesque and romantic settings on the central California coast in the beautiful Monterey/Pacific Grove area. With a 360 degree view of the entire Monterey Bay, this award-winning restaurant has the best vantage point in location and in dining experiences on the Bay. The seafood macaroni and cheese, the braised short ribs or the soy charbroiled shirt steak with coconut shrimp are just a few of the electric taste explosions you can experience at Lattitudes. Along with a great happy hour menu and signature drinks with LSD colors, this is the place to take in the meaning of food and the good life and enjoy the experience of dining on the Monterey Bay.