Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Chef & Hotel Profile

The gorgeous view from the ocean front patio of Clint Eastwood's historic Mission Ranch, combined with sun kissed patio comfort, celebrity treatment from the staff, and gourmet food and beverage selections make this property of great renown an ideal location to just sit back and experience everything your senses might need to be in perfect harmony with nautre.

Although they do not offer spa treatments for guests, local spas including Signature, Aqua, Refuge and an award-winning spa in the downtown Carmel Plaza provide a bevy of services. My personal favorite has been Refuge Spa, a mineral spring outdoor spa where guests may spend the day enjoying treatments and quiet relaxation (no phones).

This is an unusual place in that the location is heavenly, with a view of the actor's ranch and offers the only picture perfect restaurant view of the ocean in Carmel. The weather on the Sunday I visited was magnificent, and I arrived late due to Mass running a bit long so I had the patio practially to myself, which was delightful.

When entering the indoor restaurant there is a charming and talented hostess named Gabriella to greet you, a pianist playing Frank Sinata favorites in the corner, which always works for me, and the bar is managed by an adorable young man who makes wicked cocktails, served up with a smile.

A little red blinker alerts you when your table is ready and you are on your way to the patio with a view of the Ranch and a totally delightful brunch experience. The servers are attentive and quickly give you the run down on how to best enjoy your dining experience at the Ranch.

Guests enjoy the buffet style table setups for each entree featuring

cold fresh salmon or roast beef with a variety of all the salads with bells and whistles, a creamy clam chowder, tempting pastries, breads and

bagels, a fresh fruit assortment and more. The egg station has two chefs aiming to please with any egg request, served with choices of of toppings and additional sides. My eggwhite omelette with the works and covered with guacamole was simply delicious; they also serve tempting eggs Benedict.

The dessert table is tastefully filled with so many optons including precious little cupcakes, mini meringues, cheesecake, and more. The menu here is described as Classic American Cuisine, but represents so much more.

The Mission Ranch is literally around the corner from the historic Carmel Mission, the buriel place of the founder of the California Missions Father Junipero Serra, and a happy and divine brunch following mass at this historic site is the perfect ending for a blissed out Sunday afternoon in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Mission Ranch Inn was home to one of the first dairies in California, with a rich history and was preserved and restored by former Carmel Mayor, Clint Eastwood, who restored this landmark and rescued it from property developers. It features 31 hotel rooms located within ten buildings on the property.

Such a beautiful property. Hoping to go back and stay at the Ranch on an upcoming visit. The property is also home to Mission Ranch Tennis and Fitness Club.