Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

The gorgeous view from the ocean front patio of Clint Eastwood's historic Mission Ranch, combined with sun kisses, celebrity treatment from the staff, and gourmet food and beverages selections make this property of great renown an ideal location to just sit back and experience everything your senses might go through at a sensational spa day.

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

When you enter the inside restaurant there is a charming and talented hostess Gabriella, a piano player playing Frank Sinata favorites, which always works for me, and the bar is managed by an adorable young man who makes wicked cocktails, served with a smile.

When your table is ready the little blinker goes off and you are off to your spa baby brunch experience on the patio, where servers quickly give you the run down on how to best enjoy your experience at the Ranch.

Guests go inside to table setups for each entree featuring

cold fresh salmon or roast beef with all the salad bells and whistles, clam chowder, tempting pastries, breads and

bagels, fruit dishes and more. The egg station has two chefs aiming to please with any egg request, served with a huge assortment of toppings and additional sides. My eggwhite omelette with the works and covered with guacamole was so good. They also serve eggs benedict.

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

Following an amazing Carmel Mission Mass celebrating the 47th anniversary of Father John Murphy this sunny, happy and divine brunch was nearly more than any doctor could recommend for a perfectly blissed out Sunday afternoon in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Oh, and the price was so amazingly reasonable for what was presented I felt I must leave a huge tip!

The Mission was 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.