Sarah Simmsplaces

Carmel Valley

Sarah Simmsplaces
This is such a magical place. 

Eleven miles inland from Carmel-by-the-sea. Just a perfect little not-quite-three-acre-plot of land complete with estate syrah vineyard, bocce court, chicken coop, pool, mission olive trees, fruit trees (pomegranate, apple, pear, fig, peach, plum, and cherry), "guard" dog, lavender bushes, rose terrace, and organic vegetable and herb garden.  

After arriving from the airport yesterday I went on a wild ride down to Arroyo Seco via Carmel Valley Road followed by a trip back to Carmel Valley Village where I [so beyond] enjoyed a meal at Cafe Rustica. Saturday night is the only day of the week that they have their Oven Roasted Maple Leaf Duck special on the menu and it is the most melt-in-your-mouth fabulous duck I have ever tasted. It's so good, in fact, that they always run out and so my dad calls ahead (shamelessly) to reserve an order or two. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...does it? 

Here are a few pictures that I snapped upon arriving home yesterday.