Dinner at Nicolas Cocina de Herencia in Carmel-by-the-Sea Where Cecile and I are Staying for the Easter Day Weekend
The 2 1/2-hour ride from our home in Los Gato near San Jose to Carmel was a bit treacherous. It was pouring rain all the way. We settled into the Carriage House Inn one block south of Ocean Avenue, an intimate getaway in the heart of Carmel. After getting settled in and listening to the soothing music of Gaelic Heart by Michael Atkinson on our room TV, we enjoyed complimentary wine and cheese and other appetizers in the lobby.
We then walked around the corner to Nicolas Cocina de Herencia in Carmel Plaza. While the hostess grabbed the menus I stood in awe of a stunning statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary behind the counter, a reminder of my Catholic heritage, and on Good Friday no less. I asked our waiter Carlos about the statue and he said one of the owners was a devout Catholic and that there is a story behind how it was commissioned and shipped to Carmel..
Speaking of heritage, the word Herencia means “heritage” and it’s always been a vital ingredient at Nicolas Cocina. Susan Alvarez and her family combines traditional Mexican recipes with an artistic flair for technique and presentation. The family restaurant is an homage to Nicolas, the family’s patriarch. The heritage kitchen celebrates three generations of family recipes, specializing in Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites.
Cecile and I had Guacamole and chips and for our entrees Cecile enjoyed Maitake Birria: Maitake mushrooms, chile guajillo marinade, rice, beans, onion, cilantro, tomatillo salsa, handmade and hand-made corn tortillas. I had Axiote Mole: Pan seared halibut, tangy mole, grilled pineapple, lime charred avocado salad, rice and hand-made tortillas.
