My family and I have dined at C Restaurant & Bar numerous times, both because we have family in Monterey and also because I dine there on my scuba diving trips.
I cannot begin to comprehend how disappointed I was at this restaurant during our visit yesterday. Â It was a family reunion with my parents flown in from overseas. Â We had brunch at C and while our server was good, the manager in the restaurant skipped our table at water refill tours, not only once but three times. Â After the first time he skipped, we thought it was an oversight. Â Then we became frustrated after the second time of skipping us. Â We deliberately observed the third round and sure enough, every single table was poured except ours. Â We paid 18% service charge for our table size of 7, and didn't even get water refilled.
We hope it was simply a case of horrible service. Â The worst case would be racial discrimination -- we hope not but certainly cannot help ourselves but wonder.
Average food, less than mediocre service. There are literally 7 full tables here and I counted 8 waiters and bus boys walking around like headless chickens. Â Never got the water I asked for, the appetizer and food came out at the same time, and never saw the waitress until the check was delivered.
I guess there is a give and take... the better the view, the crappier the food and service. Â The bar experience was good... knowledgeable and friendly bar staff, and delicious drinks.
Beautifully simple and elegant design, the C Bar is a great place to relax, enjoy a specialty cocktail, and take in the scenery. My friends and I sat outside where there are firepits and even a projector showing old movies on the side of the building next door. Very cool. Kyle Wareham, the manager, is dynamite. He made great suggestions and made sure our experience was special. Highly recommended
Review Source:I came here for dinner after checking out the InterContinental as a potential banquet spot. What better way to assess the food quality of the banquet service than to eat at the hotel's flagship restaurant?
Unfortunately, after sampling the food at C Restaurant, we will likely look elsewhere to host the banquet. Our table started with calamari, which was a little messy-looking, but still a good-sized plate and good for sharing. The overall assessment on entrees could be summed up by one word -- dry. Our table ordered sturgeon, free range chicken, and the bucatini pasta with sardines. The speck wrapped around the sturgeon was a little too crisp and the fish itself didn't have much taste. The chicken was dry and even the pasta, which should not have been a complicated dish, was not well done. The sardines were way too fishy and there could have been a little more olive oil or sauce to complement the flavours.
I really wanted the food to be good as the hotel has some beautiful meeting rooms and terraces for banquets. Needless to say, I was greatly disappointed that the food did not match up to my expectations. I also want to add that C Restaurant is extremely expensive for what you get. For a typical entree price of $30 and upwards, I would expect heavenly food, which was not what we were served.
The service was good and the setting was beautiful -- we enjoyed a wonderful view of the Monterey Coast all while listening to an awesome live guitarist. This restaurant now just needs its food quality to catch up.
We wanted clam chowder and a good cocktail which is why we choose the C bar over Bubba Gumps. When I was shown the menu, I only saw the price of the clam chowder which was fairly reasonable. When we sat down and looked at the menu it was over priced. Cocktails averaged at $16 and the tiny portion of clam chowder was one of the lowest items on the menu. For what it was worth ($12), the small serving of chowder was good, but not the best. I was attracted to the restaurant by their short name and branding along with their exterior arrangement. It was interesting how the brand did not necessarily fit the interior design. I was expecting the inside to have a little bit more character.
Review Source:Came here for dinner but felt like there was not a lot of variety for dinner courses. Most of the pictures on Yelp look like it's probably from the lunch menu or most courses may have changed? I had duck for dinner cooked well done, it was not bad but tasted like steak. The crab cake appetizer was so small! We thought we would be able to share with six people but when it came out it was one crab cake for $15, err..., the calamari was shareable but everything was just okay tasting. We got dessert as well (three different flavors of ice cream) that was good. Overall, I think this place is $$$$. I would've ordered a burger if it was available for dinner. The ocean view was nice, but don't just come here for the view which I would say is a 4-star. I also forgot to check in for the free calamari, boo. We were also here to celebrate an event, but we didn't get a complimentary small dessert, Alexander's Steakhouse or Roy's normally does that.
Review Source:Although the hotel lobby and scenery are very nice, the food was way overpriced and not at all worth the price. I got clam chowder and it tasted different than any other chowder I've had in this area -- and not in a good way. The ceasar salad was okay. I would recommend stopping in for a cocktail before eating somewhere else.
Review Source:My husband and I booked the InterContinental via Travelzoo which gave us 25% off the restaurant bill. In addition, I checked in via Yelp and got a free calamari appetizer. So, considering that our final bill was significantly lower than what we would have actually paid, I'm happy.
Calamari - That was really really good. My husband judges restaurants on their fried calamari and they got his approval. Plus, the deep fried lemon really is delicious! The portion is huge as well.
Entree - I got the Arctic Char and he got the Swordfish. We both don't like steaky fishes so that said, the swordfish was good I guess? You really had to eat it with the sauce and asparagus in one bite, otherwise it seemed dry. The Arctic Char was good. I never had it before. Portion size wise, I don't know how big a standard swordfish serving is supposed to be but it looked a bit on the small size. The Arctic Char got served with a salad on top so it looked larger. With the appetizer, we were content but definitely not stuffed.
Dessert - This was our mini-moon so OF COURSE we had to get dessert. This was by far the best part of the meal. We got their signature sundae that had a tart/sweet ice cream, chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup and a pistachio with something over it.. it really was delicious and worth the money to try at least once.
Would I eat here again? Probably not. We wouldn't have come here purposely but since we were staying in the hotel and had 25% off...
But their breakfast menu looks delicious!
We would not go back to the C Restaurant any time soon. The current chef is into thick pungent sauces that doesn't let the fish speak for itself. Â The crab salad was inedible and the hamachi sashimi appetizer was sent back. Â We went to Bistro Moulin the next night and had a five star French meal.
Review Source:The Wife and I went downstairs and stepped in here for breakfast. Â We were seated and given menus. Â After FIFTEEN MINUTES (possibly more), we were not seen by a waitress. Â We even put our menus down after 5-10 minutes so that they realized we were ready to order. Â Then we started trying to get the attention of waiters by making eye contact. Â They would look at us and then look away. Â Finally, we told ourselves if they didn't come in the next few minutes, we were outta there. Â Nobody came. Â So we left. Â And asked for a manager. Â Manager was brought out, we told him what was going on and that we were staying at the hotel, were about to get some massages, and then were going to come back here for dinner later on in the evening, but that this experience might have soured us... and he proceeds to say "I'm sorry, who was your waiter." Â Uhhhhhh dipshit, I just told you, WE NEVER HAD A WAITER. Â "Oh, I'm sorry." Â That's it. Â What a joke.
I can understand if the place is cheap, but this place is $15 for breakfast. Â $4 for coffee or O.J. Â Talk about pathetic. Â And to top it off, the manager was a pimple-faced moron.
The view is stellar. The restaurant has a clean, modern feel. I don't particularly care for the food or service, and prices are, of course, relatively high. It's all kind of expected though - I mean, it is a nice hotel in tourism central.
Come here for a fancy drink and terrific view -- just don't expect a deal or to be blown away by anything other than mother nature.
The real treat (if you're a history buff or Steinbeck nerd) is next door at Ed Ricketts' lab.
Nope. Â Went for a light dinner, and spent $88 on a couple drinks and appetizers. Â The clam chowder was good, not great, and was less than a cup of soup in a big fancy bowl. Â For $12, not worth it at all. Â Cheese plate was uninspired. Â Cesar salad was some romaine lettuce lightly tossed with some tiny slivers of sardines.
Worst dinner we had, but I wanted room service for breakfast. Â I ordered anyway thinking maybe breakfast would be good. Â My juevos was soggy, potatoes were not well done and lacked flavor. Â Yuck. Â Ordered a bagel and requested it toasted. Â It was as if they took it out of the Safeway bag and dropped it on my plate. Â Cheap, white bread bagel NOT toasted. Â Nasty.
The best part of all was that I wanted to use some hot sauce and the bottle of Tabasco they delivered was open and empty. Â Seriously??? Â That's NEVER happened, and I would not think that would happen in such a nice hotel. Â
Love the hotel, but will not eat here again.
We had a great low stress meal here, just what you would expect from a restaurant in an Intercontinental Hotel. The menu had great seafood choices (like ciapinio and calamari), of course being in Monterey, but also has really good non-seafood options, like braised lamb shank.
Deserts were also well done, the simple trio of gelato was outstanding. Â
Kids menu is broad wich is a plus.
Service was friendly and accommodating, as you would expect.
This is a great place to eat, drink and relax.
Just when I'd written this place off because I found new spots with either more variety, lower prices or more involved service.....................
We had no choice but to dine at the C on my parents' anniversary. Â We were going to play it by ear and see where we ended up on Labor Day weekend. Â Silly us, but it was Sunday, so we took a chance.......
I have been avoiding the C in favor of Schooners and their imaginative menu and friendly service, the Whaling Station and their new tasty lounge menu, and Sardine Factory and their enormous lounge menu. Â
The C just needs more menu items at different price ranges (they have $3.50 small bites for happy hour and then the range goes to over $20 or more for an entree). Â And having been a regular for awhile I'm ready for a change. Â
The mysterious absence of a favorite bartender doesn't help. Â Lindsay was cool enough to let you chit chat about things and joined in on your rantings or ravings without crossing the line of professionalism.
Well, for the anniversary dinner I had the Wine Pairing special. Â It changes periodically, and uses whatever is fresh. Â That night it was a delicious carpaccio with olive oil and the flavors complemented the beef nicely. Â The second course was a Monterey Bay Salmon. Â It was incredibly fresh and tender and came with a light chardonnay sauce. Â The last course was a Peach dessert with a Phyllo crust and vanilla ice cream and a heavenly caramelized topping. Â
The C restaurant is back in the game.
I still think they need to add variety to their menu.  I love their  hormone-free chicken but it's just as good at other places like Lallapalooza and Basil for about half the price.
But they continue to change their drink specials that are available even when it's not happy hour. Â And it's fun and relaxing to come when they have music playing.......
We came to C Restaurant + Bar for after-dinner drinks. We sat outside by the bay and warmed up by the heaters. It's a really low-key yet classy environment.
We decided to try a champagne flight and ordered the "Flight of the Rich & Famous" which consisted of four 2 oz. samplers of different kinds of champagne from Veuve Cliquot, Laurent Perrier, Taittinger, and Piper-Heidseick. They were all delicious but my favorite was the Veuve Cliquot.
Service was great! Our server was really sweet and she gave great recommendations of which champagne flight to get.
The C Restaurant + Bar is definitely a nice spot to grab a drink. I wish we could have gone for breakfast or lunch to take in that gorgeous view!
Go here for a late night dessert - order the gelato - Super yummy. Sit outside no matter how cold it is, next to the bonfire pit. It is a perfect treat.
The restaurant inside is clean, but pricey for food. The view is pretty. The service is horrible. We went there for Dessert the night before and the staff as well as our treat was fantastic BUT the next morning since we stayed at the IC we decided to go downstairs for breakfast and maybe one of the worst choices we made.
The eggs were like $15-20 a pop. Coffee was $5 for a cup! Crap where is Starbucks when you need one right. It was expensive and bland. Would'nt go again.
for dessert - yes
other times - NO.
What a delightful addition to Cannery Row. Â In the Intercontinental Hotel on the row, this is a modern, clean and compelling sight overlooking the bay. Â In rows of tiered seating (so everyone has a view) you can experience an elegant dining experience in a beautiful setting.
The food is excellent and the prices are reasonable, given the compelling setting.
Check it out  the next time you are in Monterey.
Breakfast was awesome.
Ocean view... waves beneath our feet.. Illy coffee served in a cute carafe...
attention to presentation and details... everything was perfect.
service folks were attentive..
The wheat germ pancakes with pears was a huge serving (three large pancakes with tons of caramelized pears... didn't need to syrup that was in a single serve container.....
Plus one loved his croissant filled french toast with berries...
For starters, this is not a spot I would have normally wandered into, but it came highly recommended by a local couple who actually owned a local restaurant/bar  whom I had met earlier at Cannery Row Brewery, and I was extremely happy that I took their advice.
The C is definitely not your average Monterey tavern or pub/bar which is much more common on Cannery Row. It is a newer hotel bar with a very upscale look and feel with all of the modern amenities. But do not let that fool you, the gracious  staff are more than happy to make you feel at home whether you are a hotel guest or not.
I was fortunate enought to meet Alisha, the extremely personable restaurant and bar manager who was hard at work behind the bar making some of her signature concoctions. At her suggestion, I recieved her fantastic  "Ceduction" martini, a delicious concoction that had been conceived by her (among several others) and fine-tuned by cocktail specialist Manny Hinojosa from the Food Network when he had last stopped in on tour with Bacardi.
Combine the service and drink specials with some of the most tender calamari I have ever had (and I've eaten a ton of squid!), a decent tap beer selection, and a fantastic outdoor patio and you have yourself a winning combination for a happy hour, and what I am sure is a fantastic dinner service as well.
Bottom Line: Check out the C next time you are in town, and you will not be dissapointed.
I think this place has a nice atmosphere offering several nice seating options. Bar, outside oceanview/breeze, or romantic indoor dining with awesome views everywhere you look.
Happy hour was a good deal with a limited menu. Â I really like the champagne samplers and presentation of things. Really good food too. Service was great.
One thing that I really appreciate is when a manager(in this case was Bill Rammel) comes up and introduces themselves, extends a warm welcome, invites back and makes you feel not only as a valued  VIP customer, but gives you that "your family" feeling.
They offer 3 free hours of covered parking which is a nice bonus.
We were in Monterey and after a long wander through the aquarium and down cannery row we arrived at C Restaurant for dinner before sunset. With a reservation for a window table and a big appetite, we were set for a great evening. The folks at C Restaurant really made it happen.
To begin, we took the kids (ages 5 & 7) as a special family treat and the staff caught our drift from the jump. The Maitre d' welcomed the kids with special attention and when our server Jose arrived at our table he let all of us know that he would make sure we had a great evening. The kids took real delight in the attention and played along all evening.
To begin the food adventure we asked Jose for recommendations and this is what we selected.
- a half dozen oysters with the Citron vodka mignonette - excellent!
- the chowder - delicious - really, really, really good.
- the abalone - oh, my - man was that good.
- the kids had the shrimp meatballs that Jose recommended - they loved it.
For the main courses, I had the surf and turf and it was surprising. The C version of S&T is a New York steak and Sea Scallops. Jose recommended it and I have to say it was the best NY steak I've ever had. The scallops were also excellent but I have to give a word to the Yukon Gold potato gratin - I was incapable of leaving them alone they were just that good.
My girl had the scallops which she enjoyed tremendously and the kids wanted Mac & Cheese so that's what they had - the C version being a big cut above the regular version.
Do not skip desert - the Clement sundae is an awesome riff on the traditional desert and the presentation is terrific.
Beautiful scenery, attentive staff and great food. Highly recommended!
I had purchased a Groupon for The C bar and Restaurant and that is what prompted me to dine here.
To start we ordered the Calamari appetizer served with chipotle aioli. The calamari was good, it was not greasy and it was cooked perfectly. The chipotle aioli wasn't super spicy but paired well with the calamari. There were also fried green beans and lemon rinds served on the plate, at first I thought the rinds were crispy onions, I did not realize what they were until I ate one. It was a bit surprising, but they were super delicious.
For my main course I ordered the Herb Roasted Chicken Breast served with Cheddar Mac-N-Cheese, Spinach, and Roasted Chicken-Truffle Jus. The chicken was really good, but I was a little disappointed in the mac-n-cheese. It just wasn't very cheesy, and it was a dry. The spinach was probably my favorite thing on my plate, it was cooked and seasonly perfectly.
Service here was also super slow the night we went. It took almost two hours from the time we got there until we got our credit card back. We had to ask for our bill.
Overall I think that this would be a good place to have an appetizer and grab a drink, but I am not sure I would go back for a full dinner.
Great view of the water and a nice wine selection. The main menu is a bit overpriced IMO, but if you ask for the "bar menu," you will find a great selection of reasonably priced small plates. The calamari was perfectly breaded and the cheese plate was surprisingly filling.
Great service and friendly staff--- and if you time it right you might catch some live music!
Brunch at its finest at the C Restaurant & Bar . Brunch here is a great way to get the best of both worlds -- breakfast and lunch /dinner. Every seat offers sweeping views of the Monterey Bay, which even on an overcast day is still something to behold.
Seascape comfort meets modern chic! I love the flawless mergence of contemporary and classical. Spacious, stylish and selfless, C Restaurant & Bar is all about the customer and meeting their needs. Great service, wonderful fare with sustainable seafood options, spacious seating (outdoor seating with fire pits too), reasonable prices and sensational views, you really can't go wrong here.
Seascape brunch --
Huevos Rancheros de Marisco with potatoes ($15)
Bloody Mary ($6)
Clement kobe beef burger with aioli served with garlic fries($16)
Cappuccino ($4)
Lemonade ($3)
Seasoned bread with goat cheese butter (free)
I love Huevos Ranchos and I knew Huevos Rancheros with dungeness crab and shrimp would just be nothing short of amazing. Shrimp, dungeness crab, mango salsa, sour cream, black beans, eggs and avocado all atop crispy corn tortillas. My boyfriend ordered the kobe beef burger and delighted in every bite. My bloody mary was zesty and firey...and might become my new brunch accompaniment!
Definitely going try out dinner and some of the other brunch items very soon.
My wife and I took an amazing trip to the Bay area last week. Â Our last stop was in Monterey, and we wanted a place to have a nice dinner overlooking the bay at sunset. Â Groupon ran a special where I was able to get a $50 dinner credit for $25, so we decided to go with the C. Â
The views are out of this world. Â We sat right by large windows that went floor to ceiling and saw miles of coastline at sunset from our comfortable seats. Â I appreciated that we had a lot of space around us and that the tables were not crammed right next to one another. Â Our server was excellent and gave us a lovely "last meal" experience on our California vacation. Â
We started with the fried calamari, which was excellent. Â For dinner, I ordered a seafood stew dish that was very good. Â My wife ordered the scallops over potatoes and mushrooms. Â My only complaint was that the scallops cost $34 and she got three on her plate served over a small portion of potatoes and mushrooms! Â For that price, another scallop or two would have been nice. Â It honestly was such a small plate that it did not fill her. Â
All in all it was a nice meal with a gorgeous view and great staff. Â I would dine there again in the future if I find myself in Monterey again.
The World According to Noelle
Allergic Girl's Guide to Life
We took my grandmother here Mother's Day weekend for brunch/lunch. Checked-In via the Yelp Application on my smartphone and received free calamari. The calamari was served on a extremely frayed, distressed, ready to be thrown away towel (see photo- <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wkbpylby_Qc5qX_pcu46wQ?select=SWa7pA4rkI9paWjbh8nwOA">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>). The calamari it self was the most chewy and disgusting calamari I've ever tasted in my life.
My husband and I both ordered eggs benedict where we requested our eggs poached hard, when our food arrived to our table the eggs were runny which was the complete opposite of what we had ordered. My grandmother ordered a burger which well-done and it came out burnt on the outside with a raw center (see photo <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wkbpylby_Qc5qX_pcu46wQ?select=QLfn6VPzaakzeP32lMSfCg">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>).
Service was polite, albeit extremely slow despite the almost empty dining room. We didn't eat our poorly cooked meal, though I did leave a tip because the servers were polite. They chefs just didn't have their act together on cooking such simple meals.
Noelle's Notes
Wouldn't come back here ever again.
We came here with a partying of 20 people.
We were given a prearranged private room and decided on a prix fix menu before hand to simplify things.
We trickled in and had a few drinks at the bar while waiting for everybody to arrive. I had the Whale tale drink which ended up being a non so sweet cosmopolitan. Not what I wanted. I tried something else, it was a wasn't what I was expecting either unfortunately.
Once the group got large enough we moved to the room. It was a lovely set up. Unfortunately my hubby isn't so good at math or keeping tabs on people being added to the list. Â We had a little rearranging to do but the staff and manager were really helpful and accommodating to the fact that we add 6 more to the group.
The food was great (OMG the kanpachi appetizer!!) and servers did the best they could. Only time I needed to ask for anything aside from added seats was for additional bread baskets while we waited for the 4 course meal.
Everybody enjoyed their food...easiest way to tell was the plates were cleaned!
Although I must say I would expect everything to be excellent at nearly $175 a head!
If you have the $$$$ I would recommend this place for intimate or large groups alike. Excellent food and service.
While staying at the Intercontinental, my boyfriend and I hit the C for breakfast one morning around 10. We were seated immediately since there were only two or three other tables dining at the time. 10 minutes later our server appeared with menus and a HUGE stain on the front of his uniform. My boyfriend said it looked like someone had cracked an egg on his chest.
After taking our order for coffee, this server disappeared for another 10 minutes, before another server appeared to take our orders. She was nice, cracked a couple of jokes (which I prefer to eggs, generally speaking).
We both ordered pancakes.
10 minutes later, our coffee arrived.
5 minutes after that, we saw two lovely plates of pancakes appear from the kitchen. Unfortunately, these golden, fluffy pancakes remained on the shelf outside the kitchen, in plain view of the entire dining room, for another 10 minutes before they made it to our table.
While we watched our breakfast cool across he room, we also watched three or four servers and bussers hang out, shooting the shizz, not clearing the three dirty tables that had been empty since before we sat down.
The food was tasty albeit expensive, the coffee delicious but no more so than the coffee we brewed for free in the hotel room coffeemaker.
My boyfriend and I both work in branches of the service industry, and so admittedly we both have high standards for good service, but I've gotten friendlier, more professional, more efficient service at an airport Quiznos than I did at the C.
If integrity is what you do when nobody is watching, then restaurant integrity must be how you act when the breakfast rush is over and the dining room is not empty but nearly so.
Have a clean uniform.
Have some hustle.
It's not rocket science.
The view from this rest. is amazing. Â Early morning, evening, I enjoyed it a lot. Â Breakfast... nice, everything tasted fine. Â I am not much of breakfast person as I am just happy to have toast and egg with a cup of tea.
Dinner.... Â my colleagues loved everything from soup to main dish (all seafood). Â My observation tells me they really enjoyed lobster dish. Â I don't like seafood so I only had salad: besides, while I was waiting for them, I got pretty much drunk at the bar (I was able to take elevator back to my floor; I remembered the room I was staying fortunately).
All seafood dish are prepared conforming to <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FMBAQ.org&s=1a04e1da24e043b9dc07629026af3dbe11f97ed046ce10f766ba89227161bcf8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://MBAQ.org</a> seafood watchlist; so that's like me driving hybrid and recycling... (the reason I agree to dine there with my colleague based on this analogy.
If you would like to have seafood without feeling bad about endangering sea creatures, this is the place to be. Â
Great view, great service (almost everyone was nice/polite), great drinks/wine, great salad (I say), great multi-legged creature lobster (my colleagues say)
sorry, not so coherent review... it's the hungover... better one to come in near future as I need go back for the dessert I missed...
My bf and I went to the C Restaurant & Bar the other day after a great day at the aquarium.
As we walked in, we were greeted with smiles by the host who had no problem pushing our reservation a little early for us. As we were led into the dinning room, I couldn't help but notice the nice, simple and elegant decor of the restaurant. It was clean and open with a very warm feeling.
From our table, we had a nice view of both the water and the kitchen (my bf is a chef and we love to watch the cooks whenever an open kitchen is available).
Not being terribly hungry, but wanting to sample more than 1 dish on the menu, we ordered 2 appetizers, an entree and dessert.
We started with the calamari which had to be the best calamari dish I've ever had. They were light, crispy and there seem to be different flavors that came through with each bite. The calamari was cooked along with green beans and onions, which were a great and make the dish a little more unique.
Second came the baby gem lettuce salad. One of the most unique salads I've ever had. The dressing was a vanilla bean citrus vinaigrette, such a different combination for a salad. At the bottom of the salad were slices of sweet potato, the texture really added to the dish and I enjoyed eating it both alone and with the lettuce.
My bf and I shared the cioppino. SO delicious. The broth not too heavy and a bit spicy. The dish had mini cheese ravioli and artichoke hearts. Again, something that made the dish very unique.
For dessert, we had the sundae with Pistachio, creme fraiche, and chocolate gelato with caramelized bananas. Served on a long dish and not in a cup, this dessert was far from heavy and a great way to end the meal.
On top of our fantastic meal, our service was extraordinary. Everyone on staff was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive.
We had a great experience and the best meal we've had in a long time. We would definitely go back to try everything else on the menu!
MADE TO ORDER clam chowder, people. This clam chowder puts me in my place. Homemade KETCHUP!? WHA?!! Yes, homemade, delicious ketchup. I don't think I have ever had homemade ketchup before yesterday. I know now what the hell ketchup is supposed to taste like, contrary to what Heinz says. The french fries were perfectly fried - crispy with a little bit of garlic on the outside, hot and tasty inside. The sweet potato and arugula salad with grapes and caramelized walnuts was perfect for a starter - or to accompany the clam chowder that you have to order. It isn't thick, but it's delish.
My sweet Chelsea-by-the-sea took me here for lunch yesterday. Ideal day trip: Go to Monterey, stay at the Intercontinental, eat at C, go to the aquarium (next door to the Intercontinental which is where C is), and just walk and explore Carmel, Monterey and Pebble Beach for a day or two.
Amazing. Â Really, one of the best meals I've ever had-and that says a LOT. Â We ate here three different times throughout our stay- twice for dinner and once for the half priced happy hour. Â It was so good that I'd even consider making the 2 hour drive down to Monterey from San Francisco just to have dinner here. Â
Most of the menu uses local, sustainable and organic produce and meats which is already a huge plus in my book. Â But, on top of that, the menu is sophisticated and delicious yet substantial, and the drinks are fabulous as well. Â They use all fresh ingredients in their drink menu, and each one was better and better. Â My favorite was the Cannery Rowhito- made with freshly grated ginger, super fresh mint, agave syrup and fresh pineapple. Â Delicious!
The Niman Ranch angus steak with Romano beans and a cabernet peppercorn sauce was cooked perfectly and had wonderful flavor. Â The scallops were also to die for- some sort of truffle potatoe puree and porcini mushrooms- spectacular. Â The local Red Abalone appetizer with truffle pasta was also a hit, and the lamb chop with creamy polenta was equally delicious. Â Really, everything on the menu looked amazing - and I can't wait to go back and try it all. Â Oh, and ALSO- they had the BEST bread! Â Crusty, rosemary ciabatta with goat cheese butter. Â Soooo good.
What made the experience even better was the great, friendly service. Â At C, you get the food of a five star restaurant without the attitude. Â Everyone was polite, down to earth, professional and extremely friendly and congenial.
Definitely a must for any environmentally responsible food lover in the Monterey area.
A bit pricey, but you can't beat these views and the food is EXCELLENT! We went for lunch and I had their grilled chicken and cheese sandwich. Sounds simple, but it was toasted on this amazing (and buttery!) thick bread and was delicious. It also came with garlic fries and HOMEMADE Ketchup. That's right......homemade. I am sort of a ketchup connoisseur and let me tell you, it was good.
With the exception of what I ordered, the menu focuses on seafood. Not a surprise, given it's location on Cannery Row. I sampled their Cioppino, a very traditional Italian seafood stew, and it was exceptional.
Our server was very attentive and friendly. She answered several questions that we had about the menu (as well as several that I had about the ketchup!)
If you're looking for an upscale alternative to all of the touristy hustle and bustle of Cannery Row, C Restaurant is an excellent place to cool your heels and escape the crowds.
After a soft opening last week, C Restaurant & Bar at the new Intercontinental Hotel brings some much needed sophisticated dining to Monterey. Â The dining room is fairly small, but the view is stunning and there is no bad view in the room. Â In addition, the deck area is fairly large with several fireplaces but was no open during our stay.
The cuisine is California/Modern American, with a strong focus on local ingredients, produce and wines. Â For appetizers, the red abalone with angel hair pasta and truffle vinegarette was outstanding. Â The rich truffle flavor worked well with the fresh abalone, and I probably could have finished five plates. Â The hamachi sashimi was also very fresh and highly recommended. Â As for entrees, it was hit or miss. Â The pan fried California sea bass was perfectly done, moist inside but with a crispy skin. Â The cioppino, however, was not very well executed, with minimal broth and minimal shellfish (no Dungeness crab!). Â We had room for a dessert so we opted for some gelato/ice cream, which was a perfect finish to the dinner. Â The wine list, while not very extensive, has some very good local choices, and the mark ups seem much less than in SF.
Overall, C Restaurant & Bar definitely has the potential to be a 5 star restaurant once it works through some timing issues, as the entrees took forever, while the appetizers came out relatively quickly  (not uncommon in a new kitchen). Also, some of the entrees could use some further tweaking, but with the gorgeous views and some very refined cooking, it has so much going for it already.
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