Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Chef & Hotel Profile

My first visit to Cambria was on a writing trip in the 90s covering Hearst's Castle on Highway 101, located just a few minutes by car from a small community that touted a few fine dining restaurants like Brambles on Burton Drive and countless art galleries that I fell in love with; even thought I might retire there one day.

Last month on a writing trip that included traveling up Highway 101 from Santa Barbara to Carmel-by-the-Sea to visit my friend/owner Carrie Theiss

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel, I stopped to see what was happening in Cambria, an old favorite location. Wow! what a surprize, so many changes and lot's of new businesses. Was so happy to see my favorite breakfast and lunch spot Linn's Bakery was still there and busy as always. I just had to buy some of their signature Olallieberry preserves to bring home to enjoy with toast or pancakes.

Much to my delight I discovered Robin's Restaurant, which is in it's 38 year but I

somehow missed it on earlier visits. The associate chef Chris was so helpful and praised Robin

for her outstanding recipes, many of which have made the restaurant so very successful.

The versatile lunch menu features items like crispy Vietnamese spring rolls, a Meze Plate of mediterranean favorites, fabulous salads, unique sandwiches including chicken club, salmon BLT, or a loaded north Indian lamb buritto. Entrees are also cleaverly done and include short rib bulgogi rice bowl, roasted chicken enchaladas, Robin's Chow wok-flashed pasta with veggies and tofu, chicken or prawns, and my awe inspiring Thai Green Chicken with coconut curry, sugar snap peas, cilantro, serrano chiles, lemongrass, basmati brown rice, and pickled cucumber salad with fish sauce. This dish is simply outstanding!

Their beverage, wine and beer menu is ideal for pairing with lunch, brunch or dinner and their desserts are many, dreamy and some are actually quite healthy. Desserts include a Root Beer Float of maine root beer with McConnell's french ice cream, or a selection of cake, torte, vegan cheesecake, lime pie, strawberry cobler, a sorbet trio, hot fudge sundae, or an espresso affogato sinful finish.

Please don't miss peaceful respite if you are traveling up Hwy 101. I cannot say enough good things about the food, ambiance, service and fabulous overall menu. Hoping to go back in October.

Lunch is served Monday - Saturday 11am - 3pm, Dinner Sunday-Thurs 4:30-8:30pm, Friday & Saturday 4:30-9:30 pm. Sunday Brunch 10:00 to 2:30 pm. Sister locations include NoVo and LUNAReD.