Katy’s Place, Carmel
We are on our way to the Big Sur coast. Yesterday I looked online to see what was available for breakfast in Carmel. This place had good reviews so that is why we are here. It is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. and we rolled up just as it opened.
From the outside it looks pretty and upscale, as do most places in Carmel. Overlooking the street is a deck with tables and chairs but today is too cold to contemplate that. Later in the day I’m sure that is the place to see and be seen.
So we opted for inside. The entrance is at the side which is a bit confusing. There was a guy sweeping up and Tom asked him if there was anywhere to buy a newspaper. He pointed out a newsstand a few feet away but it was hidden from sight. Also outside are benches, magazines, noticeboards and a huge coffee dispenser which I am sure will all be needed later on when it gets busy.
Inside it is not very big and the tables are small. It seats just 50 with 6 seats at the counter plus about 20 outside. There are no booths. There were only three other customers but our server appeared rushed and was not very friendly.
The menu is huge and the choice vast. I checked out the oatmeal straight away and, guess what, they serve steel cut oatmeal. My prayers have been answered. The prices are pretty steep but, hey, this is Carmel. The oatmal was $8.50 but if comes with toast. I also ordered a side of fruit which was a hefty $2.95. Tom ordered a Joe’s Special which was $12.95. He also had coffee which was $2.95. I stayed with the water, which was free.
The decor is very good and pleasing to the eye. Lots of nice pictures on the walls. Near where we sat were some old adverts for Sunkist lemons and various other food items. The windows have well tended window boxes on the outside.
We didn’t have long to wait for the food. Mine came on a huge oval plate with a large, shallow dish filled with oatmeal. Also crammed on the plate were two small plastic pots – one with sugar and one with butter, a good sized stainless jug of low fat milk (I was asked which milk I would like), 4 half slices of unbuttered wheat toast (my request) and a fair sized ceramic bowl holding the fruit. The oatmeal was good but less nutty than what I make at home. I’m not complaining though because at least it is steel cut. The fruit was great – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and slices of strawberries. I asked Tom what he thought of his and he said ‘OK’. He was not impressed with the coffee though.
I was not disappointed with the restroom. There were two unisex restrooms but I only checked out one. It was the best I have used for some time. Clean, bright, big, well-equipped and sweet smelling. There was a lace curtain at the window and nice prints on the walls. The water was good and hot.
Our verdict – very expensive and not really worth the extra even taking into account Carmel prices but the place is nice and well appointed.
March 02 2008 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
