This week MCW food contributor and new mom Pat Tanimurhardja looks at great places to eat with an infant along for the experience.She has some excellent (and somewhat surprising) additions to the list here:
Peppers Mexicali Café
170 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
(3 ½ baby bottles out of five)
In this cozy locals joint, baby is lulled to sleep by white noise leaving mom and dad to enjoy a full bar and yummy Mexican cuisine with a California twist. Quick and friendly service make the food--think garlic shrimp, mushroom and artichoke enchiladas and yummy mole sauce—taste even better. And did I mention the blood orange margaritas?
Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove
(3 ½ bottles)
Arrive for an early seating and you and your family will be seated in a prime spot in the dining room. While adults partake in cuisine with a conscience paired with appellations from their award-winning wine list, kids get royal treatment with a special order of mac and cheese.
Sea Harvest Fish Market
2420 Hwy 1, Moss Landing
(3 bottles)
With the harbor at its doorstep and an enclosed deck that keeps the wind at bay, this Sea Harvest location is a winner. Your toddler will be mesmerized by boats coming and going and sea lions basking in the sun, and your baby will drift in and out of sleep while you enjoy fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
Vito's Italian Restaurant
1180 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
(3 ½ bottles)
This family-run restaurant is all-ages friendly and yet still a romantic dinner spot. Regulars keep coming back for the stellar service and melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, and it’s the perfect place to introduce your lil' one to his first taste of gelato!
