When the new season rolls around, Carmel chefs get to work. They meet in the kitchen and mix and match and make over a dozen new menu items. Only their top creations make it to the new seasonal menu. We had a chance to sneak some samples of the brand new spring menu. Here our our favorite picks for the best night-out combination.
For a Cocktail: Carmel Spring Tea
Whoever thought of mixing tequila and wine and calling it tea is a crazy awesome madman (or madwoman) mixologist. The mix of El Jimador Tequila, Moscato, lime juice, Agave Nectar, and fresh berries is a genius way to combine the Carmel wine culture and classic warm weather drink. It’s some sort of delicious elevated, classy margarita. Refreshing, sweet, and smooth.
For a Starter: Cod Brushetta
Escabeche-style citrus zataar marinade, capers, tomato, and olives on toasted ciabatta sounds complicated, but this is simply delicious. The juicy cod nicely replaces full tomatoes from a traditional brushetta making your mind think twice about what you are eating. It feels like a regular brushetta but tastes way better.
For Dinner for Two: Ravioli Verde and Grilled Mahi Mahi
These are two very different dishes so sharing should be a situation where you both get a little of what you want.
For fans of Carmel’s Spinach Gnocchi in Parmesan sauce, meet your new favorite menu item — Ravioli Verde. This Spinach and Ricotta ravioli topped with peas and portabella mushrooms floating in truffle-infused beurre blanc (translation: some kind of yummy, light parmesan-style sauce) are fresh and light and delicious. With pasta pockets made locally, these ravioli sure give the gnocchi a run for their money.
Mix a little dessert with your dinner and try the Grilled Mahi Mahi. Blood orange infused cherries and balsamic glaze give this piece of fish a sweet (but not overpowering) candiness. Flaky, sweet, light — a perfect spring white fish.
Still Hungry?
Other new Carmel Café Spring Menu Items include:
Spring Pea Brushetta – Garden peas layered with mint pesto and fresh mozzarella on toasted ciabatta
Seasonal Flatbread – Shrimp, red peppers, kalamata olives, tomato, English cucumber, Fontina, and cheese cheese, fresh pea shoots
Tunisian Chicken – Roasted and grilled chicken breast glazed with a special blend of 14-spice. Served with a side of fingerling potatoes and Tunisian dipping sauce.
Still Thirsty?
Other amazing spring mixes include:
Strawberry Rickey – Made with Hendricks Gin, freshly muddled strawberries, lime juice and simple syrup with a splash of Sprite.
Southside – Hendricks Gin, fresh cucumbers and mint, lime juice, and simple syrup with a splash of Sprite.
Mango Mojito – A blend of Aged Antigua Rum, fresh sliced mango, mint, simple syrup, lime juice and topped with sparkling wine.
Mod Med Negroni – A mix of Sobieski, Sweet Vermouth and Aperol and garnished with a fresh orange twist.
About Carmel Cafe
3601 W. Swann Ave. – A modern movement for good food and good times. Carmel’s menu of Mod Med (modern Mediterranean) is a perfect match of classic elements made in an innovated way (like chicpea fries and seafood gyros). And Carmel’s vibrant decor designed around group gatherings and revolutionary ordering system make it a taste of what we are sure to see coming from the restaurant world – iPad menus that show images and appropriate wine pairings for all menu items. Guests can also use Carmel’s iPad menus to search for wines, find food to match and place their orders. Read the Full Dive In Review
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