the bakery (667-0520, www.bigsurbakery.com) opens daily at 8 a.m. (weekend brunch 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). Lunch weekdays from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. (closed Mondays).
BIG SUR DELI
the Big south is a picnicker’s paradise, so stopping at this full-service, daily deli (667-2225, www.bigsurdeli.com) is a must for the hike-and-snack set. You can find everything from sandwiches (our favorite is the Mexican speedwrench; roast beef, American cheese, peppers and cholula sauce) to tamales. fill a picnic basket with goodies and local wine, and head to Pfeiffer Beach and spread out on the purple sand. next door to the deli (and under the same ownership) a former gift shop has become the Big sur taphouse. this no-frills suds-stop offers plenty of brews on tap and a few flatscreens on satellite. Belly up to the hammered-copper bar and tilt a few, or sit and read from a small library of books they provide.
BIG SUR RIVER INN
It’s tradition to take a chilly toe dip in the namesake water next to Big sur river Inn (667-2700, www.bigsurriverinn.com), and we always find time for a photo-op (pant legs rolled up, nursing a bloody Mary). Or just sit on the sun-dappled deck and listen to weekend jams. the restaurant here is quite good, but we had something more portable in mind. rocker Alanis Morissette adores Big sur, and is quoted as saying she always stops at the Big sur river Inn Burrito Bar to build her own monstrosity. she oughta know. the combinations are endless ? carnitas, carne asada, chicken or vegetarian with a slew of ingredients for $8.50. we said adios to Big sur with two giant burritos, but if barbecue is your thing, stop by the redwood grill at nearby fernwood (667-2129, www.fernwoodbigsur.com), where they serve housemade chorizo and smoked meats out back in what they call “the Beast.”If you plan a late night, consider staying in one of their adventure tents ? a fitting end to a visit to this wild wonderland.
12 www.montereybayadventures.com • SUMMER 2012