The Pocket — Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

We visit Carmel quite often (we live not more than an hour away) And we have the restaurants we love tonfrequent and sometimes we like to try new places.

Today was that day, we were in Carmel to give our pup his last day before crossing the rainbow bridge so we were looking forward to making new heartwarming memories as we bid goodbye to our fur baby.

The ambiance is modern-cool-vibes (outside since we couldn't dine indoors.) Right next door looks to be a wine tasting room and there are surrounding firepits.

We came at the end of happy hour without reservations but the host was accommodating. Later, our waitress had to double check about allowing us to stay for dinner starting at 5pm because according to them it was a fully booked night.

We didn't see too busy of a night but paid no mind to what felt a bit discriminatory again because our purpose was to simply cap off the day with a nice dinner before facing the music of the next day.

We ordered truffle fries (not pictured) they were a bit limp but still tasty. We had the meat board as well (nothing to write home about) but satisfactory to fulfill an appetite after an all day beach day.

After finding out that we could stay for dinner; we had the chicken curry, my husband ordered extra spicy and it was delicious! My parents split the Angus Beef and they said it was good as well, and I had the rack of lamb, also good the carrots were AMAZING BUT compared to other nearby restaurants, for the price paid I expected more in terms of the lamb's serving amount. We also had the banana bread pudding AND that was a winner for us all. (Unfortunately not photographed)

Now, the service is impeccable, from the host who sat us and explained we would be able to stay for dinner, to our waitress Lizette, lovely young lady who took the time to explain the drinks, including the cocktails, wine and available beer. Along with the rest of her team of servers, being patient with our pups and being extremely attentive and kind.

Now, where we felt a bit of a bump in what was gearing to be a beautiful evening/dinner was with a woman named Marcy; she was micro-aggressive with constantly staring at us, couldn't muster a smile when both me and my husband shot her a smile (not that she needs to BUT noticed that the other more palm color looking folks got smiles) she kept eyeing us up and down, demanding the bus team to clear our plates and/or table immediately. When she saw that our check had the payment she made a bee-line to our table, brushed my father's arm in an abrasive manner to take the check without even acknowledging us or that she bumped into my dad.

As mentioned before, we visit and dine in Carmel often, in the last 16 years never have we felt the disdain like coming from her eyes...

We still managed to enjoy good laughs, good drinks and good food!

For context; I am of Latine descent and my...

The Pocket opened for Dine In & Takeout today and I was their first customer!

With my office @CarmelMakerSpace next door, I've been eagerly watching the construction. It was heartbreaking to notice that they appeared to be ready to open their doors the moment the shelter in place order came through.

On Saturday they got the greenlight to do what I think they came here for: serve amazing food, engage with the community, and become a really hip place to go to. Leads, Kent Ipsen and Federico Rusciano have built a location with a ton of potential. As a visual storyteller, I was compelled to be the first to experience what they've created in downtown Carmel with their partners of the Talbot Wine Tasting and the two over-night stay Lincoln Apartments.

"Personal" is a great term to describe my whole lunch experience today. I had a delightful experience by all the staff. I got to sit where I wanted, had my burger just the way I wanted, and took some great pictures. BTW, the burger is probably the best burger I've ever had. The bacon was thick and meaty, the bun toasted just right, and there must have been butter or something in the patty because I couldn't put it down once I started. The fries were equally premium. I didn't even get to use the brand new silverware! To top it off, the chocolate torte, vanilla ice-cream, and candied hazelnut brittle was heaven.

Here's some things you might not know. For one, the entire place is sound treated but you wouldn't know it. With ceilings, walls, and even the art treated with special materials that absorb sound, the acoustics are suited to handle anything without the neighborhood knowing. I'm particularly looking forward to video recording in the dining room. It's going to sound great and the visuals are expertly imagined. Classic light bulbs in modern fixtures, marble everywhere, and exquisite wood-slab tables make this place look and feel really amazing.

Here's to The Pocket Carmel for opening their doors and allowing us to take advantage of this great food and the ground-breaking facility they've dreamed into reality for us...

Carmel is packed with eating opportunities. Plenty of great food without a doubt. I am from So. Texas and am a serious foodie. I love and appreciate the "real deal". I have eaten and enjoyed some of America's finest across the United States as you can see by my reviews but this town is amazing. I just want my California "Foodies" fully aware. I know I am offering nothing new. Many of you already know about The Pocket. HOWEVER. The Pocket is a hidden gift to all of my California foodie brethren bar NONE! Let me be specific and waste no time as this could involve your date night investment and time is of the essence...The Pocket is so far beyond anything you will find in Carmel it is hard to believe. I love, love, love Swiss Cafe for breakfast and lunch; I love a dozen others for the gifts they offer but The Pocket is a UNICORN in the culinary world. I ONLY leave a positive review for those that excel and I'm not wrong on The Pocket. Funny name, freakin' crazy good cuisine! What an incredible chef and sous chef team! All of us have a limited budget these days but please allow me to introduce your bodies to a gastro-blessing like you've not experienced in fast-food-2020 hell. The Pocket delivers your expectations. Spend your money well! Spend it on a phenomenal meal. Visit The Pocket for surprising appetizers, savory mains and shocking finales...The Pocket delivers on every level. The service is Captain's Quarters dining on a private yacht. Unlike anything in Carmel. These people see you, remember you and hustle like the boss is watching! I was FLOORED! What a great experience in a time that is truly struggling for good help. The Pocket pulls it together. I am super proud of this restaurant for serving Carmel with such elegance and grace. Great job. AMAZING cuisine and plenty of delightful smiles! God bless your efforts for...