Our Local Beer Scene: Toast Carmel Valley

With sunny and warm weather returning to Carmel Valley, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce the latest entry to the Monterey Peninsula beer scene — Toast Carmel Valley. In the heart of Carmel Valley village, Toast is a locally-owned, neighborhood bistro that opened in September 2010.

Merideth and I love where we live in Carmel Valley. Unfortunately, our beer options are very limited. Either we could  go into town, a half hour drive, or hang out at our only local option, the redneck bar with a pretty standard selection of beer. More often than not, we ended having a beer a home.

So, it goes without saying that Merideth and I were really excited to learn about the coming of Toast. While not really a beer bar or pub, Toast, with its casual atmosphere and friendly staff, is a great place to drink a beer and relax with friends. With it’s welcoming atmosphere and dog-friendly outside seating, Toast will be OUR place to hang out in Carmel Valley Village during the Summer season.

I don’t need a gazillion beer selections at my local. Toast has six taps with our staple brews being Green Flash West Coast IPA, Allagash White and North Coast Scrimshaw. Offerings from Lost Abbey and Port Brewing also are regularly featured in the draft beer line up. As for bottles, there are 15-20 to chose from including all-time favorites Rodenbach and Allagash Black.

To be honest, I wasn’t really concerned about the food they planned to serve. It was all about the beer for me. However, the food has been the pleasant surprise. All the dishes are simple, reasonably priced and delicious. A few things on the menu that Merideth and I regularly order:

• Marinated Olives, Hummus, Roasted Garlic with House Flatbread
• Monterey Calamari with Green Grapes
• Mussels Steamed in Reisling Butter with Frites
• Fettucine with Local Foraged Mushrooms, Humboldt Fog and Truffles
• Roasted Chicken with Mascarpone Enriched Orzo

And the desserts are excellent too!

From its sunny deck, Merideth and I will be spending many an afternoon and evening enjoying a few beers and watching Carmel Valley life pass by.