3600 The Barnyard, Carmel | 626-1814

It was almost a foregone conclusion that Bill and Teresa Lee’s long-anticipated new collaboration, Bixby Martini Bistro, would win Best New Restaurant. They represent the best of the local restaurant scene, knocking ‘em dead wherever and whenever they create their latest expression of warm, friendly service, inspired comfort food and killer ambiance. Opening night at Bixby was so crowded you’d have thought they were giving away the food. What these two do give away is much more restaurant experience for the dollar. That’s what keeps the happy people coming back for more.