BestOf 2006 Readers' Picks

RESTAURANT—MONTEREY COUNTY  Marinus

Bernardus Lodge, 415 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley | 659-3131

Bernardus Marinus Pon knew what he was doing when he decided to create Bernardus Lodge as a world-class country-style hotel and dining destination. For the restaurant he brought in Chef Cal Stamenov and Wine Director Mark Jensen, the Rodgers and Hammerstein of the Central California dining scene. Marinus acquired instant credibility, then set out to surpass its own lofty reputation. It now wears the mantle of Best Restaurant in a manner as casually elegant as its cozy dining room and comfortable lounge. This is a restaurant that is easy to visit. Just place yourself completely in the hands of its superb service staff and don’t think about anything or worry about choices, because you can’t choose better than they can.