Day two of the B-Day trip started with an interesting realization. Despite the fact that we were in Big Sur in November, the heat did not come on all night, and upon getting out of bed, the room was a comfortable temperature. Initially attributing this to well-made cabins, we realized as we stepped outside for the first time that, much to our surprise, that it was a sunny day with temperatures already in the 60’s. We knew we were in for a rare treat. After a quick complimentary breakfast we decided to hit the trails and go for a hike in Pfeiffer State park. After about an hour of hiking uphill we were treated to an amazing view of the ocean. Since the temperature was rising steadily, and not wanting to waist the opportunity, we headed back to the Ventana Inn and after a quick change (and a few bites of left over cheese and crackers) we were pool side. We could not believe we were out at the pool, and in the water, in the middle of November. Must have been a birthday gift from Mother Nature (thanks!!!).

After cleaning up, we took the walking path to the Restaurant at Ventana Inn. We found some interesting cocktails at the bar and went out to the deck. What an incredible view:

Not wanting to miss out, we meandered back to the hotel for the wine and cheese hour. The wine they were pouring this day was ok, nothing to mention, but the cheese selection was very impressive. Several types of cheddar, a brie, one made with Guinness, a mustard cheese and several others. The big finale to the day was a trip across the road for dinner at Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn. An all glass restaurant built on the cliffs to take full advantage of the views. We got there with just enough time to have a cocktail at the outside bar and enjoy the sunset.

Despite a very impressive wine list, we decided to bring our own and settled on a Cab from Darioush Winery. A very good choice as this wine drank as well alone as it did with food.  Dinner here is a prix fixe 4 course menu with several options. For our first course we shared a beet salad and a lemon sea bass dish. I thought they were both excellent, but Troya felt the sea bass lacked flavor. I had never had something like the sea bass dish, a very thin slice of fish with a well balanced lemon flavoring, no sauce so maybe marinated or just poured on, and a crunch garnish of seaweed.  For the second course we choose the mushroom brisk and a lamb risotto. Both very good, but not out of the park. Our main courses were a pheasant served with polenta and a beef dish with roasted peppers and a light flavored chipotle style sauce. The flavors for both of these dishes was very good, but I did not think the polenta did anything for the pheasant, but the peppers and chipotle sauce with the beef and the wine went together like music. Neither of us were impressed with desert, but as an after meal treat we had a small caramel filled pastry that could have and should have been our only desert.

As usual, we awoke the next morning feeling a little sad and depressed that our trip was coming to an end. We did our best to prolong the stay by lounging about in the room and sitting out on the deck. We decided the last stop of the trip would be to Deetjens Restaurant for brunch. We had heard good things about this place and it did not disappoint. Our server was all smiles and gracious and managed to put a smile back on our face. The eggs benedict gets great reviews and I have to say they were some of the best I have had. You get to choose from several items on a list, and I went with ham and spinach. The eggs and all were very good, but the Hollandaise sauce is what makes or breaks an eggs benedict. This one was not too rich and had a slight bite to it. The perfect way to end our little Big Sur adventure.