After experiencing Big Sur for almost every year for the last 15 years, I have realized that the magical and inspiring nature of this unique place exists in its soulful beauty and transformative spirit. During this time, I have consistently visited two of Big Sur's blissful treasures, Esalen Institute and Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant.
Esalen Institute represents not only a retreat for self reflection and personal growth but also a source of sustainable farming that feeds the self-aware guests who choose to spend time here.
Esalen Institute represents not only a retreat for self reflection and personal growth but also a source of sustainable farming that feeds the self-aware guests who choose to spend time here.
The image above shows only a small section of the expansive sustainable farming operation. Part of the sustainability of this farm is the use of the hot springs water source on the property that is also the source of Esalen’s ubiquitously well-known hot sulfur baths.
For every meal served at Esalen for its workshop or personal retreat guests, the kitchen staff includes the gems of the farm. For breakfast, swiss chard may be the leafy green incorporated into the savory quinoa and raw greens will always be a complementary side. For lunch and dinner, the salad bar will include the breadth of the farm as seen in the above picture. Although the hot dishes are featured attractions for the dining guests, the salad bar is the heart and soul of the dining experience at Esalen. The purity and vitality of the produce, as it is picked the same day it's eaten, echoes the spirit and purpose of Esalen.
Approximately 12 miles north of Esalen resides my other heartfelt favorite of Big Sur, Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant. The spirit of farm to table is also honored here. The restaurant and bakery also imbibe a slow food philosophy which bakery chef Michelle Rizzolo and chef Jacob Burrell celebrate in their food.
The book ends of my trip to Big Sur include lunch before I enter the property at Esalen and lunch after my time at Esalen has come to a cathartic culmination. In my recent trip last weekend, my appetite was sated with a vegan lentil soup and an extraordinarily satisfying avocado toast with the luscious sourdough bread by Michelle atopped with freshly mashed avocado, black radishes, herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
My departing meal at Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant was the resounding wood fired Margherita pizza and a halibut omelet with a vegetable slaw. This pizza rivals the greatest pies in the USA, i.e., Luzzo's in the East Village, Pizza Bianco in Phoenix, Gjelina in LA, or Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco. Just enough char, sweet acidity with the tomato sauce, creaminess with the mozzarella, and fresh basil cooked with the pie illuminate the delicious brilliance of this aged old comfort food.
I leave Big Sur with an after glow of my spirit and sensory revelations. No other place in the world possesses such depth and delight. My years ahead will continue to embody the grateful gratification of Big Sur's greatness.
Please note that the Esalen Institute can be experienced by appointment only. You will find details of hours and operation of both locations at www.esalen.org and www.bigsurbakery.com.
I leave Big Sur with an after glow of my spirit and sensory revelations. No other place in the world possesses such depth and delight. My years ahead will continue to embody the grateful gratification of Big Sur's greatness.
Please note that the Esalen Institute can be experienced by appointment only. You will find details of hours and operation of both locations at www.esalen.org and www.bigsurbakery.com.