The Tuck Box - Breakfast/Tea, Carmel

Dolores St. between Ocean & 7th Ave.
Carmel, CA 93921
(831) 624-6365
Parking: street parking
Hours: Open Daily 7:30am - 2:30pm, No reservations
http://www.tuckbox.com/

Last Visited: December 2008

Food: 4 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $$

I first heard of the Tuck Box through Rachael Ray's $40 a Day television show. Constructed in the late 1920s, and used as a restaurant as early as the 1930s, the building is just so cute that it's hard to resist wanting to check it out. If you know a little kid whom loves fairy tales, this is the perfect place to show him or her.

I have now had the pleasure of visiting The Tuck Box twice, both times for breakfast. During both visits, it's been fairly packed, but the wait has been reasonable (less than twenty minutes) in my opinion.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Each table has fresh preserves available, and you can also purchase these in addition to the scone mix that they make through the restaurant and website.

Enter the restaurant and note the high ceilings. One of the best places to sit is in the breakfast nook adjacent to the window if you want to watch all that takes place. I enjoyed sitting there during my second visit.

- Smoked Salmon Benedict - Two poached eggs top smoked salmon on the two toasted English muffin halves and all are covered in a beautiful Hollandaise Sauce. A tomato slice garnishes the plate. The smoked salmon is delicious and I was happy with the dish. $12.75

- Waffle - Home made from their scratch recipe with fresh eggs and buttermilk. Served w/whipped butter & syrup, this waffle is a little flatter than some, but tastes great and is a reasonable price. $6.50

- Scones - You must get these scones. Unlike the type you might find in some bakeries, this is served like a pie with individual slices. The top is slightly crisp and buttered - it's wonderful with fresh preserves (orange marmalade today) and whipped cream. Must try these! $4.50

- Tea - I appreciate that they gave us a large pot of tea to enjoy. $2

The atmosphere is quaint, the food is good, and prices are okay. The servers are accomodating, though there is room for improvement. The Tuck Box will likely continue to be a stop on my Carmel visits.

Another item to note - The Tuck Box doesn't take credit cards, so have your cash ready.