Dining at The Ravens

I am here and we’re doing okay, though a little blue at spending this weekend indoors to avoid bad air quality from wildfire smoke. Poor Miko was frustrated with me this morning for not going on his long walk, he doesn’t understand the air quality is too risky for him. It does give me time to catch up on house projects and write about our wonderful trip last weekend. We took a couple of days off work, packed Miko and his supplies, and escaped the heat and smoke heading to the Stanford Inn by the Sea. I have so many pictures to go through and post, but have been a little overwhelmed at work this week to catch up.

We have been needing to get away for awhile, but in a tricky situation with Miko’s medication needs and not wanting to board him, so it was the perfect time to check out Stanford Inn by the Sea because it is a dog friendly resort. After a 4 hour drive, it was wonderful to be in the great air quality and cool temps by the ocean.

The best place to start is the amazing food served at The Ravens, Stanford Inn’s wonderful plant-based restaurant where they grow a lot of produce for onsite in a lovely and peaceful garden.

There is a warm and inviting indoor dining area separate from the main dining room that welcomes well-behaved dogs which Miko was as long as I shared and brought a warm blanket for him since it was blissfully cooler than here.

We enjoyed many meals The Ravens during our stay since breakfast is included and the dinner menu and view too good to pass up. The Ravens is more about celebrating whole plant-based foods, health and sustainability meet fine dining. We started with the Borracho Black Bean Dip our first night there hitting the spot after the long drive with a bottle of wine.

The hearty texture with savory and kicky black bean topped with crunchy pepitas made a delicious appetizer.

We also got the Enchiladas filled with cauliflower-walnut adobo served with beans and seasoned rice.

And Wild Mushroom & Creamy Polenta with Brussels sprouts Miko was happy to share.

The texture and flavors of the mushrooms was interesting and delicious coming from someone who is very picky about mushrooms easily turned off by texture – but the oven roasted texture worked well

Of course there was dessert, we shared a large slice of Carrot Cake with rich and creamy frosting.

Breakfast is something to look forward to as well starting the day with gorgeous and peaceful garden and ocean views (fog permitting) and being presented with hearty options before the day’s adventures.

Even the simple buckwheat waffle was beautifully presented with fresh berries and syrup.

And the Garden Scramble a fun celebration of colorful veggies and savory turmeric with satisfying potatoes Miko approved of.

Buckwheat pancakes also presented with fresh berries and syrup for a hearty start.

Back for dinner, we started with simple Guacamole and IPAs after a full day of kayaking, shopping, and taking in ocean views.

Then paired the Tostadas for a fun and fresh option.

And Portobello Burger special with baked fries. I am typically not a Portobello burger fan due to texture, but they sliced it into marinated and roasted strips that worked well.

There was also the Mint Chocolate Ganache Tart that made Ron a fan of mint paired with chocolate especially with such a silky and rich texture.

And our final breakfast there before starting the journey home was fantastic with the savory crepe and sweet potatoes to share with Miko.

And fun breakfast enchilada for a filling treat.

The Ravens is such a unique and warm experience for fine dining with amazing views and friendly company with your fur kids and other fur kids. I’m planning our next visit and decided this needs to become a new late summer tradition to escape the smoke and heat.