Central California - Recipes from Historic California - page 158

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them. John Steinbeck wrote classic literature about these people. Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden
were two of his major works. His Cannery Row focused on the very difficult work performed
around the wharfs of Monterey Bay.
In 1950, at the outbreak of the Korean War, Clinton Eastwood Jr. was an army draftee stationed
at Fort Ord on the Monterey peninsula. Working as a swimming instructor for the army, he oc-
casionally visited the restaurant at Mission Ranch and was very impressed with both the food and
the service. He had not forgotten the area when he became a world famous movie star and, in 1986,
after being elected mayor of Carmel-By-The-Sea, he bought the Mission Ranch.
Renovation of the deteriorated property was a major priority. Eastwood hired the best crafts-
men around to rebuild and repair every structure to match the style of the original buildings. The
restored bunkhouse nestled among the cypress is the oldest structure. With the historic creamery as
the restaurant, cottages doted around the property, and the century-old Martin farmhouse function-
ing as a bed and breakfast, the Mission Ranch offers visitors a glimpse of old California.
Food served at “The Ranch” (as the locals call it) is not the fancy gourmet fare offered at ex-
clusive restaurants in the area. They serve “real food” such as steaks, prime ribs, and potatoes. The
large crowd of locals drinking at the bar and eating in the dining room could be the best indication
that the Mission Ranch has consistently provided exceptional atmosphere, entertainment, and food
for decades.
Mission Ranch
26270 Dolores Street
Carmel-By-the-Sea, California 93923
[phone]
[phone]