Perched atop a rugged bluff along the Pacific coastline, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a timeless and elegant resort. It’s the perfect escape for those in the Bay Area, as well as travelers seeking coastal luxury. The resort offers lavish accommodations in addition to a wide-variety of recreational activities, world-class cuisine, and fine amenities.
With two 18-hole golf courses and frequent misty weather, a visit to Half Moon Bay makes me feel as if I’ve escaped to the coast of Scotland, with no flight required. To add to the Scottish vibe, a bagpiper plays a soothing melody in the evening.
I had brunch at Navio whose menu focuses on seafood and coastal cuisine. I was seated at a table with a beautiful view of the ocean and golf course. Navio’s brunch is quite popular and it previously had a buffet-style concept. Today, its concept is small-plates and guests can enjoy a two hour luxury brunch experience where they can order as many small-plates as their heart desires!
My brunch experience started out with a complimentary mimosa, shot glass of a berry smoothie, and an assortment of breads. The butter was shaped like a pumpkin, in honor of the Fall season, a nice touch!
My boyfriend, Matthew and I each started out with the Caviar Tasting featuring California sturgeon, smoked trout, and bowfin. It was nicely presented on a white platter and the caviar portions were very generous! It was followed by oysters with various toppings: Champagne foam, bloody mary, and wasabi cream.
Other delicious small-plate seafood dishes we enjoyed included:
Ahi tuna with roasted pine nuts and chives
Pan seared scallop with truffle polenta and basil oil
Half Moon Bay benedict with dungeness crab and dill
Lobster with beurre blanc and smoked trout caviar
The cocktail menu includes a wonderful assortment of drinks, with and without alcohol. Matthew got the Juan Bautista De Anza that includes Casamigos Mezcal, rosemary, lemon, lavender, and club soda. He was very happy with his choice! I ordered a Nobu Shirase, a zero proof cocktail that included Yuzu juice, basil, and club soda. It had a large bubble on top, an inventive and cool accent.
We later had more indulgent small-plates such as pasta and prime cuts of meat. This included:
Rigatoni carbonara with bacon croutons and parmesan cheese
Wagyu beef slider with shiitake mushroom, smoked pork belly, and black garlic aioli
Beef tenderloin “Cafe de Paris” with port wine reduction
Lamb rack with sweet peas and fresh mint
We settled our sweet tooth with a dessert tower that included the following items:
Blackberry Verrine crème fraiche panna cotta, blackberry gelèe, and cardamom crème
Caramel Apple with Calvados mousse, green apple glaze, caramel apple center
Pumpkin mini loaf with pumpkin spice cake, mascarpone ganache, and roasted pepitas
Autumn tart with blood orange gelée, rosemary crème, and maple-bourbon pastry cream
Overall, everything I ate looked picture perfect yet tasted delicious! Also, the service was very attentive, professional, and kind.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, from September 22 to October 11th, 2022, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has partnered with Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC) and will be donating a portion of all proceeds from various culinary and spa offerings to the local organization. Also, pink florals are in abundance around the property, a thoughtful touch.
On September 24th and 25th, the resort introduced an exclusive Veuve Clicquot Camper to serve Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Veuve Clicquot from Noon until 5:00 p.m. One can raise a glass and toast to supporting a good cause!
Each time I visit The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay it’s always a memorable experience. Just a short drive from San Francisco or Silicon Valley, it’s an idyllic getaway for locals, as well as travelers that are visiting the Bay Area.