Ephemeron

Another successful restaurant by the one and only Billy Quon (of Bahama Billys and Kula Ranch fame), and our new favorite. Volcano Grill & Mai Tai Bar* is located in beautiful Carmel Valley Village.

Lava-tini – Pineapple juice, Cruzan Rum, Skyy Vodka and a dash of grenadine.

Drop Your Bikini Martini – Pomegranate Pearl Vodka, Absolut Citron vodka, dash guava and sweet & sour.

Herbie’s Kahuna Platter, a share appetizer for up to four guests, or a great dinner platter. Panko-crusted Jumbo Prawns, Volcano Spring Rolls, Black & Blue Ahi, and Kona BBQ Baby Back Ribs.

Coconut-crusted Jumbo Prawns with Rice and Fresh Veggies, served with a “Volcano” Crispy Spring Roll (Napa cabbage, carrots, celery, & mint. Served with sweet Thai chili sauce).

Caramelized Banana Cream Pie – they didn’t even wait for me to get my camera out, hehe.

Arctic Bon Bons, with dipping sauces of Kona Caramel, Macadamia Nuts, & Coconut – An instant fave.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

*Update: The Volcano Grill has closed.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse in Marina was opened by the incomparable Billy Quon and a business partner. He told us that he recently sold his share and is now spending most of his time at The Volcano Grill, his restaurant in Carmel Valley Village. My pictures aren’t so great (I’m blaming the extremely low light. And maybe the Kryptonite), but here they are!

Kula Ranch Menu.

"Kula Kryptonite - Midori Melon Liqueur, Parrot Bay Rum, 151 Rum & Pineapple Juice, shaken & strained into a rocks glass" "Mai Tai - Cruzan Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime, Crème de Almond, then topped with a float of Myers Dark Rum"

Yes I like piña coladas......and gettin' caught in the rain. I know, I'm a dork.

Cheesy Garlic Bread that reminds me of mushy stuffing. Blecch, actually. And they give you a ton of it!

Pu Pu Platter - "Miso-Glazed Steak Bits, Grilled Calamari Strips, Teriyaki Wings, & Coconut Prawns"

Big Island Fish Tacos - "Fresh Seafood sautéed in Olive Oil & Kula House Blend Cajun Seasoning, served in Flour Tortillas w/ Mixed Greens, Big Island Salsa, Cheddar & Jack Cheese, & Sour Cream; Tequila Black Beans & Steamed White Rice"

Chocolate Eruption Cake - "Molten Ganache & Raspberry Coulis with Rich Vanilla Bean Ice-Cream"

Kula’s Cheesecake - "Hazelnut & Almond Crust with a Citrus Strawberry Garnish"

Popularity: 11% [?]

Bahama Billy’s at The Barnyard in Carmel is was one of our favorite restaurants in the Monterey area. Unfortunately, the restaurant has been sold and is no longer as good as it was. RIP Bahama Billy’s. Never fear, though – the incomparable Billy Quon has opened up The Volcano Grill. Located in Carmel Valley Village, it’s a longer drive but well worth it!

Watermelon Martinis

Calypso Corn Bread

Cod Enchiladas (I think this might have been a special.)

Coconut Caramel Cream Pie (Easily satisfies two or more people.)

Not cheap!

Popularity: 12% [?]