You can recognize the owners’ touch when you walk in; the ambiance is Caribbean casual; nicely lit and definitely gives off a good island vibe.  Hula Ranch is extremely spacious as well; diners are scattered about on different levels and there is a nice deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

We were greeted warmly, drinks arrived, and then came the problem I love to have; what to choose from the menu!  We selected a couple of appetizers (and held onto the menu), starting with crab cakes and coconut prawns.  Flavorful and generously portioned.

My boyfriend loves coconut, so we had to try a dish with coconut rice as a side.  I was not overly enthused (Darryl is the cocnut-nut), but let me tell ya.  It was perfection; the waitperson generously brought another large portion when we asked.  Wow.  The coconut is browned and it makes it taste, well, delicious.

The evening went on to become a lot of fun;  my boyfriend’s name is Darryl, and the waiter’s name is too (although it is spelled differently.  Then we find out the chef is another Darrell (I may have messed up the spelling).  Anyway, we were introduced to him by Joe, the Manager,outside the restaurant . We raved about that rice.

 Turns out the Coconut Rice has had a lot of attention:  Rachael Rae visited the Hula Grill and really wanted the recipe.  Guess what?  She couldn’t get Darrell to talk.

And, again, …Guess what?  Darrell gave us the recipe, late on a windy Saturday night outside the Hula Grill, and me with my Flip Mino.

Big Sur River Inn

Pheneger Creek & Highway 1 | Big Sur | (831) 667 2700

Mondays: $8 Mexican Specials

Winter Wednesdays: 50% off everything (except drinks)

Fridays: All-you-can-eat shrimp $8

Hola! Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

3600 The Barnyard  at the mouth of Carmel Valley | (831) 626 1814

Tuesdays 3-7pm: 50% off the menu (drinks and take-outs not included)

Bahama Billy’s

3690 the Barnyard | (831) 626 0430

50% off everything before 6pm (take-outs not included) on certain weeknight; call to confirm

Em Le’s

Dolores between 5th & 6th | Carmel | (831) 625 6780

Breakfast special $4.95 7-8:30 am

Dinner special 12.95 4-6 pm

Fuse Lounge Cafe

Carmel Mission Inn | 3665 Rio Road Carmel | (831 624 1841

Complimentary Happy Hour Buffet Wednesday-Friday 5-7pm

Live Music Friday&Saturday 7:30-10pm

Fishwife

19961/2 Sunset Drive | Pacific Grove | (831) 375 7107

789 Trinity Avenue | Seaside | (831) 394 2027

$6 off coupon from Monterey County Weekly when ordering 2 or more dinner entrees

The Pub in the Terrace Grill at La Playa Hotel Carmel

Camino Real and 8th Avenue | (831) 624 6476

Free food during happy hour from 5-6:30 weekdays.  No discounts on drinks.

Add your specials by contacting admin@MontereyBayInsider.com