Carmel

As part of their weekend escape to Carmel ("Roller Coast," July 21), Barry Zwick reported that he and his wife dined at the Rio Grill. He said he didn't have a clue that dinner for two would cost $101 with tax and tip. Actually, he should feel well charged. He and his wife split two appetizers, each had a main course and the sommelier attended to a bottle of wine. Figuring the meal and the wine at about $81.00 and tax and tip at $20.00, this seems extremely reasonable, especially since Mr. Zwick claimed it was one of the best meals he had ever eaten.

To some, a Mother's Day getaway means a don't-look-back, tires-screeching hall pass for an escape with girlfriends. To others, it means an amorous sojourn with a husband or partner. Then there are those who want to take along their kids or even the family pet. Herewith, places to suit all preferences. A tip: You can sometimes get fantastic last-minute deals on websites such as http://www.hotels.com . Le Méridien, Isle of Pines, New Caledonia For the mother - or family - who has been everywhere.

Coastal road-trippers take note: Highway 1 south of Carmel, which was shut by a landslide last month, will reopen to traffic around the clock starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday. It had recently been open only at night. However, the fragile coastal route remains shut at another point south of the Big Sur area. At Rocky Creek, about 13 miles south of Carmel, the road will reopen 24/7 Wednesday with one-way alternating traffic, according to the California Department of Transportation. Stretches of this part of Highway 1, between Bixby Bridge and Palo Colorado Road, had been shut after a March 16 landslide washed away a chunk of the road.

Carmelized onion, goat cheese and olive frittata Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 to 2 Note: The toppings should be warmed before being added to the frittata. The caramelized onion and garlic confit are difficult to cook in small amounts, but keep well in the refrigerator. Caramelized onions 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 tablespoon butter Cook the onion and olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.

Check-in at the Cypress Inn was uneventful. Our two "little ones" quickly discovered the jar of biscuits on the reception counter and were more than happy to let Brennan the bellman carry their food and toys to Room 110, an end unit with a king bed and a gas fireplace. Sherry, a fruit basket and bottles of water were waiting. Rusty, knowing that tennis balls often wind up under beds--at least in our house--immediately checked what precious gifts might be under this one.

This romantic one-bed, one-bath cottage and its surroundings in Carmel are sure to please. Let the ocean (three blocks away) and sunsets put you in a serene mode. Quail's Nest, Carmel; (562) 884-2839, www.quailsnest.webs.com. From $125 a night (four-night minimum). Karen Caraballo Long Beach

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering When: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, 8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel Cost: $65 per person, $15 for children 12 and younger (includes gourmet lunch and live music) Info: http://www.quaillodgeevents.com

Mt. Carmel was trying to remain undefeated in the Palomar League, and Poway was trying to stay above water. Despite a fourth-quarter rain Friday night, Poway got its wish, earning a 29-28 victory over Mt. Carmel in front of 4,000 in the 16th battle for the Kiwanis Cup between the two rivals. Poway scored 21 second-quarter points and twice forced the Sundevils to settle for field goals after they had driven inside the 10-yard line.

A former campaign worker in actor Clint Eastwood's successful bid to become mayor of Carmel has been arrested in the April 30 shooting death of a Pacific Grove man, Monterey County sheriff's deputies said. David E. Archer, 42, first said he was Eastwood's bodyguard--his name is similar to that of the real bodyguard--but Eastwood said Archer had served only as one of 200 volunteers in his campaign. Archer was arrested in San Luis Obispo after a 45-minute car chase on country roads.

Itching to escape the heat and head north to wine country? On Saturday afternoon Monterey Wine Country celebrates the festival's 20th anniversary in Carmel. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door on the day of the event. And get this, designated drivers pay just $15, presumably because they will not be imbibing  - or at least as much What's happening? Tastings of Monterey wines, food from local restaurants, music from the Red Beans & Rice jazz band - and of course, an auction.

Itching to escape the heat and head north to wine country? On Saturday afternoon Monterey Wine Country celebrates the festival's 20th anniversary in Carmel. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door on the day of the event. And get this, designated drivers pay just $15, presumably because they will not be imbibing  - or at least as much What's happening? Tastings of Monterey wines, food from local restaurants, music from the Red Beans & Rice jazz band - and of course, an auction.

Ask a hard-pressed mom what she wants forMother's Dayand she's apt to say she'd like a break from chores. No cleaning, shopping, cooking, volunteering, driving or organizing. Herewith, a few luxurious getaways where moms will never be asked to do any of the above. (Moms, we suggest you leave this article in a strategic location.) Carmel Valley Ranch Carmel Valley Ranch takes great pains to cater to families and adults - separately. Although it is an ideal retreat for families, it is also one of the most serene places to go with friends or partners.

Add it all up, and Doris Day's singular singing voice has spent more than 11 years on the Billboard charts. Her three dozen-plus films made millions of fans and dollars. And now, after nearly two decades of living below the radar in Carmel, Doris Day is back on the charts. "My Heart" is a baker's dozen of songs from the vaults, many produced by her late son, Terry Melcher, who worked with the Byrds and who co-wrote and sang "Happy Endings" on the CD, and sang a second song on it with his mother.

Travel company SpaFinder is marking its 25th anniversary with special rates on high-end stays at several resorts in California, Mexico and the East Coast. The cost is pricey -- $2,500 for two -- but might appeal to those looking for a splurge with some savings. The drill: SpaFinder sells coupons for packages that travelers then redeem with the resort. Check coupon redemption and blackout dates and any other restrictions before you buy to make sure this deal will work for you. The deal: I chose to check out an upcoming $2,500 offer for Bernardus Lodge (415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley; [831]

For someplace fresh and exhilarating in Carmel, try Dametra Cafe. We never miss sharing their Greek combination platter ($19.95) on an all-Mediterranean menu. Everything is affordable; the place is tiny, colorful and exuberant but not noisy. Co-owner Bashar Sneeh is likely to stroll by strumming his oud. Pizzas from $11.95, entrees from $14.95. Dametra Cafe, southeast corner of Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel by the Sea; (831) 622-7766, http://www.dametracafe.com . Barbara Frank San Luis Obispo

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering When: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, 8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel Cost: $65 per person, $15 for children 12 and younger (includes gourmet lunch and live music) Info: http://www.quaillodgeevents.com

Vista High School edged Mt. Carmel, 9-8, in a battle of Palomar League co-champions in the San Diego Section water polo quarterfinals Tuesday at Mesa College. John Paul Knowlton scored three goals and Kurt Groscup added two as Vista advanced to the semifinals Thursday against Valhalla, which routed Fallbrook, 22-11, Tuesday. The match begins at 2 p.m. at Mesa College. Although Vista had a 20-3 record and won two of its three games against Mt. Carmel this season, the No.

Carlos Pedroza singled in Jay Rodriguez with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to lead Chula Vista High School to a 7-6 victory over Hilltop in a Metro Conference game. With the victory, Chula Vista (7-2, 14-6) moved into first place by a half-game over Hilltop (7-3, 10-8). Anthony Garcia (9-3) pitched four innings of no-hit relief for the win. Jorge Mora had three hits and Pedroza had two hits and three RBIs to lead Chula Vista.

Vintage motorcycles may rattle. They may shimmy, shake or stall, but decades-old machines are unparalleled in their character and artistry — and, for one day this weekend, they are also on display for the public. Almost 200 vintage bikes will dot the green during Saturday's Quail Motorcycle Gathering at the Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel. Topping the list of must-sees are the Bathing Suit Bike, which Rollie Free rocketed to 150 miles per hour (and a motorcycle speed record) in 1948, wearing a helmet, bathing suit and borrowed shoes.

Coastal road-trippers take note: Highway 1 south of Carmel, which was shut by a landslide last month, will reopen to traffic around the clock starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday. It had recently been open only at night. However, the fragile coastal route remains shut at another point south of the Big Sur area. At Rocky Creek, about 13 miles south of Carmel, the road will reopen 24/7 Wednesday with one-way alternating traffic, according to the California Department of Transportation. Stretches of this part of Highway 1, between Bixby Bridge and Palo Colorado Road, had been shut after a March 16 landslide washed away a chunk of the road.