Charming Restaurant Known for Greek and Thai Cuisine

The popularity of fusion restaurants isn’t anything new for the U.S., with chefs like Wolfgang Puck dominating the scene from the late 1970s to the ’90s, and newer chefs like Roy Choi coming forward as one of the faces of fresh fusion. For most restaurants, their branding and overall aesthetic revolve completely around their mixed-cuisine influences. However, one restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea doesn’t need to let decor dominate their dining experience, preferring to keep a neutral, natural landscape that allows for their spectacular Thai and Greek dishes to speak for themselves. 

The Treehouse Cafe sits in downtown Carmel, a town in Northern California near Monterey popularized for its charming older European-style fairytale aesthetic and multiple art galleries amid high-end shops and cypress trees. With a location near the gorgeous California coast as well as the very popular Pebble Beach golf course, and with a long history of famous artistic residents, this town has something for everyone—especially when looking for great food.

Residing above an antique shop, the cafe feels tucked away amidst trees and flowers grown among red umbrellas on the patio. Inside, the colors are slightly darker and earthy—a distinct contrast against the vivid umbrellas and flowers outside. Once seated, you’ll notice that the menu actually contains no dishes where Thai and Greek flavors are fused together. Instead, the two sit side by side, among a few “American” options and some broadly European choices (along with some choices for your dog as well). Although, you’ll notice that Greek dishes outnumber Thai ones (with the humus and pita, kabobs, and seafood dishes standing out), the star of the show lies with the restaurant’s curry dishes. 

There are two curry options: a yellow one with a medium spice level, and a red one with a high spice level. For both, one has the option of chicken, prawns, or salmon. However, as is the case with most Thai food, even the spiciest dish isn’t really about the heat; it’s about the multiple different spices used. These spices, when paired with the vegetables and coconut milk, are somewhat calmed and easy to digest, even when heat lingers on the tip of your tongue. But, for those who really can’t handle their spice, there’s a side of steamed rice that can slowly get you used to the heat and is best when dipped in the curry, not doused. 

When visiting the Treehouse Cafe, it’s easy to question what the term “fusion” can mean. Is it a fusion restaurant, rather than a restaurant that offers fusion cuisine? Do different cuisines have to be combined into one to create new dishes and flavors? Or, can a restaurant simply be very, very good at creating classic dishes of two different cultures? Additionally, when knowing the history of Greek and Thai cuisine and all the different influences that helped shape them, are they not technically fusion cuisines in and of themselves?

After your visit, the answer to this question is easy. When the flavor and quality of the food is that good, fusion can mean anything we want it to (because, also, who really cares?). This, combined with a charming restaurant layout and lovely overall aesthetic, leads to an unforgettable dining experience when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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