Spring 2025

112 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 take a break, his favorite place to get away is our quaint little village by the sea. As one of the most recognizable TV stars of the 1970s and ’80s, Estrada’s visits to Carmel do not go unnoticed by locals and visitors. But dur- ing his time here he peacefully goes about his business, experi- encing friendly looks of recogni- tion from those he encounters and the occasional request for a selfie.According to Estrada, time spent in Carmel is his “saving grace” and he has been a fre- quent visitor to our charming town for nearly 30 years. Estrada began coming to the Monterey Peninsula in the 1990s when his two sons were young children. The first year he visited, “We stayed at Spanish Bay, we’d get up, have break- fast in the suite, take 17-Mile Drive into the vil- lage, walking, looking, shopping, have a big late lunch, then heading back to Spanish Bay for din- ner at Roy’s or Pèppoli.”The next year he decid- ed to reverse the order, staying in Carmel and venturing into Pebble Beach for a meal or a cruise along 17-Mile Drive, which allowed the Estradas more time to wander and enjoy down- town Carmel—the itinerary he follows to this day. In those early days, he came across the Carmel Bay View Inn, which has become his home away from home. Estrada shares, “Joanna [Napoli] is our friend, she’s the manager there and we’ve known her forever. She always takes very good care of me and all the people I bring or send there.” From their suite, Estrada and his wife, Nanette, have a view of Carmel Bay.Their daughter, Francesca—along with the family’s Australian shepherd Luna and their recently res- cued German shepherd Mia—stays on Ocean Avenue at the Lamplighter Inn, where pets are welcome. In addition to Luna and Mia, the Estradas have two pocket Chihuahuas (Bambi and Booboo) and a Pomeranian (Bongo). While in Carmel, Estrada’s go-to restaurants include Vesuvio, “For the good chicken parmi- giana!” and Jeju Kitchen on the lower level of the Carmel Plaza, where he, his wife and daughter enjoy “the wonderful dump- lings…and their short ribs are delicious.” But his favorite of all, and where you’ll find him nearly every morning he’s in town, is at From Scratch in the Barnyard, where owner “Steve and his daughter are like family…and the brisket chili is, whoo, it’s delicious! We always take a gallon of it home every time.” The Estradas are also big fans of Mad Dogs and Englishmen and often rent electric bikes to ride along 17-Mile Drive from Carmel into Pebble Beach is always on the itinerary and Estrada has been a frequent visitor to the Concours d’Elegance over the years. (Left) Nanette and Erik at Carmel Beach. Nanette’s family ties to the peninsula go back generations. She introduced Erik to the area early in their relationship. (Right) Francesa with Luna and Mia, enjoying their stay at the Lamplighter Inn. Photos: Courtesy of the Estrada Family