Sometimes, a name says it all.
Goodness Gracious Kitchen & Cupboard, a charming brunch spot located at 24 N. Range Line Road in the heart of Carmel, truly lives up to its name. What began in 2015 as a new life and love story soon blossomed into something even more meaningful: a purpose. A purpose to bring people together through food, memories, and community.
The story of Goodness Gracious is one of preserving the past while serving the present. As they say, their food is “crafted from old recipes, old stories, and old memories.” Each dish honors those timeless traditions, bringing new life to the ones we thought we’d forgotten. Here, good dishes aren’t saved for special occasions; they’re brought out year-round to celebrate the precious, everyday moments that make life beautiful.
When they say, “We put a bow on it,” they mean more than decoration – it’s a promise. A promise to present their very best, every single time.
Our columnist says that Goodness Gracious in Carmel helps bring people together through food. (Photo provided)
My family stopped in for a weekend brunch, and from the first moment, it felt special. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and grace – the fine art on the walls, the elegant mirrors, the delicate bows, even the meaningful cutlery – each detail telling its own quiet story. Every dish arrived with care and creativity, as if made just for us.
And then came the grand finale: the pumpkin flan. Silky, spiced, and sweet … it was the perfect ending to a meal that felt like a heartfelt hug. All we could say was, “Oh, Goodness Gracious!”
Photo provided
Places like this remind us why local gems matter. They feed not only our hunger but our hearts. From their kitchen to our table, Goodness Gracious continues to remind us that food is more than flavor – it’s memory, love, and community served warm.
Here’s to the goodness we share, one gracious plate at a time.
Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.