Freeland's brings Tinker Street's winning concept to Carmel

Where to go: Freeland's — the cozy and elegant Carmel take on restaurateur Tom Main's winning concept.

• It opened last year in a historic home, which gives it a charm and authenticity that can be hard to find in the 'burbs.

What to order: Like its sister restaurant, the menu is small and changes with the seasons. Also like its sister restaurant, nothing is a miss — from drinks to dessert, and every course in between.

• The butternut risotto ($32) was rich and delicious. The panzanella salad ($20) was addictive. But, also like its sister restaurant, the star of the menu is a starter.
• At Tinker, it's the Korean fried mushrooms. At Freeland's it's the carrots ($16).

Between the lines: I know you're probably rolling your eyes at me about carrots but these are unlike any carrots you've had before. Or at least any I've had.

• They're glazed in an umami-rich Asian-inspired sauce that caramelizes into the most delicious coating as the carrots are roasted to tender perfection. They're good enough that I will readily drive back to Carmel for them and to be honest that's the highest praise I can offer.

If you go: Freeland's at North End, 875 Freeland Way, Carmel.

• Open 5-9pm, Tuesday-Saturday.