By Susan McDonald

Chef-owner Robin Covey at Robin's

Walking in Cambria’s East Village around lunch or dinnertime, especially in the shops and galleries along Burton Drive, you’re likely to run into the fragrances of garlic, curries, onions and exotic spices. The source? Robin’s (4095 Burton Dr.), a restaurant with an international flair.

Robin’s is tucked inside a historic bungalow on Burton Drive, and serves food with the flavors of India, China, Korea, Singapore, Greece, Mexico and Italy.

The decor in the charming dining room is international, as well. The walls are covered with baskets, fabrics and artwork from the Far East and other regions of the world. A beautiful old fireplace warms the room. There’s a small nook with a stained glass window for romantic dining. Antique dining tables and chairs add to the restaurant’s charm.

A heated deck out back adds much-needed seating for this popular restaurant and allows for outdoor dining year-round. There’s also a lovely garden available for weddings and other gatherings. Robin’s feels homey, friendly and welcoming. It also smells wonderful.

Inside, diners can enjoy Indian Tandoori chicken ($13.95), a combination of marinated and baked chicken in fragrant spices served with fresh chutneys, yogurt, chapatti and fragrant basmati rice. North Indian lamb ($14.95) is a dish of tender pieces of lamb that have been cooked in a rich, spicy sauce with yogurt, ground almonds and ground toasted coconut. It is also served with chutneys, chapatti and basamti rice.

The pastas are varied and worldly. Salmon fettuccine ($13.95) is a popular and not-too-spicy choice. Fresh salmon and fettuccine are combined with mushrooms and spinach in a fresh dill cream sauce. Greco pasta ($9.50) is a mix of linguine and seasonal vegetables with garlic, white wine, olive oil, butter and fresh basil with feta. Pasta and vegetables with garlic, ginger and soy sauce is stir-fried with chicken or tofu to create the Chow ($9.95).

Robin’s serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a late lunch menu from 2:30 - 4:45 p.m. Dinner is from 5 - 9 p.m. And there’s a deli counter with salads and desserts to go.

After dinner, take a stroll through Cambria’s East Village or along Moonstone Beach Drive. Drink in the quiet of a small town and look up at the blanket of stars in the dark sky. Inhale the salt air and fragrances of delicious food. Dream of the time when you will return.
Robin’s, 4095 Burton Dr., Cambria, 927-5007.

Susan McDonald is a freelance writer based in Cambria.

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