TMTM
Carmel Valley Wine Roads!
WineChief Presents...
It's beautiful in Carmel Valley! Take off!
Click on map...
Like the Map? click here Vestra or call (530) 223- 2585 info@vestra.com
Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association
From San Francisco, Head South on Hwy 101 to Highway 17 South to Santa Cruz.
Take the Hwy 1 South Exit and head South until you see signs for Hwy 156 Monterey
Take Hwy 1 South to Carmel. Turn Right at Ocean Blvd. in to Carmel by the Sea.
Carmel by the Sea
First stop,
Carmel Plaza
Look for Sak's and Niemann Marcus on your left, head downstairs all the way in the back corner for
The Cheese Shop 831-625-2272
Kent Torrey and his staff will help you hard to find cheese,
bread and wine for a picnic on 17 Mile Drive near Pebble Beach later!
Hungry?
Try
Bouchee Restaurant Wine Bar & Wine Merchant
or try..
L'Auberge Carmel =
6Attababys!
Monte Verde at Seventh Carmel-by the-Sea
California 93921 831-624-8578
November 12, 2004
Finally! A 6Attababys! restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea!
Bravo!
The best meal anywhere in California!
Unexpected surprise...
...a seven couse Amouse Bouche?
Monterey Bay Red Abalone
Nantucket Bay Scallops, Italian Butter Bean Puree and Black Perigord Truffle Sauce
Wow! Paired perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Charles Ranch Chardonnay = 5Attababys!
Acroos the table, my guest enjoys...
Thai Curry Soup with Maine Lobster, Hawaiin King Prawn and Dungeness Crab
also incredible...
California Farm Squab
Roasted Pumpkin Risotto, Squab Ragout and Leonardi Balsamico Condimento
Notice the drip of Balsamic Vinegar about to find it's home...
Wow! Paired perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Seven Mules Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
Snake River Ranch Kobe Beef Strip Sirloin
Braised Short Rib, Local Porcini Mushrooms and Red Wine Sauce
Notice the Bone Marrow on top of the Short Rib...
and...the best piece of Romaine Lettuce I have ever tasted!
Wow! Paired perfectly with Martinelli 2002 Seven Mules Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
Next, a Stunning Cheese course...
Finally, Red Wine-Poached Seckle Pear Pear Sorbet
Wow! Paired perfectly with 2001 Lafaurie Peyraguey Sauternes = 5Attababys!
David Fink has done it again!
Walter Manzke, Executive Chef is a genius!
Maragrita Manzke, Pastry Chef is brilliant!
Thomas Perez, Sommelier Execellence in service!
Giuliano Costagliola, Maitre d' The Best in service!
L'Auberge Carmel Rocks!
L’AUBERGE CARMEL,
LUXURY INN & RESTAURANT OPENS IN CARMEL
August 4, 2004–David Fink, proprietor of Carmel’s
highly praised and successful Bouchée restaurant has opened Carmel’s
newest luxury inn and restaurant, L’Auberge Carmel, after completing a
year long renovation of the classic inn formerly known as the Sundial Lodge.
It is ideally located in the heart of Carmel, one block from Ocean Avenue on
Monte Verde Street at Seventh and a pleasant four block walk to famous Carmel
Beach.
The inn was originally built in 1929, commissioned by one of early Carmel’s most colorful figures, Allen Knight. His ideas were realized by noted San Francisco architect Albert Farr. Farr was also the architect for “Glen Allyn” in Sonoma County, the first home of Jack London. The construction work was done by Carmel’s master-builder Michael J. Murphy. The collaboration resulted in a three story wood frame and stucco building that captured the aesthetic sense of Carmel as a village in the forest. The inn’s European style architecture focuses around a classic brick courtyard and upper floor rooms offer a peek of Carmel Bay.
Kathleen Fink, David Fink’s wife and business partner was responsible for the interior design of the inn, as well as design of Bouchée. The restoration at L’Auberge Carmel reconfigured all of the 20 guest rooms, the entrance, and landscaping. The restaurant was completely rebuilt as well, including a full redesign and reconstruction of the kitchen and construction of a 4-5,000 bottle wine cellar under the Inn’s brick courtyard. Throughout, the ambiance of the inn and restaurant is luxurious and romantic. Colors are comprised of warm, rich jewel tones. The new decor accents the quaint charm of the original old-world style architecture of coved plaster walls, French windows and antique doorknobs. Individually designed enlarged bath areas have radiant floor heating, some with soaking tubs, hand-hammered copper sinks and fine toiletries. Guest room walls feature original black and white photography by Helmut Horn, and offer comfortably furnished seating areas. Luxurious designer beds are topped with romantic linens and cozy down bedding. L’Auberge Carmel is one of the village by the sea’s few full service inns offering guests valet parking, room service and highly personalized guest services.
The Restaurant at L’Auberge Carmel is the newest endeavor for executive chef Walter Manzke of Bouchée. “With the success of Bouchée, I’m well aware that people will have high expectations from the new restaurant,” states Manzke. “Because it is so small - only 12 tables - we plan on taking the dining experience to a high level. We would hope that guests would come to stay at L’Auberge Carmel specifically for the cuisine.”
L’Auberge Carmel is a labor of love for long time hospitality industry veteran Fink. Formerly general manager of Highlands Inn, Fink was cofounder of the Masters of Food & Wine, and general manager of the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Manzke, formerly executive chef of Patina in Los Angeles, worked for six years with Joachim Splichal and developed his career in some of the world’s best kitchens including those of chefs Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo and Ferran Adria at El Bulli in Spain. Chris Bradford, wine director of Bouchée, oversees the restaurant’s expansive wine list. The collection feature wines from Monterey County, California, France and great wines from the rest of the wine world, all stored in the specially built underground wine cellar under the inn’s brick courtyard. Thomas Perez, former assistant sommelier at Bernardus Lodge, is the restaurant’s sommelier.
Rates at L’Auberge Carmel will range from $225-450 per night and include breakfast for two. Travelers interested in booking future reservations or for further information may telephone 831-624-8578. The inn’s web site is currently under construction.www.laubergecarmel.com
Next stop,
17 Mile Drive for a Picnic!
Check out Pebble Beach Lodge
Pebble Beach Market
408-625-8528
Wander back to Carmel on 17 Mile Drive...
Turn Right on Hwy, 1
Turn Left on Carmel Valley Road
Next stop,
Jacque Melac at Rancho Cellars 23640 Carmel Rancho Blvd. Carmel, CA 93923 831-625-5646
As featured in Wine Spectator - Wine of the Year Retrospective Tasting
Excellent Wine Tastings in the evening here! Check here for a rare bottle, too!
Head back to Carmel Valley Road and Turn Right...
First stop,
415 Carmel Valley Road Carmel Valley, CA 93924 831-658-3400 www.bernardus.com
Marinus Restaurant = 5Attababys!
Cal Stamenov, Chef
Mark Jensen, Sommelier
Wine
Spectator - Wine of the Year Retrospective Tasting
Lunch at Marinus, Bernardus Lodge Carmel Valley, CA
Champagne Reception
1994 Roederer Estate - L'Hermitage, Anderson Valley
First, Beringer Chardonnay, 1999 Sbragia -Limited Reserve and two 1994 & 1996 Private Reserve Chardonnay!
Chardonnay paired perfectly with Butter-Braised Maine Lobster!
next, a vertical of 1986, 1992, 1994 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon!
Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with Chicken "Farci" Surprise
then, more California Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia, 1996 Opus One, 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages, 1997 Viader
Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with Prime Beef "Three Ways"
followed by a vertical of 1984 1985, 1990, 1991 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon!
Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with Artisan Cheese
Manuel Klausner speaking about the Caymus vertical!
Ken Parker's smile says it all!
and finally the Ports...
1994 Fonseca, 1994 Taylor, 1977 Fonseca, 1977 Taylor
Oh, the Ports!
Port paired perfectly with a Chocolate Cashew Tart
Michael Berry, Host, Dennis O'Boyle, Cal Stamenov Chef, Marinus, Michael Simons!
A good time was had by all!
Next stop,
Robert Talbott Winery Tasting Room
Talbott 2000 Diamond-T Estate Cuvee Audrey Unfined Unfiltered = 5Attababys!
As featured in WineChief's The Best Wines on the Market, WineChief's Favorite Chardonnay and the recent favorite Chardonnay at a blind tasting held at Rancho Cellars wine store in Carmel Valley!
Turn left out on to Carmel Velley Road.
Drive all the way back to near the end Carmel Valley Road to
18181 Cachagua Rd., Carmel Valley, CA 93924 Tel. (831) 659-2649 1-800-GALANTE
Jack Galante pouring 1999 Galante BlackJack Pasture Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon = 4Attababys!
at the recent 16th Annual Masters of Food and Wine!
Galante Vineyards 1999 Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon!
Head back to Hwy. 1 on Carmel Valley Road until you get to Hwy.1
Turn Left on Hwy. 1 and head to the Carmel Highlands!
Carmel Highlands
Head South on Hwy. 1 and look on your left for the
Carmel Highlands Station and General Store
This is where the locals shop! Look here for rare bottles of wine here, too.
Turn left and Head South on Hwy. 1 Look on your left for
Take your bottles of wine, cheese & bread for a picnic, as well!
Need a great place to stay with the best view of the Pacific Ocean in the area? Check out...
Tickle Pink Inn at Carmel Highlands 155 Highland Drive Carmel, CA 93923 831-624-1244 or 800-635-4774
A very special thank you to Krysty Parker, General Manager!
View from the Tickled Pink!
Room at the Tickle Pink Inn!
Don't miss...
Host of the Masters of Food & Wine!
Highlands Inn Sommeliers, Arvind P. Dutt & Bernabe de Luna
Click on picture to see pictures of Masters of Food & Wine!
on another night...
Wine
Spectator - Wine of the Year Retrospective Tasting
Highlands Inn Hyatt Hotels, Carmel Highlands, CA
Bernabe De Luna, sommelier
Krug anyone?
next, the Chardonnay!
Amusee Bouche paired perfectly with Chardonnay!
Chardonnay paired perfectly with Seared Day Boat Scallops!
next, Pinot Noir!
Pinot Noir paired perfectly with Grilled Breast of Quail!
then, Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
1985, 1988, 1989, 1995 Chateau Margaux vertical!
Chateaux Margaux paired perfectly with Boneless Rack of Lamb Chop!
Bernabe De Luna, sommelier pouring the next round of Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
The hits just keep coming! More Wine of the Year Cabernet Sauvignon blends!
Seared Beef Tenderloin paired perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon!
and finally, the dessert wines!
Raspberry Gratin paired perfectly with both dessert wines!
Mark Ayers, Sous Chef Pacifics Edge, Highlands Inn
Next stop,
Big Sur!
need a great place to get away?
Head south on Hwy 1 to Big Sur...
Keep going until you see...
Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920 831-527-2200
Dan Priano, General Manager
"The
Best Service in the World!"
I agree!
Glen, the best Bellman in the world!
Escorts you to your room in a Lexus SUV!
"The
Best Hotel Room in the World!"
I agree!
The Tree House!
A nook to watch the birds or read a book in the Tree House!
Wonderful Bed in the Tree House!
All the linens, towels, soaps and shampoo are available at the Mercantile Store!
View from the Hot Tub in the Tree House!
View from the back porch of the Tree House!
The Infinity Pool at Post Ranch Inn is worth the trip alone...
"The Best Food in the World!" Conde Nast Traveler Magazine
I agree!
Sierra Mar Restaurant at Post Ranch Inn = 5Attababys! 1-831-667-2800 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
Quite simply, one of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing!
Craig Von Foerster, Chef
The wine list isn't too bad, either!
Dominique Da Cruz, Wine Director
Seemless, effortless service from my server, Robert
Gracious reservations and seating from hostess, Toni
The Menu changes daily...
Four Course Prix Fixe
September 13th, 2003
Amuse-Bouche
xxx
Course One
Barbeque Quail with Chorizo-Cornbread Stuffing and Avacado Salsa Fresca paired
perfectly with the 2001 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
xxx
Course Two
Foie Gras Terrine with Caramelized Quince and Vanilla Gastrique
paired perfectly with the 2001 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
xxx
Course Three
Fennel Crusted Ahi Tuna with Fig, Proscuitto, Panzanella Salad and Balsamic Brown Butter
paired perfectly with the 2001 Testarossa Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys!
xxx
Course Four
Selection of Artisan Cheeses paired perfectly with the
2001 Brewer-Clifton Sweeney Vineyard Chardonnay = 5Attababys!
Craig, chef and Dominique, sommelier Sierra Mar! The Best!
Are you in?
Wow!
After dinner check out the stars via the telescope on the deck
and maybe dip in the soaking pool over looking the Pacific Ocean...
and walk balk to your room!
The Menu changes daily, another night...
Four Course Prix Fixe
February 21st, 2003
1988 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys! paired with...
Grilled Squab Breast with Porcini Mushroom Risotto and Red Wine Syrup
xxx
Curried Carrot Soup
xxx
Milk Braised Niman Ranch Pork Loin with Parsnip Puree and Smoked Bacon-Chantrelle Mushroom Salad
xxx
Rose Secented Glace with Pistachio Ice Cream and Strawberries
On another night...
February 19th, 2004
Four Course Prix Fixe
1999 Kistler Kistler Vineyard Pinot Noir = 5Attababys! paired perfectly with
Hoison Grilled Quail with Peanuts, Plum sauce and Asian Pear Relish
xxx
Big Sur Chanterelle Mushroom Tasting
xxx
2000 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge = 5Attababys! paired perfectly with
Roast Lamb Loin with Braised Lamb Shank Risotto, Treviso Radicchio and Porcini Jus
xxx
Chateau Malle Sauterne paired perfectly with
Maple Walnut Baklava with Poached Pear
Also, try
Ventana Inn & Spa Big Sur, CA 93920 800-628-6500
Don't miss the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park along the way! Stop for a Picnic!
Also, try
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn 1 831.667.2377 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
And Finally!
Nepenthe 1-831-667-2345 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920
Check out the view!
Click here to see the Live WebCam!
Nepenthe is a magical place! For over 50 years Nepenthe has been the place to stop and enjoy the view of Big Sur! The Deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean is legendary! Enjoy the warm friendly faces and relaxed attitude of Sue and Angus, two of the servers at Nepenthe! Excellent Wine List and Great Food! Try the Coyote Canyon 1999 Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir paired with the Crusted Goat Cheese & Roasted Garlic Appetizer as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean! Next, move in to the Niman Ranch Beef with a Caymus 1997 Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon! You won't want to leave!
Make Reservations On-line at...
Enjoy!
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