L’Auberge Resort and Restaurant, Carmel by the Sea
Posted on Sep 01, 2009 under Archives | No Comment
L'Auberge resort
In the heart of Carmel, four blocks from the beach lies the 20 room intimate L’Auberge Resort. Modeled after a building in Prague, guestrooms contain luxe furnishings, antique travertine tiles and stand alone tubs. The lovely outdoor courtyard is the center of the complex, with rooms scattered around the patio. This is one of the most romantic places I have stayed in.
L'Auberge patio
My room was lovely, with views to the sea and to the patio.
patio view
Sea view
I received a nice welcome gift when I arrived.
Fruit welcome
I had heard rave reviews about the restaurant – only 12 tables offering an elaborate tasting menu and a 4,500 bottle wine cellar. Here is what I had when I was there:
L'Auberge restaurant
I started with a nice cru de ta from the chef.
cru de ta starter
Then came the amuse bouche of the night, a light fluffy pastry with cheddar cheese.
Pastry with cheddar cheese
Then came a refreshing cucumber gazpacho with creme frai
che and chopped cucumber. Yummy.
cucumber soup
Next was pickled beet and cobia sashimi with avocado tempura and miners lettuce with a yuzu vinaigrette.
Beet and Cobia
Then came a lovely white corn pudding with maroon carrots, fried tarragon and some maine lobster.
Corn and Lobster
The main courses included a tasty line caught local halibut with ham, manilla clams, paprika and an artichoke puree.
Artichoke and halibut
I also loved the veal selection, with milk fed veal tenderloin, mousseron mushroom, crushed potato, and a red wine shallot. Delicious.
Mousseron and Veal
Next came a great choice of cheeses served with raisin bread and seasonal accompaniments.
Cheese course
The desserts were both incredible, a vanilla “riz au lait” with juniper berry, rhubarb marmelade and sorbet and a decadent chocolate ganache little cake with raspberry sorbet and toast ice cream.
Rhubarb and vanilla, dessert number 1
chocolate and raspberry, dessert number 2
Executive Chef Christophe Grosjean came out to say hello. This was one of the best meals I have had.
Chef Christophe Grosjean
L’Auberge hotel and restaurant is a place to share with someone you love. I highly recommend visiting this wonderful gem – if you can’t get in to the hotel (which would be a shame to miss), make sure to visit for dinner. The same owner is opening up Hotel Luca in Yountville in the next few months and I can’t wait to see it. L’Auberge is located at Monte Verde at 7th Street, phone 831/624-8578 for reservations.