“My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun; my hunger for her explains everything I’ve done. To howl at the moon the whole night through; and they really don’t care if I do. I’d go out of my mind, but for you.” – Sting, Sister Moon Oenology. Philanthropy. History. Music. These elements harmoniously converge at Il Palagio, the idyllic Tuscan estate of husband... Read More
The post The Tuscan Wines of Sting & Trudie Styler’s “Il Palagio”! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
In the last installment of Glamorous Getaways featuring the L'Auberge Carmel hotel, I promised details of the "Provence to Carmel" dinner held in honor of Relais & Chateaux's 60th Anniversary and I'm back to keep my promise! This special dinner featured the delightful duo of Aubergine Chef de Cuisine Justin Cogley (pictured, above right) and Chef Jacques Chibois (above left) of Relais & Chateaux's La Bastide Saint Antoine property in Provence, France who flew in especially for this event. The two Chefs teamed up to create a dreamy dégustation menu which featured both black and white truffles in a variety of creative dishes which were expertly paired with wines to enhance their respective flavors.
Truffles have been a highly sought after delicacy since the 4th century BC and are still prized due to their scarcity. Famed French gourmand Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin dubbed the elusive, über-expensive fungi "diamonds of the kitchen" due to their exorbitant price.Different types of truffles grow in a variety of countries including France, Italy, Spain and even the United States and Fall is prime season for many varieties including the black Burgundy truffle and white Alba truffle from Italy's Piedmont region. Truffles are harvested using trained "truffle dogs" whose keen sense of smell can locate them among tree roots where they commonly grow. Unlike the more pungent truffle oil which usually doesn't contain any real truffle, fresh truffles have delicate, earthy aromas and flavors and differ in taste according to the variety.
Shortly after we were seated for dinner in the lovely Aubergine dining room, a lovely amuse bouche appeared.This gift from the sea was a small oyster tied with a simple, twine bow and, when opened, revealed a lovely morsel of briny deliciousness topped with caviar which primed our palates for the feast to come.
Chef Cogley prepared the first course, a delightful Diver Scallop with Black truffle and Lemon. The beautiful presentation featured a perfectly seared, plump scallop atop a scallop shell bathed in the perfect amount of sauce and garnished with a dusting of finely chopped chives.The scallop was expertly paired with the Egly-Ouriet Brut Grand Cru Tradition Champagne whose bright acidity and rich body complemented the scallop deliciously.
Next, Chef Chibois treated us to Sea Bass cooked in Herb Stew with Fennel Purée and Lemon Coulis. The tender, flavorful fish was served atop the purée and coulis and then garnished with a frothy espuma and bright green fennel fronds.The dish looked delicious on a simple white textured plate and paired perfectly with the 2012 Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Blanc from Provence. The kiss of oak in the wine made it a wonderful match for the complexity of the sumptuous sea bass.
Chef Cogley kicked it up a notch with our next dish, a 32-day aged Duck with Charred Eggplant and White Truffle.The flavor of the succulent duck was beautifully accented by the white truffle and char of the eggplant not to mention the wine pairing, the 2010 Kazmer & Blaze Primo's Hill Pinot Noir from Carneros. The wine's red cherry fruit and spice were a perfect match for the rich texture and flavor of the duck.
The delicious duck was followed by Chef Chibois' delectable Roasted Lamb on Niçoise Pissaladiere with Black Truffle, Sesame Juice and Olive Oil. The tender, flavorful roasted lamb melted in my mouth along with the tasty accoutrements.Each bite of this dish was beautifully accentuated by the complexity of the wine, the 2008 Domaine de Trévallon Rouge, a full-bodied, Provençal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with delightful notes of black cherry, smoky plum, black tea and spice.
As a transition before our next two (yes - two!) dessert courses, Chef Cogley served a plate featuring Cranberry bean, White Truffle and Ossau Iraty. The French, sheep's milk cheese was ever so lightly melted over the cranberry beans and topped with shavings of the heavenly truffle - ooh la la!The elegant 2009 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc "La Crau" was the perfect accompaniment with opulent notes of baked apple, pear, ginger and spice.
For the Grand Finale we were in the capable hands of Aubergine Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza who rocked both black and white truffles in dessert form! We enjoyed a delicious duo of Celery Ice Cream with Black Truffle and Crispy Milk as well as White Chocolate and White Truffle.Both delightful dishes synergized with the 2011 Charles Hours Clos Uruolat Jurançon from Southwest France. The luxuriously sweet wine was a dessert in and of itself but paired remarkably well with each dish.This very special meal was a wonderful way to commemorate Relais & Chateaux's 60th Anniversary and the perfect way to spend our last night at L'Auberge Carmel in the heavenly, seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea.Bon appétit,
In the last installment of Glamorous Getaways featuring the L’Auberge Carmel hotel, I promised details of the “Provence to Carmel” dinner held in honor of Relais & Chateaux’s 60th Anniversary and I’m back to keep my promise! This special dinner featured the delightful duo of Aubergine Chef de Cuisine Justin Cogley (pictured, above right) and Chef Jacques Chibois (above left) of Relais & Chateaux’s La Bastide Saint Antoine... Read More
The post Relais & Chateaux Celebrates 60 Years with “Provence to Carmel” Truffle Dinner at Aubergine appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
For the first time in my life, I could see people living amid magnificent unspoiled scenery. When the stage coach topped the hill from Monterey and we looked down through pines and sea-fogs on Carmel Bay, it was evident that we had come, without knowing it, to our inevitable place.
After moving to Carmel in 1914, American poet Robinson Jeffers and his wife Una referred to it as their “inevitable place” and after visiting recently, it's certainly easy to understand why. At the urging of our good friends Jean and Chad, we decided to check out a different part of California rather than the well-known wine regions of the North Coast.
And just like Robinson and Una, we were inevitably and irrefutably smitten by Carmel’s beautiful coastline, lush greenery, charming cottages and perfect weather. It also didn’t hurt that it was located in close proximity to some pretty fabulous wineries as well! For more on our winery visits, read here and here.
So after spending two days in San Francisco, we took the scenic route (California State Route 1) south along the breathtakingly beautiful California coast. Our three hour jaunt culminated in the scenic 17-mile drive around the Monterey Peninsula which hugs the Pacific coastline as it wends its way through the famed Pebble Beach community. Once we reached Carmel-by-the-Sea we made our way downtown to our hotel, L’Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property located only four blocks from Carmel Beach, and within walking distance of the town’s tony art galleries, quaint boutiques and world-class restaurants.
Built in 1929, L’Auberge Carmel was commissioned by one of early Carmel’s most colorful characters, Allen Knight. He based the design on architecture he saw during his travels to Czechoslovakia and architect Albert Farr successfully brought his vision to life. While the building has seen various incarnations over the years, in 2004 it was renovated to recapture it’s original European aesthetic.
This endeavor resulted in a 2005 “Spirit of Carmel Award” from the Carmel Heritage Society. A remodel followed in 2012 which included extensive upgrades to the lobby, courtyard, all guest rooms and Aubergine restaurant. Today, the hotel maintains its aura of Old World charm which is beautifully complemented by the extraordinary customer service and attention to detail.
The boutique hotel’s 20 rooms are arranged around a lovely center courtyard which echoes the charming Old World vibe. At the time of our visit the ambiance was distinctly Autumn with plump, orange pumpkins surrounding the babbling, stone fountain in the courtyard in addition to colorful flower boxes, ivy covered archways and manicured greenery and topiaries.
The hotel’s charm is complemented by many modern amenities including flat screen TVs, Bose docking systems, wireless Internet, radiant floor heating in bathrooms, luxurious linens, and cozy down bedding in every room. The hotel also has a sleek, black Mercedes on call to whisk guests down to the beach or to your favorite restaurant in town.
It’s this lovely combination of Old and New world alongside impeccable attention to detail and customer service that’s earned L’Auberge a well-deserved spot on Travel & Leisure Magazine’s 2014 list of Top 100 Hotels in the World.
Perhaps the gem in the hotel’s crown though is its Forbes 5-star, James Beard Award-nominated restaurant, Aubergine. This intimate, jewel box of a space, which only seats twenty-two guests, features fabrics, artwork, wood and glass tile in elegant tones of beige, taupe, gold and brown. In the morning, hotel guests can enjoy Aubergine’s leisurely Signature breakfast of house-made delectables (including our favorite – pain au chocolate) in the sunny, welcoming space.
By night, however, the delightful cuisine of one of Food & Wine Magazine’sBest New Chefs of 2013, Justin Cogley, is on full display in his seasonally inspired, innovative and ever changing tasting menus. It is Chef Cogley’s integration of locally sourced ingredients and modern gastronomic techniques that is garnering him much critical acclaim, including a James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: West in 2014 and 2015. Wine is also an intrinsic part of the Aubergine experience and their carefully curated, 2,500 bottle cellar was awarded Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence in 2014.
During our stay we attended Aubergine’s special “Provence to Carmel” dinner held in honor of Relais & Châteaux’s 60 year Anniversary. This six-course, black and white truffle dinner complete with wine pairings featured guest Chef Jacques Chibois of Provence’s La Bastide Saint Antoine who was fresh in from France to team up with Chef Cogley on the special dinner.
Chefs Chibois and Cogley alternated dishes, each featuring both black and white truffles in a variety of creative and delicious incarnations. It was truly a memorable experience to be savored, and I’ll be sure to include all the delicious details in an upcoming post – I promise!
If you’re interested in planning your own Glamorous Getaway to California, I highly recommend the enchanting L’Auberge Carmel. We were thoroughly smitten by the hotel’s combination of Old World charm and modern amenities as well as the world class dining and stellar customer service. In addition to staying at this fabulous hotel, here are some of our favorite things to do there.
1.) Tour the Tor House: This historic home was built in the early 1900’s by poet Robinson Jeffers by hand from stones he found on the beach, while the outside retaining wall contains rocks from the Temple of Peking, Lava from Hawaii and a piece of the Great Wall of China.
This tour is a must for lovers of poetry, literature, history and/or architecture and who knows - you might just discover Carmel is your “inevitable place” too! Be sure to book in advance since tours fill up fast. Hour long tours are $10 for Adults, $5 for full time students 12 years old and up. www.torhouse.com
2.) Dine at Casanova: Established in 1977, this gem of a restaurant is a local favorite and will transport you to the quaint inns of France and Italy. The cuisine is utterly delicious and the wine selection is equally impressive.
While on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth the splurge and if you’re going with a group request the Van Gogh Table. Also, be sure to order the gnocchi and ask for a tour of the extensive wine cellar if you’re so inclined. www.casanovacarmel.com
3.) The Lodge at Pebble Beach: Built in 1919, this legendary California haven for discerning clientele and golf fans is definitely worth a visit!
Even if you’re not planning on playing a round of golf at least peruse the beautiful Lodge and take in a leisurely lunch at The Bench restaurant which overlooks the impressive 18th hole of the legendary golf course. www.pebblebeach.com
4.) The Inn at Spanish Bay: Nestled among majestic Monterey pines and fronted by a Scottish style links golf course that overlooks the breathtaking coastline, this oceanside retreat is beyond gorgeous.
Taking in a Monterey sunset around the firepit with cocktail(s) in hand while listening to the enchanting sounds of the bagpiper is a MUST! For more information, please click here.
5.) Wine & Cheese: Carmel makes it easy to enjoy wines produced in nearby vineyards. Rather than having to drive 45 minutes outside of town to visit a winery, most have tasting rooms in town where oenophiles can sample their wines!
Our favorites include Talbott Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards and Wrath although we did make the drive to Santa Lucia Highlands to visit the Pisoni family. For cheeses to pair with, The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza is a must!
6.) Wander the streets: Carmel is known for its enchanting, whimsical fairytale cottages with rolled eaves, rounded doors and asymmetrical stone chimneys which exist alongside shingled beach houses, modern glass homes and log cabins.
The variety of architecture adds such visual interest to any walk through town, but if you find a house you like, don’t bother looking for the number. In order to keep the town from becoming too “citified,” there are no house numbers, street lights or sidewalks outside the main street in town.
L'Auberge Carmel Fast Facts:
Room rates start at $430 and include Aubergine's Signature Breakfast
Carmel has a beautiful, mild, humidity-free climate year round with average temperatures of 60-75 degrees in the Summer and 50-65 degrees in the Winter. For this reason hotel rooms do not have central air conditioning but they do have heat.
Aubergine's daily tasting menu is $150 per person
L'Auberge Carmel | Monte Verde at Seventh | Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 | 831.624.8578 | www.laubergecarmel.com
“For the first time in my life, I could see people living amid magnificent unspoiled scenery. When the stage coach topped the hill from Monterey and we looked down through pines and sea-fogs on Carmel Bay, it was evident that we had come, without knowing it, to our inevitable place.” – Robinson Jeffers, American poet After moving to Carmel in... Read More
The post Glamorous Getaways: L’Auberge Carmel – Carmel, California! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
This #ThrowbackThursday photo comes from a trip we took to Italy for our second wedding anniversary. We spent two weeks traveling through some of Italy's beloved, historical regions and sampled a LOT of great wine along the way!One morning in Florence I woke up early. A bird was chirping very loudly on the outdoor terrace of our beautiful room at the Hotel Lungarno so I went over to close the door. Instead, I was rewarded with this view of the Palazzo Vecchio framed by the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen! It was the morning of our anniversary too, which made it that much more special.As a result of our experiences during this trip, I started studying wine the minute we returned and ultimately decided to make it my career. Have you ever been so inspired by a trip or experience that you made a big change in your life? If so, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.Cheers,
This Throwback Thursday photo comes from a trip we took to Italy for our second wedding anniversary. We spent two weeks traveling through some of Italy’s beloved, historical regions and sampled alot of great wine along the way. One morning in Florence I woke up early, a factor of the time change definitely NOT my normal inclination, and was rewarded with this view... Read More
The post Throwback Thursday: Sunrise in Florence! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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