2014 U.S. TOP 100 RESTAURANTS
16
AUBERGINE
RESTAURANT ADDRESS
Monte Verde St. at 7th
Carmel, CA
831-624-8578
www.laubergecarmel.com
RESTAURANT STAFF
Executive Chef: Justin Cogley
Chef de Cuisine: Aaron Koseba
Pastry Chef: Ron Mendoza
Sommelier: Marin Nadalin
GM: Nathaniel Munoz
OAD HISTORY
Ranked 39 in 2013; Ranked 66 in 2012.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Another one of our top movers, Justin Cogley’s cooking has kept Aubergine in the running for the honors of the top dining destination on the Central Coast. Cogley’s cooking is dominated by local ingredients, and you are likely to find dishes such as a chilled Dungeness crab with young coconut, roasted banana and candied peanut, Monterey Bay spot prawns with yuzu and a fennel purée emulsified with olive oil, or whole roasted Grimaud Farms duck for two with date, saffron and Szechuan peppercorns gracing his menu. A 4,500-bottle wine list means you won't have much of a problem finding something interesting to drink with your meal, and a cozy dining room (there are a mere 12 tables) make this “one of the most romantic restaurants in the country.“
Twice Shelled Peas, Bone Marrow Custard, Pickled Onion, Smoked Char Roe
Photo Courtesy of: L’Auberge Carmel