Monthly Archives: August 2017

Aubergine – L’Auberge Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Aubergine is another name for eggplant. It is also a restaurant within L’Auberge Carmel, a hotel and spa. When D and I were dating, Carmel-by-the-Sea was our usual go-to weekend get-away. We were not big on wines back then so we preferred this quaint beach and artsy city than that of Napa. That will never happen now. We go to Napa every chance we get when in California.

This summer is no different. After a few days in Napa and SF, we were ready to head south so we booked a few days here. It sure has changed. There’s a lot more options now for wine-tasting. Proof that wine industry has indeed taken over  tourism in a big way. That point will soon be made even clearer as we drive towards Paso Robles where every inch of the hills and valleys now grow grapes.

DInner in Aubergine is on the form of an 8-course tasting menu. Growing up Asian, I always think of multiple course dining like that of a traditional Chinese banquet. I always end up so full and guilty afterwards. This experience was the furthest thing from that. Portions are well-thought of in terms of quantity and the quality is definitely above par.

We started with this absolutely amazing Bordeaux. No Cali wines tonight!
kumamoto, caviar, seawater
potato, uni, soy, shiso
asparagus, roe, shiro dashi
squid, pepper, nasturtium
abalone, cranberry bean, celery
celery root, radicchio
lamb, eggplant, quinoa
gin & tonic, fennel, lime
zucchini cake, sweet corn ice cream
chocolate, blackberry, anise-hyssop
Fresh from their bakery- macaron and white choco truffles

I cannot believe this restaurant is not Michelin-starred. I spoke to the chef and we discussed how Michelin rating has a lot to do with location and campaign. This restaurant has achieved every honor and distinction in the culinary world and rightfully so. I am a big fan of campaign and suggestion so I will definitely write to the powers-that-be in Michelin and give them my 2 cents.

Aubergine, Monte Verde at Seventh
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, 93921

 

 

 

 

a’Bouzy

Champagne-fueled concept. Have you heard of anything more enticing? I couldn’t wait for this weekend to try this place. Shawn Virene, one of the guys behind another awesome restaurant that we frequent –  Brasserrie 19, founded this gem. It boasts of more than 1000 wines on the list and 250+ of sparkling wines. With this nugget of info, me, Dave and our livers were set to go.

I ordered this a’Bouzy Mule while waiting for D to order wine. It takes him a long time to pick wines. To be fair, he did have a thousand to go through.
This is his winner. I know little about wines but I know enough that you cannot go wrong with a 2009 Bordeaux.
Tuna Watermelon Sashimi—Ahi Tuna, spicy soy caviar, watermelon,
avocado mousse
Baked Oysters —
Tomato, onion, pesto, parmesan, bacon, aromatic rock salt
Seared Diver Scallops–
Baja diver scallops, shrimp, clams, braised Swiss chard,reduced seafood broth, basil lemon oil, grilled bread
Prime Tenderloin Filet–
Prime beef center cut Filet Mignon, horseradish mashed
potato, green bean medley
Chocolate Creme Brûlée
This is my winner—Vintage Port!!!

The restaurant lived up to the hype. It was already very crowded when we left. The noise level, was kinda high. All the champagne being popped certainly made the atmosphere very festive. We realized as we left that we had three different kinds of booze and none was champagne….Clearly we need to go back!!!

The food was really good. I was already expecting that because of our really good experiences at Brasserrie 19. The drinks really floored us, though. So many good selections and really affordable. As we got home, D already looked at the wine list online that knew what bottle he was going to try next!

a’Bouzy , 2300 WESTHEIMER HOUSTON, TX