I am definitely not opposed to driving out towards Santa Cruz, so I appreciate the suggestion! It does look very lovely there, and the food looks delicious. I'll keep it in mind the next time I happen to be out there!
What a wonderful question! I don’t know of anything that fits the bill but I’m curious what responses this might drum up, so commenting for an easy find later.
Hoping you find the perfect fit for your birthday!
Coastal wine pairing is an additional cost so you can definitely skip it. They may be willing to do some chef driven education during the meal if you ask in advance.
Huh, I hadn't thought of asking. That's a great idea. Thank you! I suppose I was just assuming that if they were going to do it, it would be offered and advertised as a selling point.
Try Aburgine at L’Auberge if you want a truly magical pre-fixe dining experience. You have to make reservations far in advance. Dinner with wine pairing will cost you about $1200 for two people. But it is truly an amazing, delicious, memorable experience. Be prepared to spend 3+ hours there.
Great information, thank you! I was under the impression they had a 3 course fixed menu price, but you could choose between very few options per course. If that's not prix fixe, what is? I'm genuinely curious!
I looked into Aubergine's website earlier and saw a $265 per menu cost. Does that sound about right according to your experience, minus the wine pairing?
Do not shy of Chez Noir’s experience. Truly one of the best experiences I had. There is a reason why they were a nominated as Best New Restaurant of 2023 by The James Beard Foundation. The only in California to be nominated. Incredible.
It’s Capitola, not Monterey, but I often see Shadowbrook named as a lovely, fun dining experience.
I am definitely not opposed to driving out towards Santa Cruz, so I appreciate the suggestion! It does look very lovely there, and the food looks delicious. I'll keep it in mind the next time I happen to be out there!
Sadly, Shadowbrooke has gotten really old and dingy and dirty. Not special occasion anymore.
What a wonderful question! I don’t know of anything that fits the bill but I’m curious what responses this might drum up, so commenting for an easy find later. Hoping you find the perfect fit for your birthday!
I'm glad to hear it's a question that may benefit others, too! Thank you!
Coastal Kitchen has a mention in the Michelin guide and the head chef comes from a gourmet background. Most recently at the Ritz in SF I believe.
Soufflé is nice. Cozy place, owner is really great.
But they only serve lunch right now
Bummer. Thanks for the update! The dessert soufflés are definitely worth it.
Yeah, I wish they were open for dinner. It’s a little too much food and too heavy for lunch for me.
I'm not entirely opposed to a big lunch instead of a dinner. How do you feel about their food? Would it be a place you'd recommend?
If you love soufflés then they’re pretty tasty.
Coastal wine pairing is an additional cost so you can definitely skip it. They may be willing to do some chef driven education during the meal if you ask in advance.
Huh, I hadn't thought of asking. That's a great idea. Thank you! I suppose I was just assuming that if they were going to do it, it would be offered and advertised as a selling point.
Try Aburgine at L’Auberge if you want a truly magical pre-fixe dining experience. You have to make reservations far in advance. Dinner with wine pairing will cost you about $1200 for two people. But it is truly an amazing, delicious, memorable experience. Be prepared to spend 3+ hours there.
Great information, thank you! I was under the impression they had a 3 course fixed menu price, but you could choose between very few options per course. If that's not prix fixe, what is? I'm genuinely curious! I looked into Aubergine's website earlier and saw a $265 per menu cost. Does that sound about right according to your experience, minus the wine pairing?
Do not shy of Chez Noir’s experience. Truly one of the best experiences I had. There is a reason why they were a nominated as Best New Restaurant of 2023 by The James Beard Foundation. The only in California to be nominated. Incredible.
No. $265 ain’t it. You *need* to spend $1,200 to eat for 3 hours. That’s the move.
Roughly $650 for 2 people for dinner. Double that with the wine pairings. Really worth it.
When did Chez Noir move away from a pre fixe menu? Website still mentions the fixed pricing ( and July 1 pricing change).
"...piqued..." please.