Welcome!    Spring Issue 2009

Welcome to the Mirabel Properties newsletter. We’ve much news to share with you this Spring. At Aubergine, chefs Christophe and Ron have begun a series of monthly hands-on cooking classes and you’re personally invited to participate, we’ve upcoming special event lunches and dinners at both Aubergine and Cantinetta Luca, plus a new “3 for 2” overnight hotel package at L’Auberge Carmel. Construction is moving along quickly on our new hotel in Yountville. You can read all the details in this issue. And please take a moment to enter our contest to be eligible to win dinner for two in Cantinetta Luca.

I hope to welcome you personally during your next visit to one of our restaurants or hotel.

Best regards,
David Fink


HOTEL OFFER
L’Auberge Carmel - Member Relais & Chateaux
“3 for 2” Package

Guest RoomTo welcome our spring travelers to Carmel by-the-Sea, L’Auberge Carmel is offering a special Spring offer; stay three nights for the price of two. Rates for this offer begin at $295 per night, and are available through May 31, 2009, Sunday through Thursday nights. It’s a great time to visit. Take advantage of this rate soon. Your stay includes:
· Three nights in a thoughtfully appointed guest room
. Nightly turndown service with special treats
. French country-style breakfast for two each morning
. House-made, natural fresh fruit essence water at check-in
. Preferred seating at award-winning Aubergine Restaurant
rates start at $295* per room, per night
Please call reservations for room availability, rates and more information at 831-622-5907.

*Subject to availability and valid Sunday through Thursday only. Additional taxes, resort and service fees apply. Excludes holidays and special events. Valid through May 31, 2009. Offer is based on published rates and averaged over the three day stay.


SPECIAL EVENTS

Cooking Classes at Aubergine
Hands onFood lovers and amateur chefs can indulge their passion for cooking by being among the small group gathering in the kitchen at Aubergine where acclaimed chefs Christophe Grosjean and Ron Mendoza are leading hands-on sessions of professional cooking techniques.

The featured monthly ingredient of upcoming pastry classes taught by Ron Mendoza, former pastry chef at the French Laundry are:

Ron MendozaApril 22, Wednesday -Chocolate ganache for truffles, sauces, tart fillings, mousse and more.

May 20, Wednesday -Pate a Choux: the workhorse dough for creating profiteroles, gougeres, eclairs, beignets and churros

June 24, Wednesday -Summer berries to feature in sauces and compotes, braising techniques.


Christophe GrosjeanExecutive chef Christophe Grosjean, our young Frenchman who has cooked in some of the world’s greatest kitchens, will teach a variety of cooking techniques and use of ingredients focused on “savories” on Thursdays; April 23, May 21, and June 25.

Classes take place from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and are limited to 10 people. The cost is $100 per person, plus tax and service fee. Overnight accommodations are available at a special cooking class rate of $225 per guest room and include breakfast for two. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 831-622-5907.


Bordeaux Estates Wine Maker Dinner at Aubergine
Chateau Lagrange and Chateau d’Issan
April 17, 2009

AubergineAubergine is honored to present the Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux estates of Chateau Lagrange and Chateau d’Issan at a dinner especially prepared to complement these great wines. From the heart of the Medoc, Grand Cru classified Chateau Lagrange produces exceptional wines that exemplify great Saint Julien Bordeaux. In Margaux, Grand Cru classified Chateau d’Issan has been making celebrated wines since at least 1152. Special guests Emmanuel Cruse, wine maker and the owner of Chateau d’Issan, and Bruno Eynard, wine maker and general manager of Chateau Lagrange will be on hand to participate in this extraordinary evening of food and wine.

Executive Chef Christophe Grosjean has especially created a beautiful menu befitting these spectacular wines. (click here to read the entire menu)

The evening begins with a 6:30 reception followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Seating is limited for the $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity event. Please make your reservations early, telephone 831-624-8578.


Cantinetta Luca
Terrabianca Wine Luncheon
Friday, April 17, 2009

Cantinetta LucaMaya Guldener, daughter of famed winery owner/winemaker Roberto Guldener, will be the special guest at this four-course luncheon featuring the wines of Terrabianca. The historic winery is located at the heart of the Chianti Classico region, in the middle of Tuscany. Limited seating available to this special $65 all inclusive event. Telephone 831-625-6500 to make your reservation.


Cantinetta Luca Announces
Pizza Night - Festa Della Pizza!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
from 5 - 9 pm
Cantinetta Luca PizzaYou’re invited to our first pizza-only night at Cantinetta Luca. Chef Jason Balistrieri will be offering an a la carte menu consisting only of pizza, representing styles from the north of Italy down to Sicily and everything in between. 16 different pizza pies presented in a variety of shapes and sizes from antipasti size to a metro pizza serving 6-8 people. A la carte pricing from $8 - $48. One Night Only!
Don’t miss it. Call for reservations! 831-625-6500.




“Antipasti & Vino” Half Price at Cantinetta Luca
7 Days A Week from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Cantinetta LucaBring your friends or come and make new ones at our late afternoon “Antipasti & Vino” gathering. Enjoy half price off antipasti and wines by the glass every day from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. The perfect way to wind down the day. We won’t call it happy hour— but we know you’ll be happy. See you soon!


CONTEST

Enter a drawing to win dinner for two at Cantinetta Luca by answering the following question correctly:
Where is Hotel Luca located?
Email your answer to info@mirabelgroup.com. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on May 1, 2009.


Thomas Perez
Wine Director for Mirabel Properties
Ron MendozaFrom El Salvador to Carmel-by-the-Sea, with Germany, France and Spain in between, Thomas Perez has embraced the international aspects of wine, pursuing knowledge and experience with a passionate interest. It may be somewhat unusual for a young man from El Salvador to embark on a career at the highest levels of food and wine but given Thomas’ personality, palate and passion, it’s certainly not a surprise.

Thomas Perez had no idea of his future professional path when he came from El Salvador to visit his brother for a summer in Pacific Grove. But the natural beauty of the area captivated him and in 1984, he returned to finish middle school and high school on the Monterey Peninsula. (click here to read complete profile and Q&A)


Hotel Luca
Hotel Luca LogoWe wanted you to be among the first to see the new Hotel Luca logo, our newest venture, a 20-room luxury hotel, spa and restaurant located in the Napa Valley in Yountville, California. Hotel Luca is being developed and will be managed by our company, Mirabel Hotel & Restaurant Group. The hotel’s architecture will be a classic two-story Italian design. It's 90-seat restaurant, Cantinetta Piero, will feature contemporary Italian decor and cuisine. The same design team that created L’Auberge Carmel is working on Hotel Luca; Jeffrey Fink Associates is the architectural design firm for the property and the interior design will is being done by Kathleen Fink of KMF Design. Anticipated opening is Fall 2009. We’ll continue to keep you updated. hotellucanapa.com

Vineyard
Mission Street
Between Ocean and Seventh
Telephone: 831.626.7880
www.boucheecarmel.com
Dolores Street
Between Ocean and Seventh
Telephone: 831.625.6500
www.cantinettaluca.com
Monte Verde at Seventh
Telephone: 831.624.8578
www.laubergecarmel.com