Welcome to the Mirabel Properties newsletter. 

What is a getaway worth? According to recent studies, an experiential purchase creates a "memory capital"—a reserve of happy memories that bring long-term benefits as they are recalled again and again. If you're planning a getaway to Carmel or the Napa Valley this winter, L'Auberge Carmel and Hotel Luca have a variety of exclusive hotel offers available to peak your interest. We hope you'll come stay soon and take home many happy memories.

Readers seem to love our contests. Many of you enter the giveaway contest in every issue. Please take a moment to enter our new contest to be eligible to win a $200 certificate for customized treatments at Luca Spa in Yountville.

I look forward to welcoming you personally during your next visit to one of our restaurants or hotels. Wishing you a winter season to remember.

Best regards,
David Fink

CARMEL OFFERS:
"Winter-by-the-Sea" Stay at L'Auberge Carmel
"Wine Collector's Package" at L'Auberge Carmel offer
La Maialata III Dinner at Cantinetta Luca
Holiday Events at Aubergine and Cantinetta Luca

YOUNTVILLE OFFERS:
"Wine Explorer Package" at Hotel Luca
"Moveable Feast Package - Yountville Winter Celebration"
Holiday Events at Cantinetta Piero
"Roads to Romance" Package Combines stays in Carmel and Yountville
Recipe - Panna Cotta by Ron Mendoza
Contest

DESTINATION CARMEL - HOTEL OFFERS
L'AUBERGE CARMEL - Member Relais & Chateaux

"Winter-by-the-Sea" Special Offer
Throughout the holiday season, the village of Carmel by-the-Sea twinkles with thousands of white lights. It's a memorable time to visit. Take advantage of our midweek winter stay during Carmel's most festive time of year. Rates beginning at $275 per night are available November 1, 2010 through February 28, 2011, and valid Sunday through Thursday. Your stay includes:

• Overnight accommodations in a thoughtfully appointed queen guest room
• Nightly turndown service with special treats
• French country-style breakfast for two
• House-made, natural fresh fruit essence water at check-in
• upgrade upon arrival based on availability
  

*Additional taxes and service fees apply. Excludes holidays and special events. Blackout dates may apply.

"Wine Collector's Package"
Pelerin Wines - Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation
Luxurious accommodations, dinner in an award-winning restaurant and a gift box of exceptional wines to take home—the "Wine Collector's Package" created by L'Auberge Carmel, Aubergine restaurant and Pelerin Wines brings it all together for food and wine enthusiasts. The offer includes:

• One night stay in a thoughtfully appointed king guest room
• House-made, natural fresh fruit essence water at check-in
• Four-course prix fixe dinner for two at critically acclaimed Aubergine restaurant, recently named #20 best restaurant in the USA by Gourmet magazine
• Pelerin Wines Gift Box featuring three specially selected wines.
  2007 Pelerin Wines - White Rhone Blend - Les Tournesols
  2006 Pelerin Wines - Pinot Nor - Cuveé St. Vincent
  2004 Pelerin Wines - Syrah - Les Violettes - Paraiso Vineyard
• Nightly turndown service with special treats
• European style breakfast for two
• Package prices start at: $695,* offer valid Sunday - Thursday until December 30, 2010 excluding holidays and special events. Price does not include taxes, gratuities or service fee. Weekend packages are available upon request.

Click here to read more about Pelerin Wines.

La Maialata III at Cantinetta Luca
A Celebration of the Whole Pig Dinner
Friday, December 10, 2010
In Italy, La Maialata is a feast that celebrates the pig, all its parts and the wonderful variety of ways pork can be prepared.

For one night only, in the tradition of La Maialata, executive chef Jason Balestrieri presents an evening where every dish on the menu features yet another amazing variation on the succulent maiale to include multiple selections of antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti and contorni. Make your reservations now for this very special evening.

Holidays at Aubergine

Thanksgiving
November 25
The traditional turkey dinner is taken to new dimensions in the creative hands of the Aubergine kitchen team. A four-course menu with choices in each category will re-explore Thanksgiving flavors featuring free-range, farm raised turkey, the finest seasonal ingredients and the exceptional presentation.
Seating from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m.
$105 per person, $75 wine pairing (plus tax and gratuity)

Christmas Eve Dinner at Aubergine
December 24
Join us for a luxurious and festive four-course holiday menu with choices in each category.
$105 per person,$75 wine pairing (plus tax and gratuity)
Seating from 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve at Cantinetta Luca
December 24
In addition to signature dishes and the full menu, on Christmas Eve chef Jason Balestieri's special holiday dishes will be Livornese Fishermen's Stew and house made Pannettone Budino for dessert.
Seating from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Dinner at Aubergine
December 25
We invite you to celebrate the joy of Christmas at Aubergine with a special four-course menu using the finest seasonal ingredients and exceptional presentation for your holiday dining pleasure.
Four-course menu with choices in each category
$105 per person, $75 wine pairing (plus tax and gratuity)
Seating from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.

New Year's Eve at Aubergine
December 31
Intimate, personal and refined are not words normally used to describe New Year's Eve, but if the typical New Year festivities is not for you, the exquisite menu and premium service of Aubergine may be just what you had in mind.
Four-course tasting menu
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. first seating
$105 per person, $75 wine pairing (plus tax and gratuity)

Eight-course grand tasting menu with Midnight Champagne Toast
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. seating
$175 per person,$150 wine pairing (plus tax and gratuity)

New Year's Eve at Cantinetta Luca
December 31
Ring in the New Year in the capable hands of the Cantinetta Luca staff. For the first time, on New Year's Eve, Cantinetta Luca will offer four- and five-course Chef's Menus.
First seating from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Four-course Chef's menu
$65 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
or
Second seating 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Five-course chef's menu including Prosecco and live music
$85 per person (plus tax and gratuity)

DESTINATION YOUNTVILLE - HOTEL OFFERS
HOTEL LUCA

"Wine Explorer" Package
Our new "Wine Explorer" package offers tasting visits to some of the region's best, hard-to-find boutique wineries as well as some of its most esteemed and well-known labels. While some guests may have specific tastes and preferences others may be new to the wine experience. In all cases, the "Wine Explorer" package is customized to meet guests' specific expectations, desires and palate.

Hotel Luca's "Wine Explorer" Package includes:

• One night stay in a thoughtfully appointed Courtyard King Room
  
• Piero breakfast for two
• Private driver and tour guide five-hours (all inclusive)
• Piero picnic lunch for two
• $200 gift certificate to Luca Spa
• Three-course, dinner for two at Cantinetta Piero with wine pairings
  

The all inclusive Wine Explorer" package price starts at $1145* Sunday through Thursday, and $1245* on Fridays or Saturdays. This offer is valid November 2010 through April 2011, excluding holidays and special events.

Click here to read package descriptive.

"Moveable Feast" Package
Plan a visit to the Napa Valley this winter when the crowds are fewer and the country roads less traveled. Hotel Luca is proud to participate in the town of Yountville's Second Annual "Moveable Feast", which celebrates the town's many restaurants, wine tasting rooms and hotels. Hotel Luca's "Moveable Feast " package includes:

• Accommodations in a luxury Courtyard King Room
• Piero breakfast for two each morning
• Nightly turndown service with special homemade treats
• "Moveable Feast" three-course dinner for two at Cantinetta Piero featuring Neopolitan-style wood-fired pizza and housemade pastas.
• Complimentary private wine tasting for two at Ma(i)sonry, www.maisonry.com, just steps from the hotel

The "Moveable Feast" package price begins at $299 per night, subject to availability Sunday - Thursday, January 3, 2010 through February 28, 2010. Excludes holidays and special events.
Includes all service fees and restaurant taxes, excludes hotel occupancy tax and beverages. Blackout dates apply.

Holidays at Cantinetta Piero

Thanksgiving at Piero
November 25
A traditional Thanksgiving feast. Thoughtful service and a delicious prix fixe menu combine to make a memorable day.
Seatings from 12 noon - 6:00 p.m.
$45 for adults, $25 for children under 12 (plus tax and gratuity)

Christmas Eve
December 24
In Italy many families celebrate Christmas Eve with a fish-based dinner. Come enjoy an authentic Feast of the Seven Fishes menu as created by chef Craig DiFonzo and the Cantinetta Piero kitchen team.
Christmas Eve Dinner Menu available from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Lunch Menu served 11:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Day
December 25
Select your seasonal favorites from our a la carte menu offering traditional hand-crafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas, insalta, zuppa, panini,meat, fish, poultry and a variety of other delicious dishes.
Dinner served from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Lunch Menu served 11:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

New Year's Eve
December 31
Ring in the New Year in the capable hands of the Cantinetta Piero staff. Genuine service and special prix fixe menus combine to make a superb evening and a fitting tribute to the year's end.
First Seating 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Four-course menu
$65 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
or
Second Seating 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Five-course menu includes midnight toast and live music
$85 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Lunch Menu served from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

New Year's Day January 1
Celebrate the first day of 2011 simply or over the top. The choice is yours. Our menu offers a bountiful selection of antipasti, insalta, zuppa, panini, house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, meat, fish, poultry and more.
Special Brunch Menu available from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner menu from 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

"Roads to Romance" Package
Combines Two Unforgettable Destinations: Carmel and the Napa Valley
Experience the best of two world-class destinations in one unforgettable trip: quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea and the charming wine country town of Yountville in the Napa Valley.

Altogether the "Roads to Romance" offer includes:

• Two nights accommodations at L'Auberge Carmel
  
• Welcome amenity upon arrival
  
• Four-course dinner for two at award-winning Aubergine, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity
  
• Nightly turndown with special treat
  
• French country-style breakfast for two each morning
• Two nights accommodations at Hotel Luca, Yountville, Napa Valley
  
• Dinner for two at Cantinetta Piero, excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity
  
• Country-style breakfast for two each morning
  
• Two 50-minute spa treatments of your choice at Luca Spa

Available October 2010 through December 2011, seasonal rates for the "Roads to Romance" offer range from $1729 - $2269 for Sunday - Wednesday arrivals. Weekend packages are slightly higher with rates ranging from $1879 - $2529.

Click here to read full details.

Recipe
Last year our executive pastry chef Ron Mendoza, took first place in the annual "Golden Scoop Award" competition in New York City. We've asked Ron to share one of his easier recipes. Following is a simple dessert that is sure to make a memorable impression at your next dinner party.

Herb infused Panna Cotta
by Ron Mendoza

2C milk
2C cream
1/2C sugar
3 fresh bay leaves or herbs of your choice
4 gelatin sheets, rehydrated in ice water***can be found at Williams-Sonoma or Sur La Table

Bring milk, cream, sugar, and herbs to a simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and steep 20 minutes.

Return to a simmer and add gelatin (which has been strained from water), remove from heat and strain.

Pour panna cotta into cups or glasses. Chill 4 hours until set.

Top panna cotta with fruit of your choice, diced into bite size pieces. Garnish with herbs and shaved white chocolate or crushed graham crackers.

The highlight of this dish is that the panna cotta is very soft and creamy. "I enjoy the way it is set in a glass because I can build up from it in a parfait style which leaves a wonderful presentation," shares Ron.

CONTEST
Enter a drawing to win a $200 gift certificate redeemable at Luca Spa by answering the following question correctly:
Where is Luca Spa located?
Email your answer to info@mirabelgroup.com. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on November 1, 2010.