The award winning restaurant Aubergine is located at L’Auberge Carmel, Relais & Châteaux in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Executive Chef Justin Cogley, a Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, and Executive Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza prepare skillful, ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the bounty of the region. Chef Cogley’s cuisine showcases the finest ingredients with a razor-sharp balance of deference and innovation. The two menus served nightly highlight the best ingredients of the season, enhanced by skillful technique and an eye toward varied textures and flavors. Desserts, masterfully prepared by Chef Mendoza, are irresistible complements to Cogley’s savory courses. The daily changing eight course Tasting Menu ($265 per person) is an of-the-moment celebration of seasonality and creativity. An impressive 2,500-bottle wine cellar offers renowned and undiscovered selections from famed wine regions around the world, with a particular focus on wines from Monterey County and France. For a supplement, course-by-course wine pairings are available to enhance your experience. Under the direction of Chef Cogley and his team Aubergine has enjoyed substantial acclaim. In December 2013, Cogley was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, joining an esteemed list of internationally celebrated chefs. In early 2014 Aubergine received Forbes Travel Guide’s highest Five-Star rating recognizing excellence in restaurants. Food & Wine magazine named Justin Cogley "Best New Chef" in 2013.