42 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {due west} sister property, Carmel Beach Hotel also enjoys the golden touch of Chef Justin, who oversees Secoya Restaurant’s onsite and in-room dining program. Currently only available to guests, Secoya’s offerings include complimentary breakfast baskets, followed by an all-day menu of elevated seaside fare and snacks. Being the closest hotel to Carmel Beach is certainly a draw, but at an easy mile or less from Chez Noir and Aubergine, the locale also maps nicely to an after-dinner stroll. Keep in mind, if Michelin star-grazing is in your plans, you’ll need to book your reservations well in advance. Michelin Guide awards the following July. Commended for “spot-on sea bass and swoon-worthy abalone,” Chez Noir became Monterey County’s second restaurant to earn one Michelin star. Befitting a tight-knit coastal community, the Aubergine team showed up at Chez Noir with a magnum of champagne to toast the news. “Now that we’re here,” notes Chef Jonny, “we just have to do it every day and maintain the standard.” ROOMS WITH A VIEW What pairs well with awardwinning cuisine? Exceptional views. And for that, Carmel Beach Hotel has every right to say, “Look at me!” This terraced cluster of historic bungalows sits just 100 steps off Carmel’s iconic stretch of sand. Opened in June 2023, Carmel Beach Hotel offers 26 guest rooms and suites, along with a spa and fitness studio, and an array of amenities like Victoria & Albert soaking tubs, private decks and fireplaces. As L’Auberge Carmel’s new WISH UPON A STAR + Michelin tire company launched its guide in 1900 to promote car travel. + Anonymous inspectors judge restaurants over a series of visits. • One Star: High-quality cooking - Worth a stop. • Two Stars: Excellent cooking - Worth a detour. • Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine - Worth a special journey. + Selection Criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chefs as expressed through their cuisine, and consistency across the entire menu and over time. star-studded getaway auberginecarmel.com cheznoircarmel.com carmelbeachhotel.com PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF BONJWING LEE ABOVE: The Carmel Beach Hotel is just steps away from the beach and an easy one-mile stroll from both Chez Noir and Aubergine restaurants.
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