Lucia - Review - Carmel Valley - Carmel - The Infatuation

"By day, Lucia at Bernardus Lodge & Spa is where locals and hotel guests grab a casual drink or some crab cakes and oysters. But when the sun sets and the lights dim, couples arrive in Teslas and Audis to celebrate anniversaries or enjoy a high-end date night. The chef takes inspiration from what’s available from the on-site gardens to create bright, hyper-seasonal dishes like vegetable ravioli with sunchoke celery root purée and pattypan squash, or crispy pork belly with charred carrot purée and pea relish. Order à la carte or choose the four-course tasting menu, which centers on a different star produce every month—corn, peas, asparagus, and so on. The massive wine book with 15,000-plus options is just a tad overwhelming, but your server will guide you." - Clara Hogan