L’Aubergine ()

Went to L’Aubergine after running the Big Sur marathon. Food was incredible, service was impeccable, and the ambiance was quite nice. I’m not a food photographer so one of my favorite dishes (oyster) isn’t pictured.

Pictured—
Amuse-Bouche: Standouts were the abalone (furthest to the left), uni tart with ramps (front right), and the tuna tartare (back) was incredible.

Exec Chef Justin Cogley served us a stellar fish dish with the most delicately flavored lemongrass broth, rice cooked in kombu with tons of ginger and scallions

Somm was great as well. Couldn’t drink too much post race but we wanted something. He recommended this dry Riesling for our meal – masterful expression of Chenin Blanc.

2nd favorite dish of the night was this duck dish. Focused on using all parts of the duck. Leg was ground and reshaped into that meatball. Delicious, complex sauces. The breast was grilled. Fun take on a satay.

Favorite dish (least photogenic lol) was scallop with English peas and trout roe served with this insanely laminated brioche. Scallop was cooked perfectly and the dish had such an intense pea flavor that I wanted to lick the plate. Roe added just enough salinity and balance to the vegetal flavor. Buttery, flaky brioche was perfect to get every last bit of that sauce!!

I was nervous after reading a few reviews on here about the restaurant but they did not miss. Every single dish delivered which has never been the case for me. The table service was great too (crumbs, water, etc). Highly, highly recommend. I’ll definitely be back.