From bourbon & barbeque to grape stomps and lavender harvest, BERNARDUS LODGE & SPA announces its Annual Line Up Of Edibles, Events & Culinary AdventureS
No culinary stoned unturned in this annual lineup, which spans a salute to the Lodge’s annual lavender harvest to an evening of sheer decadence focused on the world’s top treasures. Back by popular demand, chef Cal Stamenov’s 4th Annual Craftsmen Exchange (October 27) delivers a culinary cache of local artisans, cheese mongers and fungi foragers for a convivial afternoon.
EPICUREAN PLAYGROUND
Carmel Valley is a unique microclimate delivering optimum conditions for growing grapes, lavender, fruit and a litany of obscure herbs and vegetables. Tucked into 28 fragrant acres of lavender, olive orchards and vineyards with sweeping Santa Lucia Range views, Bernardus Lodge & Spa savors the seasons with an enviable larder of on-property organic gardens paired with a back pocket of foragers, farmers and fishermen answering chef Cal’s call. Just 10 miles inland from the Pacific, the lodge features 73 luxurious guestrooms, including the 2016 debut of 14 exclusive guest suites and villas crafted from the ground up. Key perks include the award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, guestrooms with alfresco rain showers, butler services, complimentary Mercedes-Benz convertibles, the 5,200 sq., ft., Spa at Bernardus and a three-to-one staff ratio.
2018 EVENTS
Exhibition Kitchen Dinner: 2nd Annual Chicken & Brisket
Thursday, March 8, 2018
6:30 pm
$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity
Back by popular demand, this festive event begins with a welcome reception on the Harvest Terrace with live music and Southern inspired specialty cocktails hosted by Lost Spirits. Then step into the Harvest Room Exhibition Kitchen by Sub-Zero and Wolf as Chef Cal takes a spin on comfort food with smoked Wagyu brisket and organic fried chicken showcased in three distinct styles paired with select wines from the award-winning cellar. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Spring Equinox at The Spa
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Included in service pricing.
Renewal is on tap at the luxurious 5,300 sq., ft., Spa at Bernardus. Choose from an array of seasonal services including massage, bodywork and facials and then extend the spa day with our complimentary Spring Equinox activities including restorative yoga, Bernardus wine tasting and soap making demonstration. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Spring Solstice events.
Bourbon & Barbeque
Saturday, March 17, 2018
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$55 per person, plus tax & gratuity
Move over California red and make way for Kentucky Gold! Enjoy a spirited afternoon with select small bites, smoked treats, sweet and savory chicken waffles and chef Cal’s signature smooth culinary moves paired with a single-barrel, rye and small batch bourbons from an eclectic line up of producers across the United States.
Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 1, 2018
11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Adults $88, Children 5-12 years old $35, plus tax & gratuity
Tap off steam with a Children’s’ Ester Egg Hunt (11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) backed with a culinary cornucopia of spring’s best. The traditional grand brunch includes grilled organic vegetables, naturally-raised meats, farmhouse cheeses and sinful fresh fruit tarts, the majority of ingredients culled from chef Cal’s organic on-site gardens.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 12, 2018
11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Adults $88, Children ages 5-12 $35, plus tax & gratuity
Celebrate mom in all her glory with an afternoon at the Lodge, backed with stunning brunch buffet prepared by Chef Cal and his culinary team. Highlights include a sushi and seafood bar, local organic vegetables, naturally-raised meats, farmhouse cheeses and traditional brunch desserts. Accented by a classical harpist, the atmosphere will pamper the entire family with an afternoon of world-class service and cuisine.
Memorial Day Barbeque
Monday, May 28, 2018
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Adults $45, Children ages 5-12 $20, plus tax & gratuity
Fire up the barbeque for a day of play in sun-drenched Carmel Valley. Enjoy live music at Lucia Restaurant & Bar paired with a lip smacking barbeque featuring free range chicken, natural Angus beef, smoked Caggiano sausages, country potato salad, organic green salad and the ultimate American sidekick, corn-on-the-cob.
Father’s Day Barbeque, Beer & Bocce
Sunday, June 17, 2018
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Adults $45, Children ages 5-12 $20, plus tax & gratuity
Ah, bocce with a bourbon in hand, what more could dad ask. Settle in for an afternoon of family activities served with a side of delicious barbeque. The summer alfresco celebration includes savory free range chicken, natural Angus beef burgers, artisan sausage and plenty of garden greens from chef Cal’s organic garden.
Summer Solstice at The Spa
Tuesday, June 21, 2018
8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Included in service pricing.
The longest day of the year symbolically fires up passions and heats up hearts to the potential of life that abounds. Choose from our array of new seasonal services including massage, bodywork and facials and extend the spa day with complimentary Summer Solstice activities including a guided hike through Garland Ranch, tarot card readings and poolside Bernardus wine tasting. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Summer Solstice events.
4th of July
Tuesday, July 4, 2018
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Priced off Menu
Embrace America’s independence with live music and Lucia’s Restaurant & Bar’s alfresco setting complete with zenith-of-summer dishes and artisan cocktails inspired by our country’s biggest break up. Sunshine, bocce and a bust-out line up of luncheon treats await.
Chef Cal’s Summer Garden Tour
Every Saturday Memorial Day weekend through August (excluding August 25)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Complimentary to Lodge Guests
Bees, beets and Brussel sprouts, oh my! Join chef Cal and garden guru Mark Marino for an informative walk through the Lodge’s three-acre organic herb, flower and vegetable gardens – as well as a visit to Bernardus’ legendary Italian honey bee. This heady experience is certain to pique palates as many of the day’s pick are showcased on Lucia Restaurant’s daily menu.
Lavender Harvest Celebration
Saturday, July 14, 2018
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
$105 per person, plus tax & gratuity
Tucked throughout the Lodge’s 28-acres of lush olive trees, rosemary and rose gardens lie more than 1,000 lavender plants in full bloom. Provence in Carmel, this event is certain to please anyone who loves the scent of lavender. Glass of rosé in hand, stroll Chef Cal’s abundant organic garden and lavender beds with horticulturist Mark Marino; experience the new informative bee talk and honey tasting and slide into a unique grand lavender inspired buffet lunch with ingredients culled from our garden and vineyard. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Rose Soiree
Saturday, July 28, 2018
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity
It’s rose all day as Bernardus Lodge raises a rosy-hued glass to summer’s favorite buzz. Set in the blossoming Rose Garden, this is the event for flowing dress wear and big brimmed hats. Sip and saunter with a selection of rose wines, canapes, a seafood bar and seasonal fresh desserts.
Heirloom Tomato Lunch
Saturday, September 2, 2018
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
$115 per person, plus tax & gratuity
It’s tomato time in Carmel Valley as Chef Cal celebrates the grand fruit in a variety for formats this fall. Sip a Bloody Mary while shucking oysters alongside local farmers Dick and Bonnie Swank of Swank Farms as they guide guests through over multiple varieties of their certified organic heirloom tomatoes. After an alfresco reception, step into Lucia Restaurant for a garden inspired lunch buffet featuring Tomato Ratatouille, Carmel Valley gazpacho, roasted free range Sonoma chicken and natural prime beef. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Labor Day
Monday, September 3, 2018
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Priced off menu
The rustic ranch-chic design of Lucia Restaurant & Bar blends with a sunny Carmel Valley vibe with alfresco seating, warm hospitality, and vineyard views. Enjoy live music, dishes highlighting the start of fall while our cocktail artisans serve up autumn inspired specialty hand-crafted cocktails.
Autumn Equinox at The Spa
Saturday, September 22, 2018
8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Included in service pricing.
From guided hikes to holistic wellness experiences focused on balance, The Spa at Bernardus Lodge rejuvenates the entire being-mind, body and soul. Fall is considered the season of stability, a time in which one restores equilibrium to their life. Choose from our array of relaxation services including massage, bodywork and facials and then extend the spa day with complimentary Autumn Equinox activities including henna art, cold pressed juice bar and vino & vinyasa. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Autumn Solstice events.
3rd Annual Barbeque & Grape Stomp
Saturday, October 6, 2018
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
$85 per person, plus tax & gratuity
Pay homage to the Carmel Valley annual grape harvest with a traditional grape stomping and Bernardus Winery barrel tasting backed with savory barbeque oysters, live country music and a family-style barbeque lunch. Celebrate the 2018 vintage firsthand in Ingrid’s Vineyard with winemaker Dean DeKorth and vineyard manager Matt Shea as hosts. Space is limited and reservations are required.
4rd Annual Craftsman Exchange
Saturday, October 27, 2018
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity
An annual favorite saluting a cache of culinary superstars including seaweeds farmers, craft cheese mongers, heirloom fruit enthusiasts, local beer artisans, bee keepers, fungi foragers and wine producers for a convivial showcase of flavor and style. Enjoy a casual Carmel Valley vibe in a sophisticated setting where alfresco seating, warm hospitality, and vineyard views are paired with tastes throughout. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Thursday, November 22, 2018
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Adults $95, Children ages 5-12 $32, plus tax & gratuity; children 5 years and younger are complimentary. Traditional Thanksgiving favorites accented with Chef Cal signature cuisine.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 22, 2018
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$135 per person, plus tax & gratuity
An innovative four-course tasting menu combining intimate fireside seating overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.
4th Annual Pure Decadence Event
Thursday, December 13, 2018
6:30 pm
$350 per person, plus tax & gratuity
It’s tough at the top! Indulgence hits a high note at the annual event that continues to wow palates and literally blow minds. Celebrate the world’s top culinary treasures as the evening kicks off with caviar and a glass of champagne or black truffle martini and behind the scenes stroll into Chef Cal’s award-winning kitchen for savory bites right “off the line.” On tap are winter’s most decadent delights: France’s black truffles, Maine’s lobster, ranch-raised Wagyu beef and locally foraged golden chanterelles. Chef Cal combines these inspiring ingredients with rare wines from around the world to create the ultimate winter menu. The tasting menu exemplifies how luxury ingredients can be preserved, reinterpreted and crafted into sophisticated dishes. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
Winter Solstice at The Spa
Thursday, December 21, 2018
8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Price included in service.
The Winter Solstice is the start of the solar year and a significant time of ritual, reflection and renewal. Choose from the Spa at Bernardus Lodge’s award-winning array of relaxation services including massage, bodywork, facials or salon services and extend the spa day with complimentary Winter Solstice activities including holiday cookie and cider hour, wine tasting, fire dancers and starlight swim. Note: A minimum 50-minute service must be booked in order to enjoy the spa facilities and Winter Solstice events.
Christmas Eve Dinner – Monday, December 24, 2018, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Day Dinner – Tuesday, December 25, 2018. 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$145 per person, plus tax & gratuity
An innovative four-course tasting menu celebrating the season with intimate fireside seating overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Monday, December 31, 2018
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
$195 per person, plus tax & gratuity
Ring in the New Year with a sinful six-course tasting menu showcasing chef Cal’s culinary prowess. Focused on healthy, seasonal fare, the menu reflects on the ultimate pleasure of what exceptional dining does for your soul.
New Year’s Day Brunch with Live Music
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Price off Menu
Enjoy live music with a backdrop of a fresh New Year and sumptuous brunch.
BACKSTORY
Perennially recognized by discerning readers of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Resorts” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top Resorts” and as well as a Wine Spectatoraward recipient (2001-2017), this Forbes Travel Guide Four Star property has long set the gold standard for wine country vacationing. Reopened after a full resort renovation in 2015, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is set on 28 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender and boasts 73 luxurious guestrooms, suites & villas, the signature Spa at Bernardus Lodge, award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, a hilltop adults-only infinity Jacuzzi, an alfresco croquet and bocce court, two tennis courts and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Woodside Hotel Group, an operator of a portfolio of distinguished independent luxury properties throughout Northern California, is the management company for the property.
For information, visit www.bernarduslodge.com.
