Spring-2023

there, we have had a rice dish on the menu since day one. It is a paella done in the tradition- al style that you might find in the Catalan region. Currently it is on the menu with all the local mushrooms that are in abundance…We make a soffritto with all of our mushroom trim and some onions and garlic and then cook that in a mushroom stock fla- vored with a bit of local kombu. It is then topped with various grilled mushrooms and a porcini crema. Then we spoon over some salsa verde and shavings of raw porcini. Last but not least, we top it off with a confit duck egg from our friend Gabriella Forte at Bee Laforte Farm out in Carmel Valley. Q: The restaurant and bar are cozy and inti- mate. How does the ambiance and service con- tribute to the dining experience? A: Monique and I always wanted a small restaurant where we could see and touch every table.We have 30 seats in the dining room and eight seats at the bar, with a patio that seats around 20 when the weather is nice. Our ideal restaurant is one that feels like it's bursting at the seams. The tables are close, the music is bumping, the lighting is just right, and there is an energy in the room that makes you feel like something exciting is to come. Tables are talking to each other and even sometimes sharing.This reminds me of some of my favorite places in Paris, New York and Rome. We often observe tables who are seated next to each other strike up a conversation. The “coziness” makes for a lively little room when it is full, and requires us to be smart about the menu and encourage sharing for many of the courses. The first two sections on the menu are caviar/ shellfish as well as snacks that are inspired by the tapas or pintxos one might find in Spain. Our service style is warm and neighborly…genuine and personal. Dinner at Chez Noir isn't like visiting some fine dining temple to a chef, it's a party! Chez Noir is located on 5th Avenue, between Dolores and San Carlos Streets in Carmel. For more information, visit www.cheznoircarmel.com or go to Instagram @cheznoircarmel. 132 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 “THE CAPITOL OF EGGS BENEDICT” Our 40th Year! Katy’s Place A Carmel Tradition Mission Between 5th and 6th (831)624-0199 www.katysplacecarmel.com Breakfast & Lunch 7:30AM to 1:00PM Tuesdays 7:30AM to 10AM Closed on Wednesdays Largest Breakfast Menu on the West Coast ® ® ® We change the menu quite a lot, so there have been quite a few dishes that I think really speak to the area.