Ventana
BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA | FEBRUARY 2023
We arrived at the stunning Alila Ventana Big Sur resort with plans for a dinner in the redwood grove just down the hill, a first for the property and a magical setting for Supper. But, Big Sur is a place where you listen to the land, and the land (and sky) had other ideas. The day of the Supper emerged grey and rainy, with temperatures in the 30s — not at all ideal conditions.
So, we set up inside. We placed a perfect square of tables dressed in sage and amber like the redwood forest and snuggled up against a wood-burning fireplace. We had picture window views of the foggy hillsides falling into the ocean below, and skylights that let us hear the symphony of raindrops falling throughout dinner. Their patter was the perfect percussion to anchor the melody of convivial conversations around the table.
The beauty of Bug Sur is hard to resist, so we still spent some time outside, despite the conditions. At cocktail hour, guests collected their American Harvest Organic Vodka cocktails from the bar inside and wandered to the bluff just off the resort’s deck to take in the majesty of the view. Then, as the sun sank below the clouds, the rain let up for anyone brave enough to endure the near-freezing temperatures to enjoy dessert on the deck.
In between, there was a cozy Supper served by Chef Zachary Ladwig and his team, which showed off new facets of the region’s beauty through local sourcing of ingredients and their careful preparation, including American Lamb from a nearby farm accompanied by nettles foraged from the grounds of Ventana. Each course was artfully paired with wines from Napa Valley’s acclaimed Rombauer Vineyards, enhancing every bite with a bit of Northern California terroir. The best laid plans can’t stand up to the whims of nature, but there is no better place to be reminded of that than where the land, sea, and sky meet in Big Sur.
WELCOME
Due to the rain, we hosted cocktail hour inside with an option to spend time on the deck. A few brave guests wandered into the weather to take in the panoramic views, which were worth getting a little bit wet for.
We at least has some sun in our glasses; a citrusy, effervescent Big Sur Smash made with American Harvest Organic Vodka to start off the evening.
A MENU BY ZACHARY LADWIG
Chef Zachary refers to his work location — a steep central California hillside overlooking the ocean, where the sky, sea, and land converge — as the best of all worlds. He eagerly takes advantage of the plentiful ingredients in his own backyard. Through a community of passionate local farmers, he is able to source from the land and sea of Big Sur to create food reflective of this extremely special place.
The Supper he created was rife with site-specific touches like redwood smoke and nettles foraged right on the property, tiny, thoughtful details that couldn’t come from anywhere else.
MENU
WELCOME
Parsnip Bark duck liver mousseline, preserved black walnuts, toasted buckwheat
American Lamb Culottes redwood branches, smoked mushroom garum
Hatsu Oysters heirloom apple kombucha
Cocktail: Big Sur American Harvest Organic Vodka Smash
FIRST
Fairytale Pumpkin macerated mandarin, ikura, orange oil, yogurt
Wine: 2021 Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay
SECOND
Halibut en Chemise swiss chard, young legume, shellfish cassoulet
Wine: 2020 Rombauer Vineyards Amador Valley Barbera
MAIN
American Lamb Loin nettles, foraged cress
Wine: S2019 Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
DESSERT
Ice Cream candy cap mushroom, redwood curd
Cocktail: American Harvest Organic Vodka Coffee Nightcap
WINE PAIRINGS
Wines Rombauer Vineyards were a perfect match for this Supper, from the oaky fruit of their famous Carneros Chardonnay to rich reds that balanced the bite of winter greens and grilled American Lamb.
NIGHTCAP
Just in time for dessert, the rain cleared to make way for a beautiful sunset, and many guests took their ice cream out onto the deck to enjoy it. We finished things off with the American Harvest Organic Vodka Coffee Nightcap, a twist on an espresso martini served on the rocks with an orange wedge. It offered a cozy sip to complete the chilly picture.
SECRET LOCATION: VENTANA BIG SUR
Perched in the redwoods like a luxury treehouse, Ventana Big Sur was an incredible escape for our Supper guests. Many opted to stay the weekend and relax in the spa, hike through the redwoods, or simply marvel at the views from the deck. The resort manages to enhance the unparalleled beauty fo Big Sur while remaining integrated into the marvelous surroundings.
