Cal Stamenov, Bernardus Lodge
415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
(831) 658-3400, www.bernarduslodge.com/marinus-restaurant.aspx
He believes in the connection of food to the land, that handcrafted and artisanal beats out mass produced or frozen any day of the week and that food is at its best when it’s at its peak. Thomas Keller? Maybe. Cal Stamenov? Definitely. The esteemed chef at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley has relationships with foragers, farmers and fishermen that run deep and wide. He has his own herb and vegetable garden on the property and an orchard at home. He doesn’t need to coax flavor out of anything because he only uses what’s in season – and makes sure it’s perfectly seasoned. While Bernardus is undergoing a transition that comes with new ownership, Stamenov remains firmly in charge of the food, and it’s sexy, sumptuous food well worth the trip over the grade and into Carmel Valley.