Many restaurants within hotels are pleasant additions to the amenities of the property but wouldn’t stand a chance in the fierce competition of outstanding, stand-alone Southern California dining options. KITCHEN 1540, of L’Auberge Del Mar Resort, with James Beard Chef Paul McCabe at its helm, not only rises to the top for its stunning ambience on the ocean but for its inventive, award-winning cuisine, making it a destination unto itself.
Design Your Own
Charcuterie plate
Chef McCabe dances to the fashionable farm-to-table tune while adding a “choose your own adventure” aspect as well. No preset tasting menus here. Guests are encouraged to a “DIY” or “design-it-yourself” dining experience.
Sample a number of small plates, design your own cheese and charcuterie plate or simply stop by for a nightcap and a delicate dessert. And if you’d like to go for the gold with a degustation, Chef McCabe would be happy to tantilize your tastebuds in that manner as well.
Diver scallops appetizer laced with popcorn puree and salted caramel
Something for Everyone
KITCHEN1540’s menu appeals to every type of diner – an adventure seeker or a traditionalist would both be appeased. For those that love the modern ‘rock n roll’ cuisine as the trendy Ludo Lefebvre likes to do: try the divine Diver scallops appetizer laced with popcorn puree and salted caramel or the Deconstructed farm house salad. For the diner who likes tried and true items, their cheeseburger with aged cheddar and caramelized onions is one of the best in Southern California.
Deconstructed farm house salad
Modern Designs
The intricately crafted menu of KITCHEN 1540 mirrors the physical design of the restaurant. Designed by New York architect Andre Kikoski, unique design elements of KITCHEN 1540 include an open presentation kitchen, a private dining room wrapped in wine-encased walls, a friendly wine bar, and a spectacular white vaulted ceiling that opens onto a series of outdoor dining and lounge areas.
For the outdoor enthusiast, the patio features fire pits, lanterns, waterfalls and cabanas – a perfect setting to enjoy the tranquil ocean breezes as you sip on a signature cocktail.
KITCHEN 1540 Team
While Chef Paul works hard to create a dining destination spot at KITCHEN 1540, any good chef knows that their name and reputation is dependent on their team. KITCHEN 1540 has two sous chefs who also work tirelessly ensuring it is always a place people love to eat and leave planning their next visit. Sous Chef Julie Cognito plays a pivotal role in KITCHEN 1540’s team. She brings with her a wealth of experience of 14 years from perennial San Diego favorites, including Top of the Cove, Meritage Restaurant, Sbicca Bistro, J Taylor’s and Café 222. Also, another instrumental member of the KITCHEN 1540 team is Sous Chef Steve Molina. He brings a fresh twist to the table, apprenticing under Chef Paul for three years.
KITCHEN 1540 serves through out the day beginning at 6:30 am for breakfast and takes its last seating at 10 pm. Sunday brunch is also a wonderful reward at the end of a long work week. Take the family or a special someone from 6:30 am – 2:30 am, every Sunday.
Chef Paul McCabe’s Bio
Chef Paul McCabe of Kitchen 1540
Chef Paul McCabe
As Executive Chef for L’Auberge Del Mar since 2004, Chef Paul offers a wealth of experience and is even rumored to grow his own vegetables to experiment with in dishes at home before introducing them to the menu.
McCabe began his career as an apprentice for Chef Michel Blanchet of L’Ermitage restaurant in Los Angeles. He has won a number of awards, both locally and internationally, the most recent of which include the Golden Sceptre & Golden Bacchus awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers, the Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence and Best Hotel Dining by San Diego City Search. Chef Paul is also a frequent guest chef at the James Beard House in New York.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for new territory to explore or simply wanting a R & R weekend away including a luxurious dining experience… L’Auberge Del Mar Resort’s KITCHEN1540 is your e-ticket to satisfy your culinary wanderlust, only an hour and a half away from Los Angeles.
For reservations and information call 858-793-6460 or visit kitchen1540.com.
L’Auberge Del Mar
L’Auberge Del Mar is located in the heart of Southern California’s most picturesque coastal village of Del Mar. The historic seaside resort, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, has set a new standard in Southern California coastal hospitality as a result of its $25 million comprehensive property renovation completed in June 2008. The revitalized L’Auberge is an upgraded resort that is reminiscent of a welcoming, private coastal estate, including a redesign of its 120 guest rooms and suites, lobby, pool deck and more. For information or reservations, call (800)245-9757 or (858) 259-1515 or visit www.laubergedelmar.com
L'Auberge Del Mar
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