A Favorite Restauranteur Comes To Carmel

Posted by Jolene on Jan 11, 2008.
Filed under Food, Locations, Rehearsal Dinner, Restaurants
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When Citronelle, one of Santa Barbara’s most romantic restaurants, left its home at the Santa Barbara Inn last year, I was among the fans that felt the loss. Citronelle’s owner, acclaimed chef and patissiere Michel Richard (say RishARD with zee proper French accent), used to have a café in Studio City. Though this was some time in the last millennium, I still warm to the memory of afternoons brightened by delectable croissants and café lattes. More recently, I enjoyed visiting Richard’s Santa Barbara restaurant, with its painterly colors and sunny, casually elegant ambiance.

So I was quite excited to learn that Monsieur Richard was launching a new enterprise, in gorgeous Carmel Valley: Citronelle by Michel Richard, which will debut in February 2008 as part of the newly transformed Carmel Valley Ranch. Considering how beautiful the Ranch was when I had the pleasure of staying there last year, I’m eager to see its sleek new look. (I appreciated that the suites were spacious and plush without losing that rustic flair one loves about Carmel.)

And good news for those who are planning Carmel weddings: Richard, one of the world’s most honored chefs, will also supervise the menus of the Ranch’s social events, which means an exceptional culinary experience for you and your wedding guests! The haute cooking will take its cue from the region’s fresh bounty and vintages. Intimate rehearsal dinners might be celebrated at Citronelle’s exclusive Chef’s Table in front of the restaurant’s glass wine vaults, graced by striking chandeliers. Your own private feast will be developed and specially prepared by the chef.