Local Flavors & Culinary Journeys

Coastal tasting table with local seafood and wine at Affina Carmel

Local Flavors & Culinary Journeys

Affina Carmel | Boutique Hotel & Coastal Retreat

Tide-to-table dining, winemaker dinners, and hands-on food adventures shaped by the California coast.

Taste the Coast, Meet the Makers

From fog-kissed vineyards to docks at dawn, our culinary team partners with farmers, fishers, and artisans to bring you thoughtfully sourced menus and immersive experiences. Savor seasonal prix fixe dinners, forage with our guides, and learn the stories behind every plate and pour.

Basket of citrus and herbs

At a Glance
Chef’s tasting • Winemaker dinners • Coastal foraging • Farm tours • Oyster shucking • Mixology labs • Vegetarian/Vegan/GF routes

Seafood platter with coastal herbs
Vineyard rows at golden hour
Chef plating seasonal vegetables

Signature Experiences

Winemaker dinner pairing in candlelight

Winemaker Dinner Series

Multi-course menus paired with limited-release bottles and maker stories.

Foraging guide with basket near the shore

Coastal Foraging Walk

Identify edible shoreline plants, then taste them in a chef-led demo.

Fresh oysters on crushed ice

Oyster & Bubbles Lab

Shuck like a pro; compare terroir of coastal oysters with sparkling wines.

Programs rotate by season and availability of local partners.

Chef’s Coastal Menu (Sample)

Citrus-cured fish crudo with herbs

Citrus Shore Crudo

Meyer lemon, sea fennel, chili oil. GF

Handmade pasta with seasonal vegetables

Garden Hand-Cut Pasta

Charred leek butter, roasted mushrooms, breadcrumbs. V (no crumbs = GF)

Seared fish with coastal greens

Day-Boat Catch

Brown butter, caper leaves, new potato. GF

Herb-roasted chicken with jus

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Crispy polenta, charred citrus jus. GF

Seasonal salad with edible flowers

Coastal Greens

Citrus vinaigrette, herbs, edible blooms. V • GF

Citrus tart with sorbet

Carmel Citrus Tart

Olive oil crust, sea salt meringue, sorbet. V

Menu changes with the market; please share dietary needs 48 hours in advance.

Meet Our Partners

  • Tide Line Fisheries — day-boat seafood, dock-to-kitchen logistics.
  • Sunbreak Farms — organic greens & herbs from coastal valleys.
  • Granite Point Cellars — small-lot Pinot & Chardonnay.
  • Harbor Bakery — naturally leavened breads & desserts.

Availability varies; substitutions may occur to ensure peak quality.

Farmer handing fresh produce to chef

Provenance & Sustainability

We prioritize seasonal, low-mileage ingredients and responsible fishing practices.

Journey Flow

  1. Welcome sip featuring local botanicals.
  2. Kitchen intro & ingredient provenance stories.
  3. Guided tasting with pairings and chef commentary.
  4. Optional maker Q&A and recipe notes to take home.

Hands-on cooking demo with guests

Hands-On Labs

Pasta rolling, spice blending, and zero-proof mixology sessions available by request.

Guests enjoying tasting menu at long table

Guest Note

“Every dish told a coastal story. The winemaker pairing turned dinner into an unforgettable evening.”

Wine glass and herbs on table

Reserve Your Culinary Journey

Share your dates and preferences—we’ll confirm availability and pairings.




 


Small-group seating; deposit may be required for groups of 6+.

FAQ

Are experiences open to non-guests?
Select events are open with RSVP; ask our team for the current calendar.

Do you offer zero-proof pairings?
Yes—house infusions, teas, and sodas mirror each course.

Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free routes available with notice.

Gift card envelope beside wine cork and rosemary

Gift the Experience

Gift certificates for tastings and culinary journeys—perfect for anniversaries and coastal getaways.

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