Concept Carmel Magazine

Location: Carmel Valley / Neighbor: Katie Levitt / Submitted by: Josh Dahn “At this year’s Tularcitos family camp out, my 4 year old woke up screaming at 2 a.m. because his yellow jacket sting flared up. Trying, unsuccessfully, not to wake up hundreds of other sleeping families, I carried him away from the tent, but didn't have much of a plan after that. Thankfully, our neighbor and friend Katie Levitt was awake.

Moncada has been part of the business’s new development phase. After a career in finance and hospitality—working in San Francisco banking, Los Angeles development, and with hospitality brand SBE—Moncada returned to Salinas during the pandemic to help strengthen and expand what his family began.

A few years ago, Anna Richardson White and Conall Jones were introduced by a mutual friend who figured that the two local filmmakers should know one another. After all, Carmel Valley, which they both now call home, isn’t exactly a film industry hub. Seated together in White’s living room, she confirms to Jones: “You’re my one friend in Carmel Valley who makes films.” ‍ They first met up at Lighthouse Cinema for a local documentary screening.

Tasting Notes: Twisted Roots' winemaker’s cherished favorite and the boldest gem in its red wine collection. This wine bursts with vibrant dark fruit—juicy blackberry and ripe raspberry—woven with a hint of black pepper spice, delivering a rich, full-bodied experience without harsh tannins. Its smooth, velvety finish makes it a versatile delight, perfect for savoring solo or pairing with your holiday meal.

What if a cookie could change someone’s life? AMI CARMEL founder Annee Martin’s goal is to remind us that kindness can be as small as a cookie, but can leave a lasting impact. She’s inviting the community to be a part of her forthcoming cookie cookbook by submitting a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and the story behind it — a moment of kindness, a meaningful memory, or a tribute to someone who left a lasting impact. Email kindnesscookieproject@gmail.com by Dec. 31 for consideration.

Two familiar faces are further making waves in the local hospitality scene. As ownership partners at L’Auberge Carmel hotel, Aubergine restaurant and Carmel Beach Hotel, chef Justin Cogley and Janet Elarmo have run the day-to-day operations for some time now. This summer, the duo announced that they had acquired David Fink’s ownership shares and formed Sorasea Hospitality to manage the three properties.

Dutch Door Donuts has arrived in Healdsburg—its bright orange portal a beacon for handcrafted, fried-to-order treats, made using local and seasonal ingredients. The sequel to the 4-year-old Carmel Plaza location, which has achieved cult status and become a viral sensation, opened in September. ‍ During a recent Saturday visit, nine options enticed, including an apple fritter—typically only available on weekends—made with Honeycrisp apples and cinnamon, and coated in an apple cider glaze.

With a hot new Carmel shop—and a new home in Monterey—Lucy Michel is putting a sense of place in ceramics. Words by Kelly Martin Photos by Kelsey Wisdom Ceramicist Lucy Michel wasn’t thinking about leaving Los Angeles. She grew up there, as did her husband—as did all her friends–—and her life felt solid and unmoveable. But then Michel evacuated with her family north to a friend’s house in Carmel during the Palisades fire.

About six years ago, she drove up the coast from Los Angeles with her family. “First impressions were of a small town, not pretentious, but with a love of quality,” the Italian-born, London-based jewelry designer says via email. Qualities that “rang true as a good destination” for her brand. ‍ Once she arrived in Carmel, “I was in love with the idea of making something work there,” she recalls.

Meet the competitive truffle hunter behind the wild menu at Foray Carmel fine dining restaurant. Words by Becky Duffett Photos by Kelsey Wisdom Video by Grant Kinsey ‍ Many chefs spend their lives locked in windowless kitchens. But not Michael Chang and Caroline Singer of Carmel’s Foray restaurant, who fell in love while foraging together in Colorado. “Caroline got me into hiking when we first started dating,” Chang says.