Patrick_y's report captures the exclusive Rolls Royce and Vacheron Constantin dinner held during Monterey Car Week, offering a rare glimpse into the intersection of luxury automobiles and haute horlogerie. This piece highlights the synergistic relationship between two brands synonymous with craftsmanship and exclusivity. Readers will appreciate the detailed account of an event that celebrates bespoke luxury and shared values.
Every year for the past several years, Rolls Royce has let a home in the Monterey area to serve as their "Rolls Royce Villa" during the week of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This year, Rolls Royce chose a private residence nestled high in the mountains of Carmel Valley within the Tehama Golf Club, a super-exclusive golf community owned by the famous actor Clint Eastwood.
The long road within Tehama...
...being wafted to the Rolls Royce Villa (I'm in the front seat).
The scenery passes by, the car is quiet, almost eerily quiet.
The villa, at last...
The view of the Pacific Ocean from the rear patio...
The view indoors is not so bad either...
Wheres the watchmaker?
Our host, Mister Archibald of Rolls Royce making his welcome speech.
Mister Archibald passing the microphone to Monsieur De-Pins of Vacheron Constantin who welcomes the guests...
Chef Thomas Keller (who owns a Vacheron Constantine timepiece) explaining his inspiration for each of the dishes; for instance one dish he chamfered the edges of all the carrots to match it to watchmaking.
My place setting; total of 60 guests over 8 tables.
1st Course. "Silver and Platinum" with yogurt-garden dill panna cotta, English cucumber glaze, Buckwheat, and California White Sturgeon Caviar
Silver is a part of Rolls Royce heritage, as is platinum with Vacheron Constantin, explained Chef Keller. That was platinum foil to be consumed. Panna cotta was underneath the English cucumber glaze...
Bread and butter from Bouchon Bakery
2nd Course. "Anglage" Big island hearts of palm, medjool dates, French Laundry Garden carrots (notice the bevelled edge), young coconut and Madras curry.
The bevelled carrots do look like the anglage on plates in watch movements. But Chef Keller didn't realize that the Palm heart looked a bit like the heart-shaped reset-cam in a chronograph. Rorschach test syndrome with food? The sun was setting, Im turning around...
Infinity edge pool, Rolls Royce car, view of Carmel Valley, Pacific Ocean, clouds coming in...
3rd Course. "Patrimony" Dover Sole "Veronique," Sultana raisin-brioche stuffing, green grapes and "Mousseline au Vin Blanc"
The view of the inside.
4th Course. "Best Made Better" Snake River Farms "Calotte de Boeuf Grillee," "Complicated" short ribs, Yukon gold potatoes, king trumpet mushrooms, watercress pudding and "Sauce Raifort"
Chef Keller explained to the group, these are "Short" short-ribs. Hence, "Best Made Better." Similar to a quote said by Sir Henry Royce.
5th Course. "Metiers d' Art" "lord of the Hundreds," Toasted sweet corn cake, "enameled" figs, fennel bulb, sylvetta arugula and aged balsamic vinegar.
Fog rolling in...
Lots of fog...
A blank canvas...
Toppings. Add as many or as little as you please...
A vat of caramel...
6th Course. "Bespoke" A hand-crafted chocolate tart with condiments. A bespoke creation by each individual guest, no two are alike. I think I got mine "fully loaded."
Mignardises; (from top) hazelnut, peanut butter and jelly, peppermint, passion fruit, coconut, and salted caramel.
Schramsberg, Extra Brut, "Cuvee French Laundry," California 2007
Chappellet, Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2010 and Larkmead, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2009. The Chardonnay was truly exceptional, not overly woody at all.
The end of the evening...
The Rolls Royce Aviator Coupe. This year, Rolls Royce is making a very special vehicle for a small group of car collectors; the Rolls Royce Aviator coupe which celebrates the life of Charles Rolls. Charles Rolls was one of the co-founders of Rolls Royce and was not only passionate about automobiles, but also passionate about airplanes. He owned one of the first planes licensed by the Wright Brothers, and unfortunately he was also one of the first to perish from an aviation accident. This particular vehicle truly combines many unique and aeronautical features into an automobile; a solid leather floor, pieces of aluminium designed to resemble airplane parts, and even a Rolls Royce clock that appears as airplane instruments. A car that is a fitting tribute to a motorcar and airplane pioneer.
I want to thank Rolls Royce North America for the privilege of attendance, Vacheron Constantin for bringing and showcasing the beautiful timepieces, and Chef Thomas Keller and the staff at The French Laundry for the truly inspired meal. Thank you for a great evening of cars, watches, new friends and interesting discussions, and all over wonderful food and wine.
