Aubergine's Coastal Dinner; Solstice's Last Night

The dining room at Aubergine. [Photo: Aubergine]

CARMEL—Yes, it's a bit of a drive, but the powerhouse quintet of chefs cooking with Justin Cogley at Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel next Saturday is definitely worth the trip: the lineup includes John Shields (Virginia's Town House), George Mendes (NYC's Aldea), Matthias Merges (Chicago's Yusho), Scott Anderson (Princeton, NJ's Elements), and Oakland's own James Syhabout (Commis). The theme is "Rediscovering Coastal Cuisine," and the 12-course tasting menu will be $250 ($360 with wine pairings). More info here. [EaterWire]

LOWER PAC HEIGHTS—This Saturday night is the end of the line for Solstice Lounge, which is closing after more than a decade in business. They're going out with a party for staff past and present, with signature dishes like the gorgonzola mac and cheese and the Kobe beef sliders out in full force. Drop by anytime after 5 to be a part of the Irish wake. [EaterWire]

FILLMORE—Tasting Table has chosen its six best pastry chefs of 2013, and State Bird Provisions' Nicole Krasinski is among the winners. She joins leading lights like NYC's Lauren Resler (Empellón Cocina) and Philadelphia's Jesmary Sbraga (Sbraga). As followers know, State Bird's already had quite the year, with Best New Restaurant honors from Bon Appetit and a spot on the James Beard Award longlist for the same prize. As compensation for her win, Krasinski's shared her recipe for cocoa custard (a.k.a. chocolate pudding). [Tasting Table]

SAUSALITO—If you haven't gotten around to trying Poggio's beloved-by-Bauer bollito misto cart, which features a variety of meats like beef tongue, brisket, veal breast, and oxtail accompanied by cooking broth and sauces, you have less than a week to sample it; it'll be done for the winter after next Wednesday. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that bollito misto originator Peter McNee has left and been replaced by Benjamin Balesteri, so you might not be able to get it next winter. [EaterWire]