America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants 2019
The food is as pretty as the oceanfront view at Mar’sel, where many of the ingredients are grown on site and at nearby Catalina View Gardens. Beverage Director Alicia Ajolo creates a wine list that strikes a balance between iconic producers and rebellious upstarts.
From The Sommelier: “Personally, I am very interested in how wineries are adjusting to climate change and what their long-term goals are here. I feel it provides insight into what winemakers are feeling as they walk the vineyards with all their experience in tow…I’m also finding that guests are becoming more aware and interested in organic, biodynamic and sustainable principles and are excited to learn more about this subject while enjoying a glass of wine.” —Alicia Ajolo, Mar’sel
Dish We Loved: Hand-cut nasturtium pasta with olive oil-poached baby artichoke and market vegetable ragu
