At Motorlux, culinary craft meets automotive artistry
Set against the striking backdrop of the Monterey Jet Center, the evening brings together exceptional chefs and distinguished beverage partners within an atmosphere defined by design, energy, and setting. Surrounded by a dynamic mix of modern and vintage aircraft and thoughtfully curated automotive displays, the experience unfolds through flavor, environment, and conversation.

Prepare to take an unforgettable culinary stroll as you indulge in global cuisine inspired by the 2026 Motorlux car classes. In addition to showcasing the best of California’s iconic food and beverage scene, acclaimed chefs, celebrated vintners and bespoke beverage partners will honor and highlight the culinary cultures of France, Italy, England and Japan.
Only at Motorlux: espresso pulled from the trunk of a 1984 Ferrari 308, cacio e pepe gnocchi finished in flaming wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, a live bluefin tuna breakdown, A5 Wagyu and caviar on the tarmac, iconic wines from Napa Valley and beyond, magnums of Shafer Hillside Select, and Champagne Billecart-Salmon beneath the wings.
2026 FOOD PARTNERS

Led by Chef Jorge Leyva, Alejandro’s was named Monterey’s Best Mexican Restaurant of 2023 for its bold, wood-fired take on traditional Mexican cuisine. Guests will enjoy hand-pressed heirloom masa birria tacos finished fresh on-site, paired with churros and burnt caramel.

An interactive bacon wall featuring three varieties of heritage-pork bacon, cured in the English countryside tradition by Chef Tony Baker.

Plant-forward, globally inspired cooking from Chef Jessica Yarr, Santa Cruz’s 2023 Foodie of the Year. Serving a deviled egg trio (vadouvan curry, dill with salmon roe, Szechuan chili crisp) with vegan avocado mousse and koji caramel.
British- and French-inspired bakes from Food Network-featured Chef Michelle Lee. Serving Banoffee Pie Trifles, Strawberry Eton Mess, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Assorted Eclairs, and Macarons.

Farm-to-table from Chef Brad Briske, one of the Central Coast’s most inventive kitchens. Serving trumpet mushroom ceviche and the “Ham Nigiri,” house-made ham with Parmesan panna cotta wrapped in crisp seaweed.

French-born Chef Jérôme Viel brings decades of European technique to the tarmac. Serving coq au vin, oyster and scallop tartare, and a live crêpe station

Led by Executive Chef Jose Mejia, La Playa Hotel brings refined coastal cuisine from Carmel-by-the-Sea’s storied seaside hotel to Motorlux. Guests will enjoy stone fruit and Jamón Ibérico flatbread with stracciatella, alongside caviar served over warm Parmesan mousse.

Named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for cheese and charcuterie boards celebrating California’s finest artisan producers. Serving a grazing presentation with seasonal accoutrements, breads, and crackers.

Michelin Bib Gourmand cooking from Chef Klaus Georis, shaped by Atelier Crenn and Quince. Serving fresh handrolls from a live bluefin tuna cutting station.

Santa Cruz’s beloved scoop shop since 1947. Serving four signature flavors and a seasonal sorbet, fresh in cups or cones.

Cacio e pepe gnocchi finished in flaming wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, live-fire porchetta, and a strolling prosciutto station. From Michelin Plate-recognized Chef Todd Fisher.

British- and French-inspired bakes from Food Network-featured Chef Michelle Lee. Serving Banoffee Pie Trifles, Strawberry Eton Mess, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Assorted Eclairs, and Macarons.

Michelin-recognized Monterey bistro led by Iron Chef America challenger Kurt Boucher. Serving Olive Oil Confit of heirloom tomato tartlets, balsamic spheres, mozzarella, micro basil.

Monterey street food at its freshest. Serving spicy tuna and salmon poké bites with crisp seaweed cucumber salad.

Inventive coastal cooking from James Beard House honoree Chef Mike Fischetti. Serving Certified Angus Beef sliders with truffle aioli and smoked onion jam, plus tuna crudo in passion fruit leche de tigre.

Hand-painted chocolates inspired by the cars on the tarmac, from pastry chef Santana Rodríguez. Plus entremets and a spiced single-origin drinking chocolate station.

Led by Co-Executive Chefs Aberlato “Lalo” Cruz Moreno and Salvador “Chava” Merlin Hernandez, Rio Grill brings bold Southwestern-California flavors to Motorlux. Guests will enjoy ancho chile-rubbed smoked pork tenderloin with goat cheese polenta and balsamic glaze.

Monterey’s beloved “Mr. Fishman,” Robbie Torrise, shucking pristine California oysters to order, backed by 35 years as one of the coast’s most trusted purveyors.

Hawaiian fusion from the team of James Beard Award winner Roy Yamaguchi and Chef de Cuisine Pablo Mellin. Serving Japanese A5 Wagyu tataki with sake soy reduction and red beet wasabi-cured Hiramasa.

Handmade Italian from Chef Rudolfo Ponce, trained at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon. Serving a live ravioli station, followed by handcrafted tiramisu.

Director of Culinary Colin Moody brings Sherwood Country Club’s refined California cuisine to Motorlux, featuring flame-kissed Wagyu, summer truffle, and caviar on milk brioche, alongside smoked diver scallop with saffron-carrot velvet.

Justin Wadstein and the Sleight of Hand Pizza team bring pizza and showmanship together at Motorlux, with crowd-pleasing dough-tossing performances and signature pies including The Killer Bees, classic Margherita, and pesto soppressata.

Led by Kristen Ridout, Toro is Carmel’s destination for sushi, oysters, and sake cocktails. Serving handrolls alongside Sakura-inspired desserts, from matcha cream puffs to lychee sake gelée.

Seasonal California cooking from Chef Ivan Guadarrama. Serving Hokkaido scallop ceviche with Monterey Bay fried seaweed chips, black garlic, and blood orange gelée.

Sustainable American caviar, farmed in California since 1984. Serving caviar on brioche with onion soubise and vinegar-lime potato crunch.

Acclaimed chef Tim Wood brings Woody’s—twice named USA Today’s Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant—to Motorlux with crispy fish and chips, bangers and mash, and sticky toffee pudding.
2026 BEVERAGE PARTNERS

Sonoma’s racing-inspired winery, with a perfect 100-point Cabernet to its name. Pouring the Racing Series (REDLINE, SHIFT, APEX, CARBON, THE 24) alongside Legacy Line selections.

Twenty-six centuries of Antinori winemaking meets the Napa estate that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Pouring Villa Antinori Bianco, Bramito Chardonnay, Peppoli Chianti Classico, and Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet.

Jesse Katz’s Bordeaux-style blends have earned multiple 100-point scores. Pouring Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, a Bordeaux red blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Family-grown Santa Lucia Highlands wines praised by Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Pouring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and AronHill Vineyard Cabernet.

One of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wine estates, Caymus has earned a devoted following for its signature Cabernet Sauvignon and family-driven approach to winemaking. Pouring selections from Caymus, Emmolo, and Mer Soleil.

Seven generations of family-owned Champagne. Pouring Le Réserve, Le Rosé, and Le Blanc de Blancs.

Elegant Carmel Pinot Noir with a philanthropic mission supporting women and youth. Pouring Juniper Jane Brut Rosé, Escolle Chardonnay, and Nicole Pinot Noir, among others.

Five decades of American luxury wine. Pouring premium Duckhorn selections, including a magnum of Howell Mountain Cabernet.

Napa Cabernet balancing power and elegance. Pouring the Faust The Pact Cabernet Sauvignon in magnum.

The winery that put the Sonoma Coast on the map. Pouring its signature coastal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

A 700-acre Carmel Valley estate founded by descendants of Carmel’s original pioneers. Pouring “Wagon Wheel” Sauvignon Blanc, Kick Ass Red, and estate Cabernets.

A historic Carmel Valley estate known for elegant, estate-grown wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir. Pouring 2025 Estate Chardonnay, 2024 Three Sisters Pinot Noir, and 2024 Estate Syrah.

Winemaker Ian Brand champions the Central Coast’s historic vineyards. Pouring La Marea Albariño, Paysan P’tit Pape, Mourvèdre, and Chardonnay.

Limited-production Napa wines from family-owned vineyard sites. Pouring Rosé of Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Oakville and Steffensen Cabernets.

Winemaker Russell Joyce captures the pure, coastal character of Monterey County. Pouring Arroyo Seco Albariño and Pinot Noir.

Burgundy royalty for more than 225 years. Pouring world-renowned Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Cabernet from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory. Pouring its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

A pioneer of California Pinot Noir. Pouring Sauvignon Blanc and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Chris Carpenter’s mountain-grown wines from Napa’s legendary Mt. Veeder appellation. Pouring Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon.

Four decades of revered estate wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Pouring Lucy Rosé, Lucia Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir.
The iconic Provence estate known for producing some of the world’s most celebrated rosés. Pouring Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé and the rare Muse de Miraval.

Back-to-back Top 100 Pinot Noirs in 2024 from family-farmed Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards. Pouring Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Powerful, elegant Cabernet from Napa’s coveted Howell Mountain hillsides. Pouring estate Chenin Blanc and two mountain Cabernets.

Home of the legendary Hillside Select. Pouring the 2022 Hillside Select in magnum, plus Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay and TD-9.

Named to Forbes’ Best Wines of 2024, made in a historic 1873 stone cellar in St. Helena. Pouring Cuvée Jane Marie Chardonnay and two vintages of Cuvée Claire Cabernet.

Bold, site-driven Santa Lucia Highlands wines from winemaker Sabrine Rodems, a Double Gold winner at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. Pouring San Saba Chardonnay and vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs.

A legendary California winery celebrated for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and commitment to sustainable winemaking. Pouring the 2022 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 2025 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Two centuries of Italian winemaking heritage. Pouring classic Zonin Prosecco.

The California State Fair’s 2022 Brewery of the Year. Pouring Dust Bowl Pils and Peace, Love & Haze Hazy IPA.

One of Champagne’s oldest and most celebrated houses, renowned for its vibrant, elegant style. Pouring Lanson Black Label Brut and Lanson Le Rosé.

Cocktails built on premium spirits from around the world. Pouring Meili Vodka cocktails, a Milam & Greene Bourbon Old Fashioned, and a Ron Abuelo Rum specialty.

Gold-medal gin distilled with botanicals foraged along the California coast, supporting ocean conservation with every bottle. Pouring the Oceanside and a Gray Whale Vodka Cosmopolitan.

A nationally recognized craft brewery rooted in Monterey’s vibrant beer scene. Pouring Mai Tai Tropical IPA, PILS Pilsner, and Howzit Punch POG Sour.

Whiskey cut with purified Pacific Ocean water, with multiple San Francisco World Spirits golds. Pouring a Peach Paper Plane and Vanilla Maple Old Fashioned.

Pouring cocktails built on Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch, from the family-owned house of William Grant & Sons.

The whiskey that redefined American rye. Pouring When Pigs Fly, an elevated Paper Plane built on WhistlePig Rye.
Three legendary Irish beer brands celebrated for their heritage, craftsmanship, and unmistakable character. Pouring Guinness Draught, Harp Lager, and Smithwick’s Red Ale.

Espresso pulled from a custom Synesso cart, staged with a vintage Piaggio Ape and classic Vespa. Captain + Stoker brings its acclaimed Central Coast coffee program to Motorlux for an unforgettable Italian-inspired espresso experience.

A unique collaboration between Champagne Cellar Master Régis Camus and Japan’s most revered sake houses, HEAVENSAKE elevates traditional sake through exceptional blending and craftsmanship. Pouring Junmai 12, Junmai Ginjo Azur, Junmai Daiginjo Orange, and Junmai Daiginjo Noir.

Espresso served from a fully functional machine built into the trunk of a 1984 Ferrari 308. Air-roasted Dark Roast and Decaf from a family roastery operating since 1935.

Italy’s iconic premium lager, celebrated for its crisp taste, refined character, and unmistakable Italian style. Bringing a touch of la dolce vita to the Motorlux tarmac.

Luxury alcohol-free sparkling wine crafted from organic French wines. Pouring Le Rosé and Le Blanc.
Japan’s oldest beer brand and a symbol of brewing excellence since 1876. Pouring Sapporo Premium Beer, renowned for its crisp character, refreshing finish, and enduring craftsmanship.

The 0.0% pairings favored by chefs and sommeliers worldwide. Pouring four signature expressions, from Salted Raspberry & Chamomile to Stewed Cherry & Coffee.

The iconic Italian aperitif celebrated for its vibrant orange hue and refreshing bittersweet character. Bringing a touch of Italian style, sophistication, and celebration to Motorlux.

Alcohol-free wines from California-grown grapes. Pouring DAYLIGHT Pinot Grigio and SUNDOWN Rosé.

A modern Italian aperitivo known for its vibrant pink hue and refreshing blend of citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Featured in the signature Sarti Spritz, bringing a fresh perspective to Italy’s celebrated aperitivo tradition.