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During the XIII Festival in November Blouet held master cooking classes with visiting chef Frederic Castan, Executive Chef of St. Regis Resort in Dana Point, California. Castan, an award winning chef of major renown presented his dishes in Blouet’s open classroom at Café des Artistes, where it was standing room only. Recipes created included a modern red pe The restaurant has many levels, and represents many art forms. Above the cooking gallery there is a magical white and silver dining room surrounded by glass, giving the feeling of dining in an atrium. The wall in front of the window’s
Cafe des Artistes
MODERN RED PEPPER GAZPACHO AND CUCUMBER GELEE Ingredients: Gazpacho When the peppers are cooked, put them in blender with tomatoes, bread, cumin, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper and Tabasco; blend well until smooth, slowly add some extra virgin olive oil while still blending. Avaocado Tian Basil Oil Cucumber Gelee Assembly It is a great presentation to bring the plate of gelee and Avocado Tian “quenelie” to your guest: then pour the gazpacho on top at the table. THE ART AND PLEASURES OF TAKING TEA AT THE GRAND DEL MAR In the Library at The Grand Del Mar, there’s a very special way to reward yourself and other worthy parties after a week of the usual stress, minutia, business and other weighty concerns. Taking tea conjures up sought after imagery of pampering, luxurious relaxation, delectable bites served on fine china, well-deserved service – all in a handsome, comforting environment. This is the way to enjoy a leisurely teatime… WHAT: Afternoon Tea at The Grand Del Mar Enjoy two-and three-course tea service, complete with Bernardaud china and Italian linens. Offerings include:
The menu also includes a selection of wines, including luxurious sips of Billecart-Salmon, Rosé, Brut, Mareuil-sur-Ay; Dow’s Tawny 20 Yr. Port; as well as sherry and dessert wines such as A. Margaine, ‘Demi-Sec’, Villers Marmery. When: Friday to Sunday – 2 to 4 p.m. Where: The Grand Del Mar
HOW: Tea service starts at $28 for two courses and $36 for three courses. For reservations, please call (858) 314-1988. About The Grand Del Mar |
The reputation of Thierry Blouet’s culinary talent is known far and wide, but upon entering the Café des Artistes you are face to face with walls full of accolades from international culinary organizations and professional gourmet associations that confirm his excellence in the world of sublime food preparation. Blouet is also one of the dynamic trio of chefs who have championed and produced the Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta that is in its XIII successful y
ear. 
pper gazpacho and cucumber gelee, olive oil poached Hawaiian escolar citrus and chipotle chili sabayon, orange oil, and a hazelnut leaf dessert served with passion fruit sorbet. 
is a waterfall garden that takes patrons to a world of light and soothing music as they savor some of the finest food in the world. The front dining at the lower level is surrounded by strings of colored glass raindrops, and this room was the sparkling venue for a wine tasting hosted by Blouet during the festival. The outside garden is on the second level 
and is filled with colorful art, and has a jungle-like feeling. Every inch of this venue is filled with beautiful art, and the restaurant is actually located across the street from the art gallery owned by chef Blouet. There is also a clubby cigar bar where patrons can enjoy a fine cigar, wine and appetizers. The wine bar boasts 50 vintages by the glass. A trip to Puerto Vallarta without a visit to Café des Artistes would be such a sin. Bon Appetit!
Executive Chef Frederic Cantan© 2008 Bonnie Carroll, All Rights Reserved
