Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Chef & Hotel Profile

My early adventures at Café des Artistes began over eighteen years ago when I was invited by Puerto Vallarta Tourism to cover the amazing Gourmet International Festival, which was is now twenty-seven years old, and was the brainchild of Master Chef Trio Thierry Blouet, Heinz Reize, and Roland Menetrey, all Master Chefs dedicated to the art of fine food and wine. My visits were always filled with true chef excitement, outrageously creative tastes of the best of Puerto Vallarta cuisine and wines, as well as the beautiful ambiance of this charming city by the sea. (Photo: Chefs Heinz Reize, Thierry Blouet, Roland Menetrey)

I was so impressed by the amazing talent of Chef Blouet on my first visit to Gourmet International Festival when I was invited with other food writers to attend a cooking class in Chef Theirry's Cafe des Artistes where an open window kitchen in the lower dining room provided a perfect view of the dishes he and visiting chef Fredich Castan of St. Regis Hotel, Monarch Beach prepared and they were all so outstanding. The chefs were not only happy to answer questions but were simply adorable.

My ongoing visits were many and equally pleasurable, always with a visit from the talented chef during a stunning dinner at Café des Artistes, along with many special events featuring the divine dishes of countless talented local chefs from around the world, paired with fine wines, including introductions to many upcoming wines from Mexico, followed by exciting award ceremonies and sips of fine tequila. (Photo: Chef Heinz, Bonnie Carroll, Thierry Blouet)

The pandemic and travel closures created what seemed like a lifetime without travel, and as I was beginning to give up all hope, just like that, things opened and following a fifteen-day cruise from Sweden to Bergen on the Viking Jupiter I began plans to travel to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee, of which I am a member.

You really cannot imagine my level of happiness to have my reservation confirmed for dinner at Café des Artistes during my visit, or how overjoyed I was not only to experience this gorgeous French/Mexican cuisine once again, but to also spend a short visit with Chef Blouet and speak with his lovely wife.

The special dinner tasting I savored was another highly imaginative and delicious combination of his imaginative and artistic plates, paired with select wines lovingly poured by the sommelier, who had been there for so many years. Never get tired of being so delightfully surprised, followed by huge sighs and smiles from ear to ear.

The dining ambiance experience has been taken to another level at Café des Artistes since I’ve been away with the addition of the Troj Terrace and the Interior Garden dining areas that have both received rave reviews from patrons, including this patron.

Photo: Troj Terrace, Cafe des Artistes

“This is quite a large addition to the restaurant,” said Thierry Blouet, owner and chef, “It has been 20 years since the last renovation, so it was time for big changes.” Thierry was very involved with the remodel and worked with the interior designers, architects, and construction chief, daily. His attention to detail enabled his vision to be realized.

The Interior Garden has very colorful floor tiles, seating for 90 guests and can be reserved for private events, plus it also has floor to ceiling glass panels which can be opened to the garden where the outdoors then merges with the interior. Also, this luscious garden experience can be enhanced by opening a large portion of the roof creating a “Window style” salon enabling guests to dine under the stars. No doubt it is the ultimate elegant space to elevate your entire evening of exquisite food and drink to a dreamy dining adventure.

Below is a photo of the newest menu addition, Baked Soft Cheese from El Tuito, a quaint town 30 miles south of Puerto Vallarta that is known for itspanela. This soft white cheese made of skim milk are prepared with fingers, salted and placed in baskets, hensethe name queso de canasta or basket cheese.

The Tasting menu we savored is now six courses and can be adapted to vegetarian requests. Some of the amazing bites enjoyed included a Jerusalem artichoke Mousseline with Asian style sauce, Cacti from Labyrinth, Sea Bass with Buerre Blank and Chipoltle, Green risotto with fresh truffle, Habanero Pepper with Passion Fruit Mousse, Foie Gras Creme Brulee with Cassis Sorbet and bread all paired with selections from wines of 10 countries, as well as choices of Mexican wines from ale de Guadalupe, Valle de Parras, and upcoming regional wines from Zacatecas and Dolores Hidalgo served by skilled Sommelier Javier.

"To get to know Mexican gastronomy you must visit Cafe des Artistes, restaurant with 32 years of experience created by chef Thierry Blouet. Each space is a true display of art, beyond the beautiful murals, the pieces from thepersoal collection of the chef and the architecture, the tables decorate frank and succulent dishes..." Oh, don't miss the dazzling gift shop after dinner.

The staff shared that winter 2023 is already showing signs of being quite busy, and reservations are always recommended to experience this magical venue featuring dreamy food and can easily be made on the web in advance of your arrival in Puerto Vallarta on the web. Please Note: Addmission is open for children 8 years of age or older only. Dress code is casual elegant, no sleeveless shirts or beachwear please. Pets are not allowed in the restaurant. All photos by Bonnie Carroll unless otherwise indicated.

French cuisine Mexico inspired. More than 32 years being the Gourmet Tradition of #PuertoVallarta. Open Monday to Sunday 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

For a delightful Valentine's Day Brunch try the gorgeous Bellini Brunch at El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara, California, with bottomless Bellinis or Mimosas with Moet Chandon.

Every bite will delight, served in a beautiful diningroom or on the outside patio, overlooking one of the most beautiful views of the Santa Barbara Riviera. For reservations visit: www.belond.com.