Star Chefs at River Cafe, Trio & Cafe Des Artistes Shine
During Avant-Garde Progressive Dinners
|
Click
on image for caption or enlarge |
Guests
attending the XX Anniversary Festival Gourmet International
in Puerto Vallarta in November had the extreme pleasure of participating
in the Avant-Garde Progressive Dinners, which included courses
at three spectacular restaurants featuring the talent of restaurant
chefs and visiting chefs. The dinner we had the pleasure to savor
included dishes at The River Cafe, TRIO
and Cafe Des Artistes. This was a gastronomique
safari style experience that every 'foodie' dreams about.
THE
RIVER CAFE
This colorful restaurant filled with paintings and artwork by
talented Mexican artists, is located on the rivers edge of the
Rio Cuale, and is a very exciting dining venue. Their gourmet
cuisine with traditional flair is original and outstanding. The
river, live entertainment and the general ambiance of the venue
provide a tasteful yet exciting experience for guests. The lamb
dinner we enjoyed was unique in preparation and presentation,
and was paired perfectly with The River Cafe's home-made sangria.
River Cafe Lamb Entree
Chef
Roberto Gavino Chavez Oviedo of The River Cafe
is from Peru, and has formed a philosophy of responsibility, harmony
and passion for his cooking during his 18 year career. Health
cuisine concepts are paramount to Chef Roberto. Visiting guest
chef Marcos Gabriel Fulceri came to Mexico 14 years ago and is
proud to implement his personal touches to the gourmet menu of
this beautiful restaurant that has earned a best restaurant in
Mexico award. Visit www.rivercafe.com.mx
TRIO
The TRIO upstairs dining room with it's beautiful
and colorful tile bar is one of my favorite venues in Puerto Vallarto.
The ambiance is warm, elegant and upbeat, and the food is always
magnificent. They offer dining on the front patio for couples
that is private and overlooks the cobble stone street below. The
delicious salmon preparation with a Swedish flair presented by
the chef team melted like butter in the mouth, and was simply
outstanding, as was the beet salad dish. Wines served with this
memorable dinner included a red and white wine by Vinas Pijoan.
TRIO Salmon Entree
TRIO
Chef Bernhard Guth was born near the Black Forest region of Baden,
worked in Italy and New York and now creates a menu in Puerto
Vallarta that is described as "Mediteranian Cuisine with
Mexican spice." Ulf Henriksson TRIO chef
was born in Kalix, Sweden and invited guest chef Kirstoffer Andersson,
chef/co-owner of award winning Jazzkoket restaurant in Sweden,
to participate at TRIO during the festival. Visit:
www.triopv.com
CAFE
DES ARTISTES
Cafe Des Artistes is located in the heart of
Puerto Vallarta, and was founded twenty-four years ago. It is
one of the most outstanding gourmet restaurants in the world,
and the ambiance is pure magic! Per usual Cafe Des Artistes
was alive with activity and we were escorted to the rooftop dining
patio, which offers views of the lush garden restaurant outdoor
patio below.
Guest
Chef Carlos Gaytan, chef/owner of Mexique Restaurant in Chicago.
Gaytan is the first Mexican chef to get a Michelin Star. He was
working in tandem with Thierry Blouet, chef/owner of Cafe
Des Artistes to prepare a medley of beautiful and delicious
desserts, paired with Monte Xanic wine. Chef Blouet is one of
the founders of this festival, and has received countless awards
and accolades for his amazing culinary talents.
Cafe des Artistes Dessert
Our
dessert on the rooftop patio was followed by a stop at the restaurant
lounge, where live entertainment created a fun backdrop around
the exquisite dessert bar; a bar literally covered with decadent
little French desserts to pair with Patron Tequila or Moet &
Chandon Champagne. There could not be a sweeter ending to this
beautiful progressive dining experience in Puerto Vallarta than
was offered by this dynamic duo and their staff. Visit www.cafedesartistes.com.
The
29 restaurants participating in 2014 included Andrea Gourmet,
Arrecifes, Boca Dosstk, Bordeaux, Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical,
El Quincho, Emiliano, Frida, Green Bistro, Kaiser Maximilian,
La Casona, La Catrina, La Corona, La Leche, La Palapa, La Patrona,
Las Gasitas, Las Pampas, Michel's, Nicksan, Porto Bello, Punta
Arena, Sanzibar, Sea Breeze, The River Cafe, TRIO, Imanta, and
Tuna Blanca. Wine and beverage sponsors included Monte Xanic,
VINOS Wagner, Ferrer-LCM, Venos Americas, Vinoteca, Moet &
Chandon, Patron Tequila, Minerva Ale, Lavazza Coffee, Rougie and
S. Pellegrino.
For
details on the outstanding gourmet restaurants who participated
in the 2014 progressive dinners during the festival please visit:
www.festivalgourmet.com.
Bonnie Carroll
www.lifebitesnews.com