Puerto Vallarta's Dining Scene Rises To New Heights

PUERTO VALLARTAS DINING SCENE RISES TO NEW HEIGHTS:
WORLD-RENOWN CAFI DES ARTISTES OFFERS DINERS NEW UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO, February 2004 Cafi des Artistes  often considered one of the best restaurants in the world, has expanded and will re-open in November to include the new Thierry Blouet Kitchen and the Costantini Bar to complement Cafi des Artistes world-renown reputation.

On a culinary mission to excite the palates of gourmands in Puerto Vallarta for 13 years, Thierry Blouet has been raising the bar and leading the dining revolution in Mexico. The total dining experience  from the magical setting to the artful cuisine, from the impeccable service to the celebrated 2,000 bottle wine list  has drawn dazzling accolades from critics, dignitaries, celebrities and the public throughout the years.

Cafi des Artistes, cafi of artists, is intended as a double entendre, referring to Chef Blouets ability to masterfully blend provincial Mexican flavors with classical French cuisine to create special dishes that are visual as well as epicurean works of art. But the name also indicates the commitment to showcase not only culinary masterpieces of the professional team but to create an environment in which patrons are inspired by the relationship between architecture and landscape.

Nestled in its own magical gardens, Cafi des Artistes exists in a fantasy-like setting. This 180-seat flagship restaurant offers an eclectic a la carte menu of contemporary French/Mexican cuisine and seasonal fare designed to appeal to a diverse clientele. Among some of the restaurants current crowd-pleasers: Stuffed Mussels with Scallop Mousse and Champignon on Fettuccini; Chilled Gazpacho with Achiote and Avocado Cream; Grilled Tenderloin Petals with Camembert Cheese and Chile Chilpotle Sauce, Vegetables Gratin and Crusty Paper Potatoes; and Moctezuma Chocolate Fondant served with Golden Leaf and Nutmeg Ice Cream. Prices are moderate to moderately-expensive.

The Thierry Blouet Kitchen is designed as a restaurant extension continuing the evolution of Blouet in food and philosophy that will attract a world-wide clientele. According to Chef Blouet, we wanted to design a space where we could create a relationship with guests on a deeper level, offering them the opportunity to interact with the chefs and keep all amused and excited throughout the meal. The Thierry Blouet Kitchen will provide an entirely new dining experience in Mexico, for both visitors and local clientele alike.

Located on the second floor and providing an exclusive culinary experience each evening, the Thierry Blouet Kitchen offers a look at the inner workings of the master chefs kitchen. As a vital design feature, the open kitchen can be seen from all areas. To maximize the view to the kitchen, free standing glass panels serve as partitions as well as separation. This special dining room is available by advanced reservations only.

With its modern open style, yet club-like warmth, this epicurean journey begins in a private lounge with a flute of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Guests are seated in an intimate, candlelit dining room. The Grand Tasting Menu is matched with wines prepared weekly by Executive Chef Blouet and his passionate team of chefs. Guests can choose from three, four, five, or six-courses. This menu will be featured exclusively in the Thierry Blouet Kitchen.

To add to the experiences value and the excitement of the dinner, a Sommelier will explain the pairings of ingredients and the wine matches and diners are invited into the kitchen to experience the energy first-hand of professional chefs crafting their meal. This exclusive journey continues with a selection of after dinner cordials and premium hand-rolled cigars served in the private Cognac & Cigar Room where patrons can enjoy live piano music. Whether a romantic evening for two or a small group celebration, this