|
“The art of fine cuisine: that is my passion,” claims, with a note of pride and excitement in his voice French Master Chef Jacques Chretien, owner of French Riviera Restaurant.
After following this passion for twenty years through some of the most exclusive culinary establishments in France, Belgium and Mexico, Chretien found the perfect location to settle down. Over six years ago he and his wife Sophie opened their very own restaurant right here in Cabo San Lucas.
Since then, patrons have been enjoying his fine Mediterranean-influenced French cuisine at the serene dining room that is the embodiment of elegant, aristocratic, Old World charm. The awe-inspiring views of the Sea of Cortez and Cabo’s iconic Arch, as well as the impressive open kitchen make for luxurious complements to your dining experience at French Riviera.
The luxury doesn’t end there, however. Rolls with garlic, walnut or the traditional tepanade with anchovies and black olives are so crunchy they echo in your mouth. An amuse bouche of a creamy, delicious wild mushroom soup arrives by the time you’re halfway through the wine list––a significant volume of bottlings from around the globe.
There are three tasting menus: vegetarian, seasonal and Maitres Cuisiniers that put you in the hands of the Master Chef. Fixed prices per person are $79.50, $89.50 and $125 U.S. respectively. As for the a la carte creations, one is for sure––you’re not going to doze off reading this menu. Out-of-the-ordinary appetizers, like the roasted crayfish napoleon with coriander-scented tuna and avocado tartar and rosemary-perfumed tomato emulsion, are followed by spectacular entrees. Seafood, meat and poultry dishes come with incredible sauces, reductions and fine French additions.
A thousand blessings to the steamed black snook with shredded tomato sauce with mussels au gratin and an extravagant quenelle of Sevruga caviar; the roasted Colorado veal chop, tender as a mother’s heart, comes in a good company of truffle potato puree and a tarragon-scented jus de cuisson (braising juices). Individual entrée prices range from $39.50 to $59.50 U.S.
The dessert menu features, besides the seven most mouth-watering delights, a selection of sommelier’s recommendations for each dessert. A standing ovation for Tarte Tatin––a pineapple upside down tart with fresh coconut sorbet and pineapple ravioli with a raspberry sauce, even better if accompanied by a tequila liquor.
After a dinner at French Riviera you’ll be mesmerized and intrigued by the secrets of its cuisine. One of them lies in the ingredients––think fresh salmon flied in daily from Chile; potatoes, truffles and caviar received three times a week from New York; Ensenada’s best lobster and crayfish, and the freshest organic veggies from local farmers in Todos Santos and Miraflores. Could you ask for more?
In addition to the French Riviera Restaurant the Chretiens also own the French Riviera Bakery and Cafe in San Jose del Cabo, which offers an array of delicious French baked treats and a bistro menu.
The restaurant is located in Plaza del Rey, at Km. 6.3 in the Tourist Corridor. Open daily from12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for dinner; Visa and MasterCard are accepted. For reservations call (624) 104–3124 or (624) 104–3125. ––Anna Urbanik
|
