New and returning patrons of Cafe des Beaux-Arts have relished the second season of Le Bar that has added a European elegance to this charming French patio bistro overlooking El Paseo at Larkspur. With live jazz on Wednesday and Friday evenings and a tantalizing “Small Bites” menu, Café des Beaux-Arts is the perfect place to gather for the most sophisticated clientele.
The curved covered patio extends comfortable seating and is the ideal spot from which to people watch on El Paseo. Diners can choose from delectable appetizers, salads, light dinners and vegetarian dishes as well as Café des Beaux- Arts’ signature Bouillabaisse, Duck à l 'Orange and Braised Short Ribs Bourguignonne.
Many selections are offered as both half and full plates for those wanting a smaller meal or for the adventurous epicureans that like to sample several dishes. A studied variety of French and California wines have been selected to complement your meal.
For lunch, choose among exquisite salads, sandwiches, pastas and crêpes — all with a Mediterranean French touch — and specialties such as Coq au Vin and Quiche Lorraine.
Breakfast is served four days a week but with specialties like homemade French crêpes, a vegetable and cheese frittata, and mouthwatering Belgian waffles, you don’t want to miss it.
Open for breakfast Friday through Monday and for lunch and dinner daily. Children’s menu offered. Café des Beaux-Arts also accommodates private parties. Ample parking is located directly behind the restaurant.
Cafe des Beaux-Arts 73640 El Paseo (at Larkspur), Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-0669 www.CafeDesBeauxArts.com
Café des Beaux-Arts team ready to welcome guests are (from left) owner Didier Bloch; head hostess Nadège Delayen; General Manager Bob Malloch; co-owner Christina Bloch and Executive Chef Alfonso “Chino” Fong. Photography by Taylor Sherrill
Delectable French cuisine at Café des Beaux-Arts includes clockwise from bottom, Roasted Stuffed Quail with figs in Merlot sauce over rice pilaf; Red and Yellow Beets over Mesclun Salad topped with Walnuts, Goat cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette; Chicken Curry Salad over sliced Papaya; a Coupe of fresh Blue Berries, Strawberries and Raspberries with Raspberry Sorbet and Chambord; Gratin de Coquilles St. Jacques served with Basmati saffron rice. Suggested wine is Domaine de Saint-Esprit, 2010 Côtes de Provence. The painting, titled "White Rooster," is by Christina Bloch. Photography by Taylor Sherrill