Cuistot
Inviting French Farmhouse at Entrada del Paseo

Owner Bernard Dervieux with his future entrepreneurs, Camille and Colin, at their elegant El Paseo restaurant.

Inspired by rural farmhouses from his native Lyon, France, countryside, Cuistot’s chef and owner Bernard Dervieux designed and created the fabulous 7,100-square-foot restaurant on the corner of El Paseo and Highway 111.

Melding timeless with contemporary architecture, the restaurant’s French “farmhouse” design at the west end is joined to the more contemporary east end by an arched parapet with a tower entry. Guests arrive under a luminous porte-cochere and walk under an ivy-covered trellis to the entrance.

Cuistot’s great room boasts a peaked, beamed cathedral ceiling, massive stone fireplace, and lovely patina wood bar. Nearly half of the restaurant is the open kitchen centered around a huge stove island, so seating in the surrounding dining room offers a great view of bustling chefs. From this area, a sweeping patio invites guests with its freestanding outdoor fireplace and waterfall tumbling over boulders. For intimate dining, Cuistot’s wine room is dedicated to special parties.

Cuistot’s comfortable upholstered settees, chairs, and décor are appointed in a rich palette of gold, copper, charcoal, and luminous burgundy. Tables beckon with starched white linens illuminated by candles in this warm, inviting, French country atmosphere.

Cuistot’s loyal patrons now fully appreciate that Bernard has more under his toque than the award-winning California French cuisine he has offered for the past 22 years in Palm Desert.

Trained by world-renowned chefs Paul Bocuse and Roger Vergé, Dervieux’s cuisine consistently earns top ratings from the Zagat Survey and other prestigious awards, including the Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” again this year. Cuistot is gaining even wider acclaim with such touches as a petite first course of seafood, pâté, or brioche as soon as guests are seated.

Cuistot’s inviting bar and impressive wine cellar feature premier selections from France and California that pair with the innovative California French cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations are recommended.

SHOWN ABOVE: An elegant selection from Chef Bernard’s unique menu displayed in his busy exhibition kitchen, clockwise from the bottom — Fresh Beet and Cream cheese Napoleon on Smoked Salmon; Grilled Suzuki Japanese Sea Bass served over Bamboo Rice with Asian Slaw and Ginger Champagne Vinaigrette; Peach Cobbler, fresh out of the oven, served with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream. Also shown in the background are some of the fresh ingredients utilized to create Cuistot’s great cuisine: Dover sole, giant prawns, filet mignon, asparagus, celery, scallions, and escargots.

“A warm, inviting French farmhouse atmosphere with world-class California French cuisine.”

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

APPETIZERS
Diver Scallops and Maine Lobster layered in a Filo Dough Round over Garlic Tomato Coulis with Thyme Essence.
Fresh Sashimi of Number 1 Grade Ahi with a Salad of Daikon Sprouts and Napa Cabbage.
Lobster Ravioli with Truffle and Chive Sauce

ENTRÉES
Skillet-Roasted Veal Chop with Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, and Fresh Thyme
Quail Stuffed with Sweetbreads Served with Black Rice in a Chablis Wine Sauce
Imported Fresh Dover Sole Cooked on the Bone, Deboned in the Kitchen and Served with Hazelnut Lemon Sauce.

DESSERTS
Raspberry Feuillette
Peach Cobbler
Gourmet Fresh Sorbets

BEST OF THE CELLAR

Almost 700 Selections including:
Araujo
Bryant Family
Duckhorn
Merry Edwards
Grgich Hills
Lewis Cellars
Helen Turley’s Marcassin
Martinelli
Patz & Hall
Paul Hobbs
Peter Michael
Quilceda Creek
Rochioli
Seasmoke
Williams Selyem

Red and White Burgundies, including Valley’s Best Selection of Romanée-Conti.
Large Collection of Bordeaux
Wide Range of Vintages
Great Selection of Half Bottles
Moderately Priced

CUISTOT
72-595 EL PASEO
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260
(760) 340-1000

More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

BY PAMELA BIERI
PHOTOGRAPHY: TAYLOR SHERRILL / ASSISTANT: KYLE MARTIN
FOOD STYLIST: DONNA CURRAN