A great place which left a sour aftertaste: Restaurant Café des Artistes by Thierry Blouet (21. November 2021)
The Café des Artistes is exactly what the name suggests. A place where artists perform live music while you’re eating. And really good one. We had a harp player as well as a violinist who both played some amazing music at the table and I must say that it really was amazing! To start the dinner, I decided to go for a “Margarita Piña Habanero (Mezcal, cointreau, pineapple and habanero syrup, fresh pineapple juice, lime juice)” (220 MXN) which was good and, luckily, not as spicy as I had anticipated.
The service was super friendly and they made sure we had everything we wanted and needed and the dinner started with a little amuse bouche which was nice to get started.
Even the “bread and butter” were very enjoyable and a good omen for the rest of the evening.
I went for the “ceviche de cangrejo moro (sorbete de pepino y crocante de maiz azul)” (395 MXN) which was super interesting since the crab ceviche was enjoyable and interesting in terms of consistency. Secondly, the cucumber sorbet which they served it with was a nice refreshment to the ceviche and very enjoyable.
I loved the “taco de lechon confitado (con tortilla de maiz hecha a mano, frijol, crema de aguacate, salsa, chicharron, perejil frito, jocoque, queso de rancho)” (195 MXN) although it was a bit too big to eat it easily.
Unfortunately, we had messed something up when ordering so the risotto came with the main, but I had intended it as an interlude. However, the “risotto de hongos (mole negro, foie gras y huitlacoche confit de limon)” (210 MXN) was interesting in combination with the mole and therefore, enjoyable.
The “pulpo adobado a la plancha (flan de coliflor y queso roquefort, betabeles organicos ahumados, mousseline de habas verdes, chicharitos, salsa de vino tinto con oporto)” (490 MXN) which I had as a main was actually great since it wasn’t chewy at all which it so often is and the combination with the different beets made it into a generally tasty main course.
Since it was time to celebrate one’s birthday, I had ordered a “chile habanero con mousse de fruta de la pasion (tierra de almendra y helado de vainilla)” (160 MXN) which you can see on the right side of the mirror and which was actually interesting but also relatively spicy (as habanero so often is). In any case, the surprise was a great one since I hadn’t really expected anything but it was all the nicer being surprised and actually getting quite some tasty dessert.
I went for a great Mexican wine, the “Altotinto Elite Vino de Autor, Valle de Sto. Tomas, 2016” (3’130 MXN) but what wasn’t so great that they charged me 3’850 MXN instead of the 3’130 MXN it actually cost. And only because I checked I realized. I’m not saying it was on purpose but frankly, it just leaves a mark somehow and a bad taste – which was a pity as up until that very moment, the place was perfect! But that just left a sour aftertaste which was absolutely unnecessary!
The place itself is quite lovely inside …
… as well as outside. So you can definitely enjoy the atmosphere here with some very good live music, great food, and attentive and friendly service.
Just make sure to check your bill in the end that they do not overcharge you. Not saying this generally happens but it was just really not what one would expect from such a place. Pity for the sour aftertaste …
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Café des Artistes by Thierry Blouet
C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro
48300 Puerto Vallarta (MX)
Tel.: +52 32 22 26 72 00
Homepage: http://www.cafedesartistes.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
