Local restaurateurs do more with less

The restaurant business has always been a tough go fueled by passion more than profits. Add the post-pandemic supply chain and staffing issues have made it tougher with tough decisions having to be made. Local restaurateurs, the Buschtetz family had to make those tough decisions to close two of the four restaurants.

The recipe seems to have worked at Chandler’s Cuisine & Wine Bistro which earned 4.8 out of 5 stars on Open Table. The “Exceptional” rating in the “Diner’s Choice” category describes the food and service as “superb”, “delicious” and “a hidden gem.” The bistro also gets high marks on Google with a 4.7 and 4.5 on TripAdvisor and Yelp!

Fabrice and Máiréad Buschtetz also own Copper & Logs in Gilbert with their three children and their spouses. Earlier this year the local restaurateurs had to close Gilbert’s Frenchie Pizza and sold B Gastrobar due to lack of staff. Downsizng from four to two restaurants has given them the dedicated staff needed to provide the excellent service for the great reviews.

“Having to let go of two of our restaurants makes the success of our remaining concepts even sweeter,” said Máiréad. “We have top-notch management and staff, and the most loyal and supportive customers we could ask for.”

Cuisine and Wine Bistro is at 4991 S. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85248. For more information visit their website.

Cuisine Wine & Bistro taking reservations for Chefs’ Carte Blanche dinner

The dinner on the 12th has been postponed, no new date has been scheduled as of yet.

Chandler’s Cuisine Wine & Bistro has been showcasing French cuisine in the East Valley since 2016. Owned by the Buschtetz family along with Gilbert’s B Gastrobar and Copper & Logs, CWB started their monthly Chef’s Carte Blanche dinner series in December 2020 to much success. Reservations are being taken for the next dinner coming up on Monday April 12th.

“Unlimited Discretionary Power to Act”, Carte Blanche is exactly what guests will be giving the chefs to act upon. The 7-course dinner paired with wines showcases Executive Chef Fabrice Buschtetz classically trained French cooking. By his side will be son Steven, chef de cuisine at B Gastrobar and Chef Michael Maitrel- Burgard, chef de cuisine at Copper & Logs with wines paired by Killian Buschtetz, Sommelier at Cuisine Wine & Bistro.

The Chefs’ Carte Blanche menu

“Part of our fun,’” says Fabrice, “comes from making each course look both delicious and memorable on the plate. There is a real talent — I was going to say skill, but it is much more than that — in arranging each course so that it showcases the food in an especially enticing way.”

The dinner will cover land and sea with the evening starting with a trio of Amuse- Bouche followed by courses of caviar, duck, squid and lamb along with a mid-course palette cleanser of sorbet and ending with dessert.

Guests are asked to arrive no later than 5:45 with dinner beginning promptly at 6:00. Reservations are $225 plus tax & gratuity and can be made by calling 480-275-6700. To see the full menu please visit their website. Cuisine Wine & Bistro is at 4991 S. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85248.

The Camelback Market at Vincent’s has returned for another season

The Camelback Market
The beet goes on.

Those farmer’s markets that took the summer off have re-opened for our cooler months. One of the more popular markets that is back is The Camelback Market at Vincent’s on Camelback. The opened air market with European flare runs through early May from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Customers can wander by local produce vendors along with imported exotic fruits and vegetables, warm & crusty breads, buttery croissants, fresh pasta, homemade jams, imported cheeses and more.

Enjoy made to order omelets, crepes, wood fired pizzas, meat & seafood paella and other delicacies from Vincent. Relax with a glass of wine and watch the crowds go by. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up gifts for the holidays imported from the south of France.

The Camelback Market is held in the parking lot of Vincent’s at 3030 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85018. For more information visit their website.

French restaurant celebrates 4 years in Scottsdale

When Chef Jean- Christophe and Segolene Gros opened their French restaurant, Voila French Bistro four years ago they were fulfilling their American dream. They chose Scottsdale for their restaurant having fallen in love with the desert after only a one day visit in 2007.  On October 20th the couple will be celebrating their 4 year anniversary of their French restaurant with a prie-fixe wine paired dinner.

Chef Jean- Christophe has been a chef in French restaurants for over 30 years working with French master chefs before venturing out on his own. He approaches his French cooking with modern twist as he adapts it for his American audience.

The three-course dinner is $79 per person and goes from 5 – 7p.m. The menu is as follows.

La Chartreuse – lump crab layered with vegetables and wrapped in lettuce leaves. Paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc Atlantic 2016

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Terre et Mer – Pork Surf & Turf, pork filets served with jumbo shrimp and a lobster sauce. Paired with a glass of Château Fongaban 2015 – Bordeaux St Emilion

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Chocolate Caramélia Valrhona Entremet – A flourless chocolate cake with caramel chocolate mousse. Served with a glass of Mirabelle Plum Kir Royal

To reserve a seat for this special evening go to their website or call 480-614-5600. Voila French Bistro is at 10135 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale 85258.

Chef Vincent Guerithault gets “Toast & Roast”ed for 50 years in the kitchen

Before there was a Phoenix culinary scene there was chef Vincent Guerithault of Vincent’s on Camelback. The award-winning chef started his culinary career in his home country of France before accepting a job at Le Francais in Chicago then making his way to Phoenix. His career started 50 years ago and to commemorate the milestone a “Toast & Roast” is planned for Friday, October 11th.

His classic French cuisine prepared with local ingredients has garnered him many awards and recognition in his home country and the United States including the 1993 James Beard Award for “America’s Best Chef- Southwest”. He is culinary royalty here in Phoenix having opened his Camelback Road restaurant 32 years ago.

Chef Vincent will be roasted by local celebrities including Senator John Kyl, businessman Jerry Colangelo, restaurateur Mark Tarbell, former Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard and more.

Chef Vincent Guerithault classic dishes

The multi-course dinner will highlight classic dishes the chef has served over the years at prestigious restaurants. The exciting evening is open to the public and is $295 per person plus tax & service and includes wine pairings. The menu is below.

Rondelles d’Aubergines Farcies aux Asperges et Parmesan (L’Oustau de Baumanière,Les Baux de Provence). Eggplant Wrapped Asparagus with Parmesan and Fleur de Sel

Consommé de Canard au Gingembre (Le Français, Chicago). Duck Consommé with Ginger

Homard et Saint-Jacques à la Vapeur au Beurre Blanc (Le Français, Chicago). Steamed Maine Lobster and Sea Scallops served with Beurre Blanc

Tourte de Ris de Veau au Champignons (L’Oustau de Baumanière, Les Baux de Provence). Veal Sweetbread Turnover with Wild Mushrooms

Tournedos Rossini et Pommes Soufflées (Le Français, Chicago). Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras and Soufflé Potatoes

Crêpes Veuve Joyeuse au Citron (Maxim’s, Paris). Lemon Crêpe Soufflé

Pot de Crème et Gourmandises

Information and reservations for the celebration can be found at https://vincentsoncamelback.com/toast-and-roast.php. Vincent’s on Camelback is at 3930 E. Camelback RD. Phoenix 85018.

Voila French Bistro to host authentic French wine dinner

If you’re a fan of white table cloth draped tables and authentic French cooking paired with wine then circle Sunday November 5th on your calendar and make a reservation for a 3-course dinner at Voila French Bistro in Scottsdale.

Your hosts Chef Jean-Christophe Gros and his wife Segolene re-located to Scottsdale from France in 2015 where Chef Gros as a Master French Chef spent 30 years working in restaurants  with Michelin star ratings.

Voila French Bistro menu

Once you walk in the doors you’ll feel as if you’re in Paris and this 3-course menu will make you wish you were there.

LE CABILLAUD :                                                                                                     Chilled Cod and Spinach Papillotte Over Tomato Tartare and Niçoise Olive Tapenade
Chardonnay
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LE CHAUSSON DE VOLAILLE:                                                                   Chicken Wellington With Porcini Mushrooms and Napa Cabbage Stuffing
Pinot Noir
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LE SAINT-HONORE A LA POIRE:                                                                      Puff Pastry with Poached Pear and a Praline Butter Cream and a Dark Chocolate Sauce
Crément

The early dinner will start at 5 p.m. and conclude by 8 p.m. Price is $65 per person with reservations required that and can be made by calling 480-614-5600. More information about the restaurant can be found on their website.

Voila French Bistro is at 10135 Via Linda. Scottsdale 85258

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