If I had to pick a favorite moment when eating any cuisine, it would be right when you take that first bite of something so delectable, the flavors instantly transported to the destination of origin. Food is such an incredible way to travel and Chef Pascal brings France straight to your table at Pascal in San Juan Capistrano.
Originally from Normandy, Chef Pascal came to Orange County anticipating he would only stay a short while. The appreciation for his cuisine would mean he would be staying a bit longer. 30 years later, Chef shares the love for his craft with many throughout his establishments.
I and fellow travel writers got to witness his brilliance at work at our annual Socal regional meeting for the International Food, Wine and Travel Writer’s Association.
Our fabulous luncheon began with the Petite Onion Tart and Pesto Tartlettes
Petite Onion and Pesto Tartelettes
followed by Assiette of housemade pistachio country pate and pork rillette, duck saucisson with homemade mustard and pickles from local, farm-picked cucucumbers.
Assiette of housemade pate, pork rillette, duck saucisson and pickled cucumbers
Next, we were served the Lyonnaise Salade, a classic French salad with butter lettuce, frisee, and smoked bacon, topped with croutons, a poached farm egg, and dijon mustard dressing.
Salad Lyonnaise
The main course was Pascal’s Specialty: seabass baked with a thyme crust, Seafood Chardonnay sauce, and tomato concasse.
Sebass au Thyme
Finally, we enjoyed the Macanese Egg Tart with fruit compote. This dessert is something you will fight over so get more than one.
Macanese Egg Tarte
We paired this sumptuous fare with a
2015 Dellas Freres Les Launes (syrah)
2015 Dellas Freres Les Launes, Crozes-Hermitage (Syrah), Appellaton Crozes-Hermitage Controlee
2015 Vin De Bourgogne, Macon-Vinzelles, Appellation Macon-Vinzelles Controlee.
Your taste buds can partake in this feast of France as well by making reservations at one or all of Chef Pascal’s establishments.
2015 Vin De Bourgogne
