Caf

Striking but simple, Café des Artistes’ artistic palette of color and flavor has been attracting patrons to the charming café since November of 2002. In this congenial atmosphere proprietor Michael Calvanese and his staff have been surprising customers with fresh menu items for three years. “Some customers refer to me as the Menu Maestro,” he noted.

The ambiance is decidedly cosmopolitan. “I wanted to create a place for diners to experience the ambiance, service and good food that they would enjoy in any city such as New York or San Francisco,” Michael explained. The interior is always a splash of color, whether it is a painting, a photograph or a blown glass vase.

The dining salon is crowned by a Brett Stokes painting reminiscent of Van Gogh that depicts renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Salvador Dali is painted with a drooping pocket watch to symbolize his work “Persistence of Memory” and Vincent Van Gogh sits adjacent to a vase overflowing with his famous sunflowers. Michael, who commissioned the painting, predicts that this dramatic work will become a Fallbrook icon. This painting is not Brett Stokes’ only presence at the café; his painted horse greets patrons with colorful Fallbrook scenes, including a starry outline of a mountain lion.

Healthful food is one of the constants that patrons have come to rely upon at Café des Artistes. Michael purchases his vegetables from a local farm and makes Foccacia bread on the premises. He is insistent about serving fresh food grown without pesticides. Michael commented, “I am proud that many in the medical community eat here.”

The establishment serves lunch and dinner, which was initiated at the request of several customers. The dinner menu varies weekly with the exception of the Wild Salmon. Entrees such as Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon and Grilled Swordfish are frequent features.

The Portobello Mushroom Sandwich is inspired. This special item was served on a ciabatta bun with grilled onions, sliced avocado, tomatoes and cucumber. White Bean and Ham Soup with a sprig of Italian parsley complemented the sandwich. Chock full of beans and ham, the soup was flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning.

Michael employs five assistants who shine in the kitchen and possess amicable demeanors. “Because we are a small group I can insist on excellence,” he said. “My reward is to see the customers happy.”

Café des Artistes is located within the Fallbrook Art Center at 103 South Main. A repertoire of live jazz and blues music is presented on Friday and Saturday evenings. The café salon is also available for private affairs. Please call (760) 728-3350 or access http://www.cafedesartistes.biz for further information.