Delight in culinary art at Café des Artistes

Silken soups, organic salads, and mushrooms that burst with flavor – these are just some of the culinary gems available at Café des Artistes. Michael Calvanese, proprietor, is adamant about using organic products. If he can’t find organic, then he purchases pesticide-free products. Fresh-baked focaccia bread is another lure to the establishment, but he doesn’t overdo the bread when making sandwiches.

"I don’t believe that a sandwich should have a lot of bread – if you want bread, order a bagel," Michael said with a smile.

Creating an artistic atmosphere in a static building is an art in itself, and Michael has succeeded in creating and maintaining an artistic atmosphere for thirteen years. His Italian heritage, coupled with his New York City upbringing, provided the fodder for the creative atmosphere. The café is an extension of Michael’s own lifelong fascination with art.

"I admire artists, whether a painter or photographer or sculptor, they are all sharing an expression of themselves," he noted.

Michael did the same thing by sharing art and food through his café. He expressed himself.

"This is the kind of restaurant I would want to go to," he related.

The art on display changes, with the exception of one vibrant mural. A whimsical rendition of famous artists, created by local artist Brett Stokes, is a constant.

The jazz music, the art, and the squash-hued walls – all blend marvelously. Café des Artistes is a splash of airy, artistic ambiance akin to what one would find in a Paris bistro.

Yes, Michael is a transplant from New York, but Fallbrook has seeped into his soul during the last thirteen years. He enjoys being a part of this community and is grateful for his customers – the regulars as well as those who may stop in occasionally. His appreciation of patrons is illustrated when Michael interrupts the interview to greet two elderly women who have just entered the restaurant.

The menu has remained fairly constant. Michael mentioned that he "refines" items that are listed and occasionally adds something new. A honey-baked ham sandwich was one special item that was so popular he added it to the menu.

Sometimes specials are born out of the abundance of a certain item. This time of year Michael was able to get organic Portobello mushrooms, so he created a Portobello sandwich on thin ciabatta bread. The mushroom for each sandwich is sautéed with sweet red onions in a balsamic vinegar/olive oil reduction.

With this sandwich I didn’t taste the bread, but what was between the slices – the mushroom, sweet red onions, tomato, and fresh avocado. The ingredients were balanced with not too much of any one ingredient. The Portobello mushroom was tender and cooked to perfection. At the finale of the experience I realized that I had not only eaten something delicious, but also healthful.

Michael creates his delicious soups from scratch. In fact, his reputation as a soup artist has grown and he is now affectionately called "Souper Man," by appreciative patrons.

The silky Tomato Basil soup is one of the heartiest tomato basil soups I have ever enjoyed. No salt or pepper is needed for this well-seasoned soup filled with basil and chunks of tomatoes. I wanted to savor every drop, and when it was gone I felt a wisp of regret.

Exclusive Café des Artistes events include dinner on January 23 with special guest Jack Nix – a former San Francisco 49er.

A "Wine and Appetizers” evening will be held on Friday, February 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. Seating is limited, so please call (760) 728-3350 for reservations.

Café des Artistes is located in the rear of the Art Center at 103 South Main Avenue in Fallbrook. The web address is: www.cafedesartistes.us/. Regular hours are: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday, but please call for the schedule.