Le Chef

I have found useful to be able to put a smile on others face and laugh at myself in the heat of the service. We work long hours in terrible heat and a crowded space, bumping on each other and sometimes not getting along completely. However, there are great moments we share between members of the team and customers and there lies the beauty of Gastronomy. In the end, after all the hassle; if the food and service are good, everything will be fine.

One of the lines I have used countless times when we get local fresh Tuna is: Man, it is fresh caught, even me cooking it, couldnt screw it up! Sounds like a joke but I mean every word.

Great ingredients make a cooks work easier and patrons experience greater. This appetizer never fails, it is so simple to make too. Best for both sides of the equation.

Marinade is made with soy sauce, home-made ginger emulsion, little white wine vinegar and orange juice. We like to slice the tuna in thick batonnets and slightly seared them; top with a slice of fresh Serrano Chile and pour the previously heated soy dressing on top to cause the capsicum effect explode. On the side, a small Spinach with onion ant cherry tomatoes salad with the house vinaigrette to accompany.

Seriously, no one can get this one wrong!

Pairing: Portuguese Rosé or Argentinian Viognier.

I can’t say enough how much or how many times a plate of rice made me feel better, even safe. It has something that automatically brings home to me. I love it! Funny that at the same time; I have found that in 26 years working in this Industry how an underestimate and undervalued ingredient it is.

It pisses me off when it is used just as a plate filling; when it is cooked without care because it is not the main ingredient. I have made that mistake too. I have as well served it disrespectfully many times. And maybe because of that we have tried to bring to our menu one of the greatest versions of Rice as a meal. With our own interpretation of course.

Paella Le Chef is a Saffron rice served with Clams, Shrimp, Calamari, Catch of the Day fish, Mussels, Chicken Breast and a Great Local produced Andouille sausage by Jose Cerdo in Cozumel. All sautéed with garlic, butter, olive oil, herbs and fumed with a dash of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

We really put a lot of love in this combo and hope we can make peace with this amazing ingredient and show our respect.

This is a dish you shouldnt miss when it is available in our Specials Menu. Pair with any White or Red from our list. Yes, this dish is that generous! Enjoy.

The primal need to feed the body wich certainly is essential in order to survive as shelter and water nobody can deny. However time has proved that food has a higher meaning, it communicates with the spirit. Humans as social beings can’t pursuit happiness or fulfillment unless every experience or significant accomplishment is shared with someone we love. Kitchens gather families and friends in good and bad times, traditional dishes witness the birth of relationships and all especial events in our lives. Comfort food brings us peace and joy. This time the classic Bracciola can save a bad day as well as celebrate great times. Our Le Chef version is made with flank steak stuffed with Genoa Salame, Gouda cheese, hard boiled eggs capers, olives a little pesto. Gently seared before diving into red wine- tomato sauce and baked to get an incredible tender and juicy roulade. Accompanied with roasted-garlic mashed potatoes. We recommend a full body glass of Cab or Pinot Noir. Find that comfy spot and enjoy. You are coming home!

There are a lot of stories about the origin of the name and we all relate it as a French trademark. Here a little history to add romance to this tale. During Nazi occupation in France, little home cooking restaurants would provide food for the Russian troops that came to help free their country, since soldiers had little time to stop in the middle of the fight to eat, they would demand a fast service so they could get going; telling the servers Bistrot, bistrot!!!

Right, with a T at the end!(Russian word for Fast). Later on and with French accent turned into Bistro, becoming a brand name for this establishments. Today the world knows that a Bistro will be guaranty of quality French style simple and unpretentious but delicious cooking: Lettuce and Spinach, Pecan and Red Onion, Brie Cheese, cherry Tomato and Prosciutto with a Balsamic-sweet & sour dressing make of this salad a must if you come to Le Chef. Pair with a crisp glass of Chardonnay and enjoy an unforgettable lunch. Cheers!

Pasta may be the greatest creation shared to the world. Every corner of our planet kitchens have a favorite. In this case as simple as it could get this dish is nothing but full of flavors that bring me home every time I make it; because home is in the heart. Spaghetti with tomatoe concassé, basil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper and of course fresh grated Parmesan. Today we got some fresh Mahi- Mahi, sautéed it with garlic, butter, olive oil salt and pepper. As we said first nothing but simple ingredients. Let all of them be a part of the experience. Light, healthy and simply delicious… A nice Chilean Estación Sauvignon Blanc or an Italian Borgo Magredo Pinot Grigio will pair perfectly. Enjoy it…

Living in a small island definitely has its perks! Surrounded by the warm Caribbean waters we have along the year various great fish choices to offer the Catch of the Day in our Menu; Tuna, Red Snapper, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Snapper, Grouper and many others. With fresh products no cook can miss, one of our customers favorites is no doubt the Red Snapper with Lobster Sauce and Mushrooms, served with rice and vegetables or a garnish salad if you prefer. This sauce is amazing with any other white fish as well, go for it! Pair it with a nice Poggiobello or Borgo Magredo Italian Pinot Grigio from our wine list. Enjoy!

Thin crust, tomatoes sauce and Cheese need little to convince anyone. Pizza is the favorite dish of many; it is probably the best seller meal in the whole world, still, wherever you go there is always a new take that shakes your world when you thought you’ve tried them all. At Le Chef we found a combo that will rock your taste buds: Jumbo shrimp sautéed with olive oil, butter, roasted garlic Guajillo pepper Capers and black Olives! Feel free to make it wilder adding Lobster for Pizza “Don Agus” named after a House’s great friend and Patron, he would recommend to pair it with a Tequila Tradicional shot coming out of the freezer..!

Guajillo, Morita and Cascabel peppers give a great smokey taste with just the right spice to this Chicken breast topped with Pecan and a slight touch of sour cream. Potato purée and sautéed veggies round the dish perfectly! A glass of Chardonnay or a Vienna style Bohemia dark Mexican beer will match nice. Enjoy it!

Life is made of memories; in the early days of my childhood Acapulco was our weekend and all-time getaway. The greatest sunset spot had an spectacular dish:

A green Pozole with fresh seafood. This is Le Chef’s homage to greatness!

Sweet mixed Bell Peppers, red onion and cherry tomatoes give this fine beef chunks the right mild spice for this indulgent appetizer. We match it with a bordelaise sauce to round and moist the experience. Great pairing with a Nero D’avola ( the Italian Shiraz). Prime quality start for a special dinner..!