This past Saturday Cafe des Artistes introduced Alain Hacquard and Michael Fournier, its guests chefs for the XII Festival Gourmet International. Chefs Hacquard and Fournier offered extraordinary samples of their cuisine at one of the finest restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and the world. Alain Hacquard said that his interest in culinary arts was passed down from his grandmother. Apprenticing early in his career in the Marée Restaurant located at the heart of Paris' busy Rungis marketplace, chef Hacquard joined the staff of the Grand Vefour where he developed a new appreciation of the culinary arts. Not interested in “luxury for luxury’s sake,” he finds his strength in fostering perfect harmony between his staff and the natural ingredients he utilizes in this creations. During his visit to Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor, Alain Hacquard was accompanied by his loyal Maitre’d Carlos Romera. Mickael Fournier was born in the north of France near the region of Normandy.

He was influenced by both his mother and grandmother in his choice of culinary arts as a career. After winning second place in the pastry competition in London, Mickael became a member of the renowned Committee of the Association of Pastry Chefs of England. More recently he moved across the Atlantic to take a position as pastry chef at Las Nubes, an events hall that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. According to Cafe des Artistes owner Thierry Blouet, this experience is a great success, an arts culinary interchange. Cafe des Artistes Executive Chef Hugo Ahumada, Executive Chef Ramon Alvarez, Pastry Chef Andrea and Pastry Chef Alvaro Alvarez were also present at the press conference. Chefs Hacquard and Fournier will remain in Puerto Vallarta through the duration of the Festival Gourmet International.