The Sauced Chef

El Panorama

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

www.elpanorama.com

 El Panorama is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta and presents on the most breathtaking views I’ve ever witnessed. Make sure that you dine outside on the terrace level. 

 
Get Sauced:  2 out of 4

El Panorama presents a large selection of typical Mexican style tropical drinks (margaritas, pina coladas, daiquiris, etc) that were extremely delicious.  For a gourmet restaurant the wine list was a bit lax, not featuring some of the typical French staples one expects to see.  The beer and liquor menu was mediorce (although my wife disagrees), it would have been nice to see some micro-brews and a wider selection of scotch.

The Sauce: 4 out of 4

We had the Chateaubriand for two, which was prepared and served table-side with classic Bearnaise sauce.  It was divine! The sauce complimented the perfectly cooked meat and oblique cut carrots perfectly, it was thick and delicious, but not too overpowering. Luxury and decadence at its best! Also prepared table-side was Ceasar salad, the dressing was sharp, peppery, creamy and cheesy with a subtle anchovy bite at the finish.  Couldn’t have asked for more in preparation, texture or flavor.

The Reduction: +2 Ambiance +1 Customer Service for  9 out of 10

This is a Sauced Chef first! I awarded an extra credit point for ambiance! I have never dined anywhere with such a breathtaking view of the surroundings.  An elegant terrace with a magnificent view of the rolling city surrounded by the mysterious jungle.  A mariachi/pan flute band that put us in annals of a contrived travel magazine setting, it didn’t feel real, but it was!  We were treated like American royalty! The servers were quick (almost too quick) to clear our waters and debris.  They brought out a massive bottle of good tequila and we were awarded complimentary shots whenever we wanted.  The table-side preparation was flawless, fluid and beautifully presented.  You MUST go here once in your life! 

P.S. Happy Anniversary Dustin and Beth!

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Coach Insignia

Detroit, MI

http://www.mattprenticerg.com/urc/coach.asp

An homage to the history and culture of the Motor City. Coach is the 2nd highest restaurant in the world, it is located on the very top of Detroit’s Renaissance Center.  It actually used to slowly rotate but the previous owners didn’t oil the gears as specified and the once mobile is now stagnant.  The only solution is for owner Matt Prentice to pump millions of gear greasing cash into the futuristic, spherical structure to get it moving again.

 Get Sauced:  2 1/2 out of 4

Coach has an extensive wine list and a knowledgeable and friendly sommelier (Patrick) who recommended and decanted two flavorful bottles of wine for the table. The cocktail list was as expected for a fine dining establishment with some interesting fresh variations like the blueberry/raspberry mojito and pomegranate champagne. Both were boozey, poppy and refreshing.  I ordered the Sauced Chef staple tester; an extra-dirty Kettle One martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives.  Mixed very well, but was clear in the glass which means not enough OJ (olive juice), which is imperative for an “extra-dirty” styled martini.  Really disappointed in the beer list.  Beer is gourmet, people! Not one single Michigan micro-brew on draft and a meager bottled selection once again leaves the beer drinker wonting. 

The Sauce: 3 out of 4

The red wine and shallot reduction for my sous vide chicken was memorable.  A tart topnote, followed by savory and finished with garlic shallot hints. The amount  was perfect, sauce was strained and added a radiant color to the plate.  It could have been a tad bit thicker but was done very well.   The choclate sauce for the hazelnut torte was rich and thick but that was it.  I was hoping to experience a unique take by the pastry chef, perhaps some unique spice (cardamon?) or herb (lemon mint?) but was sorely disappointed.  In taking it for what it was, it was good, but not what I wanted it to be.  Follow me, people?

The Reduction: -1 Customer Service and  +1 Ambiance for  5 1/2 out of 10

The most appalling thing for this very expensive place was the initial lack of service.  We waited unattended for about 10 minutes, even though we were on time for our reservation.  Upon being seated late, the hostess did not offer any apologies for the delay.  After being seated, we were not greeted for another 10 minutes, when our table was acknowledged it was by the sommelier, not the server! For a $100 per person experience, this saucy chef expects be pampered! Admittedly, once we were greeted the service was maintained at a very high level throughout the meal.  The most memorable thing about Coach Insignia was the breathtaking view of downtown Detroit and Windsor.  The decor, lobby furniture (over-sized stuffed red chairs so I could be the Sauced King), unique circular structure and sheer height the place  humbled our group.  The ingenuity, creativity and vision of Coach Insignia is impressive.

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