Cuistot
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72595 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Contact: Catering
Phone: 760/340-1000
www.cuistotrestaurant.com
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Description
Between the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains and bustling Palm Canyon Drive lies one of California’s most prestigious and visually appealing shopping/gallery districts, El Paseo. And like a miniature fairytale castle, Cuistot restaurant reigns over the entrance to this chic neighborhood, an eminently suitable concierge to a world of art, style, and in this case, haute cuisine.
Cuistot shares its grounds with a desert garden that flourishes along the street side of the restaurant. Visitors take a contemplative walk through a rocky arroyo alive with succulents, king palms and native wildflowers; a running stream dances with the reflection of brilliant desert hues—silvery plumes of fountain grassmasses of golden-barreled cactusred-tipped yucca—before erupting into a spectacular waterfall that cascades down three tiers of vertically stacked boulders. Behind the garden Cuistot’s Terrace curves out over the arroyo, bringing guests face to face with this refreshing oasis. Weddings take full advantage of this divine setting, and couples say their vows in front of a grand double-sided hearth, with the rushing water before them and a rugged mountainscape in the distance. During the social hour guests can leisurely explore the garden promenade or relax on the Terrace and enjoy the view.
The view is equally captivating inside. Cuistot was actually designed and decorated by the multitalented owner/chef, Bernard Dervieux, who credits the farmhouses in his native Lyon, France as his inspiration. Though the cut-stone walls and vaulted, timbered ceilings are indeed "country French," Cuistot more closely resembles the residence of someone to the manor born! Rich woods, brightly hued fabrics and fanciful appointments embody an eclectic blend of influences: the color scheme recalls European heraldry, post-impressionistic artwork graces the walls, and there’s a touch of Italian Modern in the light fixtures. The result? Stunning banquet spaces that feel both hospitable and truly original.
The Terrace’s French doors open to the central dining space, called Bernard’s Room. Here the décor is at its most subdued, though a gilded coved ceiling keeps things interesting. Most entertaining for diners, however, is a glass wall to the exhibition kitchen that offers a lively look at the culinary pre-show. A whimsically sophisticated motif is evident in both the Wine Room, an intimate private dining space, and Cuistot’s lavishly furnished Lounge, a cozy area with a long wooden bar, booths and vibrant-colored chairs. The bar adjoins the Fireplace Room, where designer Dervieux is at his most fantastic. Cut-stone walls and lofty open-beam ceilings are usually rustic, but decorative flights of fancy take the room to another level entirely. A flagstone hearth topped by an enormous gilt mirror is accented with faux-finished walls and stenciled ivy, while "Deco-Meets-Medieval" chandeliers lend receptions a burnished glow.
A one-of-a-kind setting deserves one-of-a-kind cuisine, and Dervieux’s award-winning California French menu consistently "wows" food critics. He still has a hand in the actual food prep, demonstrating a high level of pride and attention to detail also shared by the dedicated event staff. Cuistot is one of only 6 restaurants in the U.S. to earn a perfect score for food from Conde Nast Traveler. In addition, they were one of only about 600 restaurants in the entire world to receive the 2005 Wine Spectator "Best of the Award of Excellence" for their wine list.
Clearly, Cuistot has all the right ingredients for an outstanding venue. As one reviewer summed it up, "Diners are immersed in a perfection of ambiance, service and food." We couldn’t agree more.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 100 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 160 Max. Seated Outdoors: 100 Max. Standing Indoors: 260 Max. Standing Outdoors: 150 |
Max. Seated: 100 |
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CEREMONY CAPACITY: Cuistot holds up to 200 seated guests indoors or 100 outdoors. |
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Fees & Deposits
A $5,000 deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due at the end of the event. There are no rental fees. Meals start at $30/person. Tax, alcohol, and a 20% service charge are additional.
Availability
Tuesday–Saturday 11am–midnight and Sunday 4 pm–midnight.
CateringProvidedAlcoholBYO w/ Corkage FeeSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: provided, no BYOKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided Linens, Silver, etc.: provided Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided Bride's Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: some provided, more CBA Parking: large lot, valet required Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: house phone Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ CBA Cleanup: provided View: waterfall, hills, mountains, park, grounds Other: event coordination, wedding cakes |
MusicIndoorsOutdoors Wheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsHillsLandscaped Grounds Mountains Park Waterfall Site TypeBanquet/Events FacilityRestaurant RestrictionsAlcohol: BYO with corkage fee, licensed serverSmoking: outdoors only Music: amplified OK Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: not required |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
760/340-1000
www.cuistotrestaurant.com
Email or request a proposal for your event from Cuistot
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