Californian and French food may seem like two mutually exclusive cuisines, but Chef John Marquez of Artisan Bistro melds them seamlessly. If you know his background, this should come as no surprise. While other teenagers watched TV or played video games, Marquez devoured entire cookbooks—figuratively, of course. Perhaps that was because his family considered mealtime the highlight of the day. Regardless, Marquez's love for cooking translated into a degree in the culinary arts and stints in the kitchens of well-regarded eateries around the country.

His many adventures all led him to Lafayette, where he opened Artisan Bistro and appointed himself head chef. Today, Marquez shows off his talents every day by crafting creative, modern Californian-French cuisine using whatever local (and often organic) ingredients are in-season and available that day. This means that his menu changes constantly, but some of customers' favorite recurring dishes include rabbit croquets, beet salad, and sous-vide peppercorn-crusted duck breast. Wash your dish down with a glass of wine or an inventive cocktail.

Artisan Bistro
1005 Brown Avenue
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 962-0882
www.artisanlafayette.com/home.html
www.yelp.com/biz/artisan-bistro-lafayette

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