A former contestant and frequent guest judge on Bravo's hit cooking competition Top Chef, Richard Blais will soon open a new steak and seafood restaurant in San Diego's North County.
Celebrity Chef Richard Blais has signed on to assist in developing the signature restaurant as part of Park Hyatt Aviara Resort's $50 million revamp in Carlsbad. The yet-to-be-named restaurant will replace Argyle Steakhouse and feature a menu centered around San Diego produce, locally caught seafood, raw bar items, and dry-aged steaks. The restaurant will offer a classic California design and ample outdoor seating overlooking the onsite Aviara golf course and the property's Batiquitos Lagoon.
"I am still in a pinch-me phase about opening this restaurant with Park Hyatt Aviara, one of the most iconic resorts in San Diego - a favorite retreat for me and my family since we made this city our home," commented Chef Richard Blais. "To have the support of this premier hospitality brand that is so well known for its culinary offerings around the world is a dream come true. They have given me an incredible opportunity, and I am honored to embark on this journey together with a restaurant that pays homage to the region and stands out in Southern California."
The centerpiece of the incoming restaurant will be a central bar featuring an interactive culinary station serving samplers such as charcuterie, Carlsbad oysters, and shareable bites freshly sourced from local fisherman, farmers and foragers. Displays throughout the restaurant will showcase world-class whiskey and wine, dry aged meats, and a rotating selection of cheeses.
Chef Richard Blais is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and may be most known as the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars in 2011. Blais is a successful chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and frequent culinary television personality, appearing in such programs as Iron Chef America, Chopped All-Stars, Top Chef, Master Chef, Guy's Grocery Games, Cutthroat Kitchen and Cooks vs Cons. He has worked in the kitchens at such acclaimed restaurants as The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli. Blais currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary company that has consulted on, designed, and operated popular eateries including multiple outposts of Flip Burger Boutique located in the Southeast and in San Diego he helped build the Crack Shack brand and launch Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy.
The signature restaurant as early as spring 2021 at 7100 Aviara Resort Drive within the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in San Diego's North County community of Carlsbad. Visit hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/park-hyatt-aviara-resort/sanpa to learn more.
