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A RT U R O CA S I L L A S CREDENTIALS: EXECUTIVE CHEF, ACQUA CALIFORNIA BISTRO & LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO Q: What is your favorite food memory? Arturo Casillas: One of my favorite food memories was when a friend asked if I could make a traditional Scottish haggis for his birthday. Of course, I said yes, even without having any idea what haggis is. The day of the party one of his family members was very emotional and told me she hadn't had haggis in many years. That moment is one I will never forget, both the joy and memories that food can bring to a person.
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Q: What are you most passionate about? AC: I'm most passionate about the business of a restaurant and the adrenaline of a busy day. It always keeps me going. Q: What do you hope guests will take away from eating your dishes and from their dining experience? AC: I want all of our guests at Acqua and Lulu 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE
to be satisfied with their meal and to have had a fun time. We serve smiles at Acqua and there’s always a party at Lulu. Q: How do you think your role as a chef affects your community? AC: I like to use honest foods that are locallysourced, the best ingredients possible and especially sustainable seafood. That gives our guests the best possible dining experience by eating better and healthier foods.
TWO CENTS • The best advice that Arturo has ever received is that nobody is so poor that they have nothing to give, and nobody is so rich that they have nothing to receive. MORE, MORE, MORE • Check out their sister restaurant in Palm Springs, Lulu California Bistro! NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Acqua California Bistro offers gift cards for that last minute rush when you forgot to buy your loved one something for their special day!
Q: If you could only use three ingredients for your food, what would your choices be and why? AC: I love cooking with garlic, basil and tomato. Each is fresh, flavorful and makes a great visual!
Photoshoot Location: ACQUA CALIFORNIA BISTRO 71-800 Hwy 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.862.9800 www.acquaranchomirage.com
LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO 200 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com