Chef’s Corner with Patrick Heymann of Loews Coronado Bay

Influenced by years of extensive training in exotic kitchens around the world, Chef Patrick Heymann brings more than 25 years of eclectic culinary experience to his role as Executive Chef of Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa. Heymann’s career began at an early age while developing his culinary skills in his grandmother’s kitchen. He and his grandmother would prepare authentic German delicacies, such as pickled pork sultz and apple strudel.

journeyPod sat with Chef Patrick for a delightful tasting in Mistral–a beautiful restaurant atop the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Mistral has an amazing view, and Chef Patrick has lots of amazing stories to share. In between tastings of asparagus with truffle oil, Castroville artichoke in a gremolta sauce, Loretto grouper with celery root (the “new” trendy mashed potato), and the biggest Sea of Cortez Prawns I have ever seen, Chef Patrick told us tales of his cooking adventures in far off lands like Hawaii and Toyoko.?

What cool celebs have you cooked for?
Leonardo DiCaprio, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Toby McGuire, Sacha Baron Cohen Baron among others –all at the same time on board a private boat in Hawaii.

What is the craziest request you ever received?
“No fat, no salt.” The customer was convinced he could reverse his heart condition if he cut fat and salt from his diet. I later spoke with a heart specialist who disproved this theory.

What’s the best local dish in Coronado?
Fish tacos!

What meal would you enjoy as your “Last Supper?”
Rib-eye grilled over mesquite with garlic, butter, risotto, white wine, swiss chard (that’s my favorite vegetable)

Who would be cooking this Last Supper for you?
Thomas Keller in blue jeans, circa French Laundry before it was popular

What three ingredients must be in your kitchen?
Onions, garlic, extra virgin olive oil

If you were not a chef, what would you be?
I’d be a writer. I love novels like The Catcher and the Rye.

What was “the moment” in your career?
When I cooked for Anthony Quinn’s 80th birthday party.