Jeffrey K. Strauss
Executive Chef/Owner- Pamplemousse Grille
Chef/Owner Jeffrey K. Strauss has a flair for presentation and unquestionable talent
for taste that has delighted the palates of the world's most powerful business brokers
and socialites, United States presidents, and scores of American and foreign dignitaries.
Recently, he has turned from the world of "Chef to the Stars" to creating food that
he loves to eat and serve to his "family and friends."
Mr. Strauss has prepared intimate meals through huge banquets for the most prestigious
corporate names in America and Europe (Tiffany and Co., Disney Studios, Paine Webber,
UNOCAL, 20th Century Fox, Neiman Marcus, Hermes, Channel, Gucci, MCA, Amblin Entertainment);
for such dignitaries as President George W. Bush, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,
Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the wedding of Caroline Kennedy
and the 1984 inaugural luncheon for Ronald Reagan; and entertainment luminaries
such as Aaron Spelling, Tom Hanks, Elton John and Steven Spielberg.
But with his first restaurant, Pamplemousse Grille, Mr. Strauss makes a personal
statement on the pleasurable dining experience—casual yet elegant, inspired
yet straightforward, quality food that delights all the senses. His menu at Pamplemousse
Grille melds his many creations from his tenure as Executive Sous Chef and Executive
Chef at Glorious Food; New York City's preeminent caterer for more than 15 years;
with his many travels to Europe to experience, learn, and create the finest cuisine
the world has to offer.
Since its debut, the Pamplemousse Grille has received many local and national awards
including "Best Restaurant, Peoples Choice" San Diego Home & Gardens,
"Best New Restaurant" "Best Caterer" & "San Diego's Best Chef" San Diego Magazine,
and "Highly Recommended" Zagat Guide.
East Coast-bred, Mr. Strauss was among the nine out of 800 applicants to receive
a Culinary Apprenticeship at the Greenbriar Hotel Culinary Educational Program in
White Sulpher Springs, West Virginia, where he earned the Gold Medal for Culinary
Showmanship.
At age 23, Mr. Strauss became the executive chef of the Glorious Cafe in Washington
D. C. His patience and perseverance allowed Glorious Cafe to begin strongly and
quickly gain respect throughout the Beltway. Shortly after, he was persuaded to
relocate to New York City to join Glorious Foods' legendary catering operation.
Throughout his nine years at Glorious Food (1985-1993), Mr. Strauss would take leaves
of absence to concentrate on higher learning in some of Europe's finest Michelin-rated
restaurants. Each time he would return from overseas, he would transfer his learnings
into teachings.
"My ‘professional father,' Chef Jean-Claude Nédélec at Glorious Food,
taught me the power and art of food presentation," Mr. Strauss recalls. "And the
renowned Chefs Roger Vergé at Le Moulin De Mougins and Albert Roux at Le
Gavroche in London taught me the beauty of food."
Serving as saucier and chef tourant, Mr. Strauss spent a year with Chef Albert at
his Michelin 3 Star-rated restaurant. To enhance the young chef's knowledge, Chef
Albert arranged two-week observational stays for his protégé in renowned
restaurants such as Marchesi in Italy, and France's acclaimed Charcuterie Matu,
Restaurant Guy Savoy, Vonnas-George Blanc, Restaurant Troisgros and Restaurant Bocuse.
Strauss's eclectic inspirations for Pamplemousse Grille are drawn from his grandparent's
New Jersey farm, which he visited frequently as a child, to the prime Solana Beach
location of the restaurant—just moments from the Pacific Ocean, across the
street from the Del Mar Fairgrounds and down the road from acclaimed produce farms,
nature preserves, and polo grounds.
With his culinary skills matched by his altruistic fervor, Jeffrey contributes to
various community organizations throughout the region, and clearly, holds a special
place in his heart for The Seany Foundation.
Pamplemousse Grille, 514 Via de la Valle, open for Dinner 5 p.m., 7 Nights a Week.
Lunch service, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
For catering information or reservations, call (858) 792-9090.
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