Costa Palmas Collaborates with Michelin-Star Chef Ludo Lefebvre to Unveil Delphine: An East Cape Day Club Experience

By: Amanda Huntsman

Delphine at Four Seasons Los Cabos

Costa Palmas, the distinguished 1,500-acre residential and resort community nestled on the East Cape of Los Cabos, proudly presents Delphine, an exciting new Day Club collaboration with Michelin-Star Chef Ludo Lefebvre and internationally acclaimed day club curator Fabien Cerato. Anticipated to open its doors in early summer 2024, Delphine promises a vibrant destination experience, offering an unparalleled culinary journey and a fresh locale for members as well as guests of Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos and soon-to-be Amanvari.

"After meeting Fabien in St. Tropez, I knew it was a matter of time before we brought the spirit of the French Riviera to the East Cape. Now, after years in the making, we are excited to introduce Delphine as a glimpse into the future of our marina-focused lifestyle," said Jason Grosfeld, Chairman and CEO of Irongate. "Infused with Chef Ludo’s mastery of Southern French cuisine, Delphine marries the elegance of the Riviera with the flavors of Baja and the Sea of Cortez, all while upholding the level of service that we’re known for."

Nestled on the swimmable stretch of beach along the Sea of Cortez, Delphine is an elevated open-air club featuring daily entertainment, a lively bar, sandy lounging areas, and attentive service, delivering a welcoming yet exclusive beach atmosphere with scenic views of crystal-clear waters. Guests can opt to dine in the sand under the shade of an umbrella or on the pavilion's al fresco patio.

Designed to capture the essence of European beach clubs, Delphine combines seaside energy with the natural beauty of the East Cape and Sea of Cortez, seamlessly integrating with Costa Palmas' laid-back luxury setting. "When designing Delphine, my goal was to fuse the effortless sophistication of La Réserve à la Plage with the relaxed coolness of Baja’s East Cape and Costa Palmas," said Design Consultant Fabien Cerato.

Curated by Los Angeles-based Chef Ludo, Delphine’s culinary offerings marry Niçoise cuisine with Baja’s abundant fresh produce. Chef Ludo’s seasonal creations, guided by the bounty of the seasons, include beloved spring and summer signature dishes such as a citrus-forward chopped chicory salad with walnut pesto, Grilled Baja Shrimp flambéed with pastis, and classic Steak Frites with fresh herb butter, all expertly prepared on the wood-burning grill.

As the afternoon sun begins its descent, the chic bar, infused with modern Baja appeal and colorful accents, comes alive with mixologists offering handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, and a robust wine and champagne list. "I love Niçoise cuisine and have been working on some projects to showcase it for a long time. Delphine is the first expression of this food for me. In crafting the menu, I aimed to draw parallels between the bountiful flavors and coastal charm of the East Cape and the South of France. By utilizing native, locally sourced produce and the freshest seafood from the Sea of Cortez, along with herbs unique to this region, I sought to evoke the culinary essence of both regions," shared Chef Ludo. "This one-of-a-kind menu, set against the backdrop of our vibrant day club, fosters joie de vivre that ensures every guest enjoys a truly memorable experience.”

Chef Ludo eagerly anticipates his debut at Costa Palmas with Delphine before embarking on the opening of Casa Blake Brasserie in the coming years. Casa Blake, meticulously designed by the distinguished Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS), will be situated within the Costa Palmas Marina Village community.

This collaboration with Chef Ludo underscores Costa Palmas' dedication to delivering world-class lifestyle and culinary experiences that celebrate innovation, creativity, and cultural fusion. These offerings, which Costa Palmas Club members and guests alike can enjoy, further enrich the community's esteemed establishments, including Chiki—the East Cape's inaugural nightclub and lounge designed by MBDS—and Mozza Baja at Costa Palmas, crafted by James Beard Foundation Award winner and restaurateur Nancy Silverton. With the addition of Chef Ludo's new ventures to the mix, including the renowned estiatorio Milos, the gastronomic landscape of the East Cape and beyond is poised to reach unprecedented heights.

About Costa Palmas

Costa Palmas spans 1,500 acres (600 hectares) along the pristine beachfront of the East Cape, just a 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport on the Baja Peninsula. Meticulously planned and nestled along a scenic two-and-a-half-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of swimmable beach, Costa Palmas offers a distinctive blend of luxury hospitality amid organic farms and an international marina.

The community boasts a diverse array of offerings, including the renowned Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, the forthcoming Amanvari Resort and Residences, and Costa Palmas-branded residential and hospitality options within the Marina Village, featuring Casa Blake. Additionally, residents and guests can enjoy amenities such as a Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole golf course, 18 acres (7.3 hectares) of orchards and farms, and exclusive access to a private beach, golf, and yacht club.

Crafted to complement its breathtaking surroundings, Costa Palmas Residences are overseen by seasoned hoteliers dedicated to delivering design-forward properties and personalized service to each guest and owner. Here, residents live alongside an energetic destination that invites them to embark on unique adventures within the enchanting landscapes of the East Cape and the Sea of Cortez.

About Chef Ludo

Chef Ludo Lefebvre, hailed as one of the most influential chefs in Los Angeles, honed his craft in France for 12 years under the guidance of the great masters before making his mark in Los Angeles. His culinary prowess was recognized early on, earning him the prestigious Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star Award at two different restaurants: L’Orangerie in 1999 and 2000 and Bastide in 2006.

From 2007 to 2012, Ludo embarked on his renowned restaurant tour, "LudoBites," earning him the title of the "pop-up king" and pioneering the phenomenon of the pop-up restaurant. He has been lauded as one of the "World’s 50 Greatest Chefs" by Relais & Chateaux and has received numerous accolades, including James Beard Award nominations and the Chevalier des Arts des Lettres award from France.

An accomplished author, Ludo has penned two cookbooks, "LudoBites: Recipes and Stories from the Pop-Up Restaurants of Ludo Lefebvre" and "Crave: The Feast of the Five Senses." His culinary expertise has been showcased on various TV shows, including Iron Chef America, Top Chef Masters, Hell's Kitchen, and The Taste with Anthony Bourdain.

About Fabien Cerato

Fabien Cerato is a highly regarded figure in the realms of hospitality and culinary design, boasting over three decades of experience. He is renowned for his collaborations with esteemed international groups such as Nikki Beach Saint Tropez and Saint Bart, MOMA Group, DB Group, La Guerite, Shellona, and Irongate. Throughout his illustrious career, Cerato has lent his expertise to renowned establishments like Brasserie des Arts and Café de Paris. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to the fashion and textiles industry, working with prominent brands like Havaianas, Sundek, Reiko, and Golden Goose.

Cerato's journey into the realm of pop-up beach clubs was fueled by his passion for organizing events, which he cultivated during his legal studies. This early exposure laid the foundation for his career, leading to his pivotal role at Nikki Beach, where he spearheaded numerous events and pop-up beach clubs worldwide. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and wealth of experience, Cerato has ventured into consultancy and management roles within the food and beverage industry, collaborating with various groups to develop guest-focused experiences in coveted destinations.

About Irongate

Irongate is a comprehensive real estate development company with operations spanning California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Mexico. Specializing in crafting residential and resort communities set in premier destinations, Irongate excels in identifying prospects for prestigious luxury-branded projects that seamlessly blend timeless architecture and design with top-tier service. Embodying an entrepreneurial ethos, Irongate's mission is to enhance the communities where they operate by offering unique opportunities and introducing sought-after brands that appeal to visitors, residents, and investors alike.

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