Los Cabos has no shortage of excellent restaurants. Whatever your appetite, you'll have little trouble finding food that pleases palate. Traditional Mexican, authentic Italian, freshest seafood, sushi, fondue and fusion, they're all here. The cuisine that has garnered least attention has been French, king of haute cuisine. Not anymore. Nestled on cliffs above Sea of Cortez, just a few minutes away from hustle and bustle of downtown Cabo San Lucas, is an elegant yet unpretentious jewel in crown of Cabo culinary delights.

That jewel is French Riviera Restaurant and Bakery. A destined to be famous trio of eateries with locations in San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas and along tourist corridor in between two municipalities. Until recently, those seeking true gourmet French dining had a very small selection from which to choose. Most offered French fare as part of a mélange of vastly unrelated cuisine with French fare being a somewhat obvious afterthought. Others claimed to have French trained chefs, but my taste buds told a different story. It is with great pleasure that I report that my taste buds have found true French cooking, and it is alive and well in Los Cabos.

Begat by Jacques Chretien and his wife Sophie, French Riviera is a gastronome's paradise, an oasis of flavor infused sauces, originality and decadence. Led by Chef Jacques Chretien, staff prepares some of finest meals that are likely to ever pass your lips, all while making guests feel more at home than any home should have right to feel. That, my friends, is no easy task, but somehow these wonderfully hospitable folks make it look easy.

Chef Chretien has honor of belonging to a small community - world's greatest chefs. As recipient of Maitre Cuisinier designation (French master chef), he joins a group that boasts only 200 members worldwide with only forty or so outside of France. Mexico boasts a total of five, Los Cabos has only one. The award is bestowed by French government and recognizes culinary excellence as an art form unto itself. Couple Jacque's talent and passion for fine food with Sophie's "joie de vie" and undeniable warmth, and you have a five-star dining experience set in one of world's most picturesque coastal destinations.

The main restaurant is open for lunch (12:00 to 4:00) and dinner (5:30 to 11:00 pm), bar service runs from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm. Decorated in with stone tables and wicker chairs, interior bathed in earth tones, restaurant is warm and inviting. Out on terrace you are surrounded by lush landscapes and an endless ocean view with Land's End and famous arch off in distance. Sunsets here are spectacular.

Chef Chretien's menu is an eclectic collection of original dishes and classic French fare. For starters, your waiter brings you a delightful trio of "welcome" canapés, sea bass tartar with baby green onions, goat cheese mousse and other seasonal delicacies. A nice touch that starts process of making guests feel truly special and welcome.

Here are some ideas to help you make do with less in kitchen!

Stretch a meatloaf by adding oatmeal, or rice.

Always try to make your oven do double-duty when you heat it up. Bake some potatoes alongside those cookies, or biscuits with meatloaf, etc. Or simply cook two pies or roasts instead of one. The second goes in freezer for another time.

When boiling potatoes always save water. If you're making mashed potatoes, use it instead of part of milk. Or, you can cool it and water your houseplants.

Save up to $1.00 per pound on boneless chicken breasts by doing boning yourself using a sharp knife.

Learning to cut up a whole chicken can save you money, too. All you need is a good sharp knife and a little practice.

If you have freezer space, buy an extra turkey at Christmas or an extra ham at Easter when they are on sale, probably at lowest price all year!