Club Meeting @ PVLD - Chef Robert Bell

Chef Robert Bell is a self-taught executive chef, generous philanthropist, and active member of the South Bay community. He and his partner, Michael Franks, have made Chez Mélange the oldest and most established culinary destination in the South Bay. Founded in 1982, Robert and Michale have served the community great food and great service. Robert is an active member of the community, and it shows in the daily operation of his restaurants, He support organic, sustainable, rustic cooking and above all else, “the small guy who’s just trying to make a living”,. He believes in the farmer, the fisherman and most importantly, the family. “We are a family ourselves and our night are spent together, serving what we are proud of in a restaurant we hope you support”

Robert says his love and inspiration of food and dining originated with his grandmother. “Sunday meals and gathering around the table were so much fun. I was 10 years old and all we’d talk about was how we like our dinners: do we use the long pasta or short pasta? Food was an important thing; it wasn’t just something you ate so you wouldn’t be hungry”

The original For Our Children Food and Wine Festival was held in two tents at Chel Mélange, and they are still a supporter of the event today. Additionally, Robert is a supporter of The Seed To Plate, a program in Palos Verdes where special education students maintain a garden. Chez Mélange purchases their harvest, and Chef Robert transforms their produce into a market-driven menu which highlights world cuisines. Other noteworthy restaurants are Misto, Christine’s, Gusto, Fino, Too Chez, Descanso, Depot and the Chez.