Behind the Golden Door

Can a diet menu be a hit at a conference on gastronomy? You bet, when it’s one designed and prepared by the imaginative chef of the Golden Door, California’s glamorous health spa in Escondido. Michel Stroot, cookbook author and chef de cuisine at the spa, prepared a wonderful luncheon for 400 food aficionados who attended the American Institute of Wine and Food’s Conference on Gastronomy in Santa Barbara earlier this year.

The luncheon won the attending gastronomes’ hearts for a very simple reason: Stroot’s offerings were delicious in addition to being filling, and that’s seldom the case with foods that have been specifically designed to provide a good balance of nutrients and yet be low in calories, fats and sodium. Many of Stroot’s recipes fit well into menus for the thousands of us who are not dieting but simply would like to avoid overindulging in rich meals.

On Page 32, you’ll find some excellent recipes for the type of good-for-you and good-tasting foods that this creative chef serves to patrons at the Golden Door.

PRODUCED BY ROBIN TUCKER / FOOD STYLIST: MARLENE BROWN / TABLEWARE FROM MAY CO.