Courtesy of AnArte Art Gallery
Damien Watel’s French upbringing sent him straight to the Ecole de Cuisine Promhote cooking school in Paris.
His Father Jean Pierre , Himself a noted modernist Architect in France and with the love of cuisine and restaurants , was happy to encourage this career move.. An uncle with two restaurants in Dallas gave Watel his American start, and he soon jump-started his career with a restaurant of his own, ‘Watels’. The wandering Watel then came to San Antonio and opened the legendary, Bistro Vatel, dedicated to the simple but sophisticated French food that Watel seems born to cook. Since opening Bistro Vatel in 1999, Chef Watel has quickly become a leader in San Antonio’s premiere restaurant circle, adding his Italian creation, Ciao Lavanderia shortly after the Bistro. Chef Watel continued his success with his third concept, a Belgian themed restaurant located in the King William district ‘La Frite Belgian Bistro’ and a new wine bar, ‘Ciao Vino’. These days Damien runs a new location” BISTR09” on Broadway and doubles as France’s Honorary Consul for San Antonio.
Damien has 3 children, Stephanie Harry and Enzo and is married to Lisa, a chef as well.
He will present his first solo exhibition called
“Multitasking” on August 9 from 6-8pm with champagne & vino and Art talk at 7:15.
This collection illustrates the influences over the years , dog series , people, and architecture. Somewhat similar to the culinary side, creativity comes in spurts and pours out on canvas until satisfied!