Los Cabos Magazine - Issue #10 - 2006 - Articles
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Dining in Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos
Culinary Delights - Delicious Reasons for Dining Out
Los Cabos Magazine Restaurant and Dining article.
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Today’s Los Cabos is as much about fine food as our superb location and relaxing lifestyle. Now, time-tested favorites share the limelight with newer arrivals, offering more menus to tempt your taste buds than ever before. In Cabo San Lucas, where there’s always a party going on, many restaurants do double duty as popular bars, while in San José del Cabo, the mood is subdued and leans to long dinners over a fine vintage or two. And, our renowned resorts offer more culinary pleasures with international chefs casting delicious spells.
To bring you the latest take, follow Sandra Berry, Carol Billups, Bradley Fraser, Ann Hazard, George Landrum, and Sabrina Lear as they explore this season’s top tables around Los Cabos.
Los Cabos Magazine article - Issue #10 - January 2006.
Section 1 of 7 - Amarone to Café Dorian
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Amarone
Three childhood friends from Verona, Italy—Pierluigi Babini, Pietro Gioco, and Allesandro De Rossi—came to Cabo San Lucas and opened this two-level contemporary Plaza Puerto Paraiso eatery in June 2003. Charming, charismatic, and talented, this trio has hit the mark. Amarone vintages, the highly regarded intensely flavorful reds produced only in the Verona region, are the feature here, along with a classic menu using imported Italian ingredients and fresh local products. Amarone has the feel of an upscale bistro-style establishment in Chicago or New York, a welcome addition to Los Cabos, with its monochromatic décor, indoor-outdoor dining, cloth covered tables—some extending to the outdoor terrace overlooking the marina. Led by Italian Chef Titta, Amarone doesn’t disappoint aficionados of Northern Italian cuisine. Main courses include lamb and veal, lobster, shrimp, sea bass, Angus rib eye, grilled tuna, and fresh pasta done right. Linger for the decadent Tiramisú and a selection from the expert barrista on the espresso machine. Live jazz nights and authentic Italian style make Amarone one of the downtown’s best places for a sophisticated evening. Dine in the 100-seat, sleek interior, or on the marina-view terrace. Entrées run $11 to $38 U.S. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. At Puerto Paraiso, marina level. Reservations suggested, call (624) 105-1034.—S.B. & S.L.
Baan Thai
We are all struck with cravings… Pad Thai would be one of mine right now. I can appease my craving from an inimitable restaurant in the gallery enclave of San José del Cabo. Baan Thai deserves every customer that passes its teak threshold. Furnished with comfortable, earthy dark Indonesian furniture and flourishes of color-cued artwork, the back patio is low slung, tropical and candle lit. Baan Thai is great for a group of friends to get together and graze through the menu of appetizers, soups, Thai salads, and wok dishes. The Seafood Dumplings—imagine a wonton filled with crab, shrimp and fish with a mustard, soy dipping sauce—a zingy, mouth popping surprise. Just try not ordering more. The Tom Kha Gai soup with spicy chicken and mushrooms in coconut milk with lemon grass is just enough to lead you to bigger things. Here comes the Pad Thai with rice noodles, fried shrimp and bean sprouts. Doesn't sound like much does it? Believe me when I tell you it is all in the zesty sauce. There are curries, and more to the exotic menu. Thai food loves a good cold beer and so do I. However, you may want to pick off a crisp Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc to chase around the hot spice of chili and the citrus zing of lemongrass and fresh lime. Entrées run $8 to $22 U.S. Air-conditioned and open daily from noon to 10 p.m., with seating for 80. Downtown on Morelos near Obregon, in San José del Cabo. For reservations or private parties, call (624) 142-3344.—B.F.
Baja Cantina Dockside and Baja Cantina Beach
Baja Cantina's international menu is now at two great locations—in the heart of Cabo on the marina, and on Médano Beach in front of Cabo Villas. A Cabo classic for many years, Baja Cantina Dockside has expanded, with twice the dining room capacity. Enjoy USDA rib eye and New York steaks, the juicy burgers, and seafood dishes like blackened Cajun shrimp, tender scallops, or catch of the day (they'll also cook your catch). Good-sized Mexican plates of chile rellenos, burritos, and taco platters are big enough to share. The busy sports bar is very popular, an interesting mix of locals, yachties and anglers from the marina a stone's throw away. Live dinner music, ladies night every Friday night and great pizza, along with prompt courteous service and parking, add to Dockside's tried and true Cabo experience.
At Baja Cantina Beach, you'll find a more upscale alternative from the other restaurants along the bay. This relaxing new Land's End-view Baja Cantina promises good things to come. Teak tables and chairs, white umbrellas and lounges, and laid back lounge groove tunes lend a welcome sophistication, and an alternative ambiance for hanging out on Médano Beach. Choose from toes in the sand or the large deck overlooking the beach. The menu features sushi and sashimi, Mexican food, Caesar salads with shrimp or chicken, Cajun shrimp, catch of the day and burgers. For dinner, try the sizzling steaks and fresh local seafood specialties from the mesquite grill. Baja Cantina Dockside is behind Costa Real Cabo, and open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner with seating for 100 and groups up to 150. Entrées from $7 to $26 U.S. Baja Cantina Beach is open 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the bar open until midnight, seating for 60, 122 Grosfillex loungers, and groups up to 500. For reservations and groups, call either restaurant at (624) 143-1591.—S.L.
Billygan’s Island
In the heart of Médano Beach, Billygan's Island is for soaking up some rays, having a few drinks, and taking in the scenery. A place to party and be seen partying, Mexican beer is 2 for 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with national drinks 2 for 1 from noon until 7 p.m.—and if you don't arrive in time for these, beer is $4 U.S., still not bad for a beachfront price, with margaritas $5 U.S. I had the Billy Burger, a half-pound bacon cheeseburger with fries, and my wife ordered the chicken enchiladas, which came with a really good salsa. Our friends tried the beef quesadillas and the Veracruz-style sea bass with a sauce of olives, onions, tomatoes, and capers. Shrimp and seafood on the menu includes a shrimp-ginger salad, seafood soup (recommended by Manny, our waiter), breaded shrimp, and shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. Taking advantage of the happy hour, the bill for the four of us came to just under $100 U.S., with plenty of Sol and Tecate beer, along with some excellent margaritas. Billygan's Island has friendly staff, good tunes, and a great spot at the foot of Paseo del Pescador. Dinner entrées from $11 to $35 U.S. Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with full breakfasts; seating for 120 and groups up to 200. Call (624) 143-4830 or (624) 144-3908.—G.L.
The Brigantine
Within the Playa Grande Resort on Solmar Beach, The Brigantine's Mexican Hacienda design complements beautifully presented and enjoyable Mexican and continental cuisine. Marble floors and leaded windows add elegance to the air-conditioned dining room. The spacious terrace features gorgeous Pacific Ocean views and starry romantic dining. The Brigantine is known for its creative preparations of Mexican cuisine and seafood specialties. Main courses are enhanced with Mexican herbs and spices, beef choices include the New York, rib eye, or beef tenderloin with pasilla chile or choron sauce. Sample the shrimp, fish and lobster dishes, all savory and fresh from the sea. The seafood lasagna, a house favorite, combines fresh scallops, shrimp, and fish in black bean and chile poblano sauce. The Brigantine Mexican combo features Tampico-style tenderloin, a savory chicken enchilada, a nopal (prickly pear cactus) steak topped with regional goat cheese, and a shrimp and cheese stuffed jalapeño pepper. For dessert, try any of the freshly baked cakes or the flan. A well-rounded wine list, full bar with Mexican coffees, and good service add to the meal. The extensive breakfast buffet features fresh fruits and juices, Mexican and American classics, and fresh breads, rolls and pastries. Dinner entrées are $14 to $29 U.S. Open from 7 to 11 a.m. for breakfast and 6 to 10 p.m. for dinner with live music nightly and seating for 88 on the patios and 68 inside. At the Playa Grande Resort, for dinner reservations, call (624) 143-7575.—S.L.
Cabo Wabo Cantina
Overlooking lively Plaza del Los Mariachis from a casual second floor perch aside Sammy Hagar's legendary nightclub, Cabo Wabo Cantina serves inventive and tasty food created by Dustin Meeker, its long time chef. Order the famous Waborita—a take on the margarita using Hagar's handpicked, signature 100% reposado tequila—while you wait for something off the interesting Mexican-influenced menu. The lunch and dinner menus are similar, with a few more entrées thrown in at night minus the tacos and burgers. Start with the lobster ceviche with vanilla, grapefruit, Bermuda onion, cilantro, and lime, an inspiring and fresh take on a Mexican classic. For dinner, the six succulent tempura-style coconut shrimp with a slightly spicy sweet dipping sauce are a favorite, or try Sammy's shrimp, done with—what else—tequila. Sautéed jumbo shrimp with garlic and chiles are deglazed with limejuice and Cabo Wabo tequila. Meat eaters will appreciate the tender pan seared beef medallions with chipotle butter. Desserts range from Mexican-style crème brulée, flan, and white chocolate and lemon and mango tart, all delicious. A full bar will lubricate you for the action waiting downstairs. Don't forget to take home a bottle of Cabo Wabo tequila, and with Sammy now living fulltime at his Cabo home, you may catch a glimpse of him, too. Enter clubside on Guerrero or via Plaza de Los Mariachis on Boulevard Marina. Entrées from $17 to $38 U.S. for the Mexican plate for two. Seating for 50, and open for lunch and dinner from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, call (624) 143-1188.—S.L.
Café Dorian
Who says you can't find decent Thai in Cabo? At Café Dorian, fresh seafood is served up with a Thai twist. The dinner menu offers daily specials, appetizers, salads, and their signature Asian BBQ cooked at the table. Tableside preparation is the highlight of this restaurant with flambéed drunken shrimp, lobster, and filet mignon specials done dinner-theatre style by your attentive waiter. Flames erupt from all corners as the waiters maneuver the portable kitchens into position to prepare your dinner. The Asian BBQ combo (minimum two people) features shrimp, scallops, chicken, filet mignon and veggies served with Thai peanut and chili-lemongrass-ginger-garlic and soy dipping sauces, rice and salad. Asian blue crab and chicken stuffed with crab and scallops are popular. You can top off your dinner with a tasty dessert and Mexican coffee. For landlubbers, the restaurant also offers such stand-bys as steak and tortilla soup. Café Dorian offers full or continental breakfasts and an extensive lunch menu includes a variety of salads and light entrées. A children's menu is available and the staff are glad to accommodate younger diners. The atmosphere is lively during dinner hours, with seating on the veranda or dockside at the marina. Dinner entrées range from $15 to $34 U.S. On the marina at Plaza Bonita with seating for 75; and open daily 8 a.m. to midnight. Dinner reservations suggested, call (624) 143-7923.—C.B.
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Copyright © 2008 - Joseph A. Tyson - Tyson Promotions Inc - All Rights Reserved
Los Cabos Magazine - Los Cabos Visitor's Guide - Promociones Tyson, S. A. de C. V.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Last Revision - 27 July 2006 - jat
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