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Los Cabos Magazine - Issue #9 Articles
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Dining in Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos
Top Tables - 60 Delicious Reasons for Dining Out |
| Our endless sun and sand, world-class sportfishing and championship golf may be irresistible, yet one of the best reasons to visit Los Cabos is for eclectic dining in surroundings as varied as México itself. Sweeping views of magnificent shorelines complement innovative menus with hospitality so gracious you’ll never want to leave. Sabrina Lear, Bradley Fraser, Carol Billups, and David Mandich explore top tables around Los Cabos. Los Cabos Magazine article - Issue #9 - July 2004. Section 3 of 3 - Pancho's to Villa Serena | Dining Article - Section 1 | Dining Article - Section 2 | |
| Pancho’s Restaurant If you’re looking for Mexican cantina style dining, head for Pancho’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar. From colorful table linens to posters of Pancho Villa and red, white and green flags waving overhead, Pancho’s recreates the flavor of México’s revolutionary days. Claiming the world’s largest collection, Pancho’s has over 500 varieties of tequila. Try the Tequila Tasting Class in which you’ll glean more about México’s most famous export than most people know about wine, tasting as you learn. You may elect to follow your class with Pancho’s Tequila Dinner, each course accompanied by an appropriate selection for $59 U.S. or the Taste of México “sampling” menu with selections from the country’s important culinary regions for $62 U.S. Pancho’s chefs are from Yucatan, Jalisco, México City, and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts: each brings a unique style and heritage to the table. Pancho’s offers an extensive menu with over 100 dishes including the classic starter tortilla soup, traditional chicken soup with crispy tortilla strips and lots of toppings, or the lesser known tamal Oaxaqueno, a luscious chicken mole tamale wrapped in banana leaf. Entrees range from $10 U.S. for quesadillas (cheese-stuffed grilled tortillas) to $62 U.S. With seating for 150 and groups up to 100 (advance notice required), Pancho’s is on the corner of Hildalgo and Zapata in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with well-priced breakfasts. For reservations, call (624) 143-0973.—C.B. Peacocks Peacocks has a Cabo-style palapa ambience topped with elegance, fine European cuisine, and wonderful service. To start, enjoy classic Caesar salad or baked brie cheese in pecan crust with cranberry jelly or sautéed New Zealand mussels. The mixed organic garden greens salad is a treat dressed with Mandarin orange, honey, and oregano topped with walnuts and blue cheese. The luscious basil cheese ravioli swim in a delicious marinara vodka cream sauce. Main courses include fresh seafood selections, meats, and poultry prepared with tropical glazes, Mexican spices, and European sauces. Roast duck in a rosemary mango glaze, filet mignon, and New Zealand rack of lamb Provence highlight the menu. Peacocks also boasts a mesquite-fired grill pit that offers Arrachera ropenachi (marinated Mexican skirt steak); rib eye steaks; smoked chicken breast florentine; and marinated Baja shrimp, grilled and topped with a secret-recipe mojo glaze. A separate menu titled Lobster Sensations features combos of lobster with prawns or scallops in different sauces. Of special note is the Yucateca achiote—a Mexican classic with orange and brandy from the southern coast. I was hooked by the lobster with Angus Beef medallions served in a green peppercorn sauce. The steak medallions were tender, the sauce creamy and tart, and the lobster tail large and fresh. For the grand finale, there are profiterole peacocks stuffed with ice cream atop a feathered fan, drawn on the plate with sauces in blazing Technicolor. Entrées from $12 to $38 U.S. with seating for 180. Open 6 to 10:30 p.m. Find Peacocks on Paseo del Pescador, next to the Meliá San Lucas. For reservations, call (624) 143-1858.—D.M. Pitahayas Restaurant With its Pacific Rim cuisine and tight service, Pitahayas deserves the awards it has garnered. Winner of the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality for seven years puts it in the same league as the Polo Lounge and NYC’s Mr. K’s. Chef Volker Romeike never rests on his laurels; he was awarded the “Finest Chefs World Wide” for 2004. Walking into this oceanfront, open palapa-roofed restaurant, there’s a sense of maturity and promise. It’s a sensory thing. The aroma of lamb and prawns on the mesquite grill mingle with the sound of the surf. Before we even saw a menu we were served blue crab cakes on an avocado relish bed and a basket of four different freshly-baked breads. The crab and scallop salad appetizer with crisp asparagus and citrus dressing was a fine fusion of texture and flavors. The mesquite-grilled lamb chops are served with freshly sautéed spinach and a lobster potato hash. Yes, you read lobster! The pecan encrusted sea bass with crab and Thai curry sauce was ample and artfully presented. At Pitahayas, the visuals are only surpassed by the quality of the food. Pitahayas’ Cava de Santiago (wine cellar) deserves a review of its own. If you can’t find a wine here, the grapes are still on the vine. Make your reservation for sunset, dress up, sit back, and take in all that Pitahayas has to offer. On the Corridor, at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort in Cabo del Sol. Entrées from $8 to $39 U.S. Open daily from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. with live music every night except Wednesday. With seating for 124, and groups up to 300, resort attire is required. For reservations, call (624) 145-8010.—B.F. Pochos Pochos all started with American-Mexican owner Carlos Vasquez’s love of sport fishing and his fleet of three fishing boats. His clients were looking for a place to eat their fresh catch, so Carlos converted his office into a restaurant. Start your day on one of Carlos’ boats and end it at Pocho’s with your fresh catch prepared al gusto—as you like it. Appetizers include tortilla soup, lobster bisque, avocado stuffed with shrimp, escargot, Greek salad and a mixed green salad. The shrimp and avocado appetizer was well presented with a firm halved avocado propping up a light dipping sauce and some rather large peeled shrimps. Entrées include filet mignon, rack of lamb, lobster, coconut shrimp and duck. Fishing diehards will enjoy Pocho’s: they cook your catch for $5 U.S. and run fishing videos. Watch as experts show you tackle options, how to bait and set the hook and reel ‘em in. Entrées from $14.50 to $27 U.S. With seating for 50, Pocho’s is on “restaurant row” at Plaza Bonita and open daily, with a full breakfast menu, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For reservations, call (624) 144-3183.—B.F. Puerta Vieja Restaurant Bar Puerta Vieja, or old door (in this case 160-years old and from India), blends contemporary architecture—high ceilings and an open design—with warm colonial accents. Then there’s the stunning wide-open bay and Land’s End view, filling every southwest window of the two level space. The menu is international with a few nods to Asia: curry and Thai seasonings highlight several dishes. Start with the shrimp curry salad or the pear salad with prosciutto, gorgonzala, and arugula. From the grill, there are steaks and New Zealand lamb. The Puerta Vieja special: three lamb chops, three jumbo shrimp and a lobster tail is a bargain at $23 U.S. The fish fillet is prepared with chile ajillo, cilantro, or Mediterranean (balsamic vinegar, bell peppers, mint, and parsley) sauces. Steak and seafood combos, shrimp, and lobster vie with Thai chicken or chicken stuffed with shrimp. Mexican plates include Tampiqueña, a combo of marinated beef fillet and chicken enchilada in a mild chile sauce. Save room for the flan, key lime pie, or the sinful double chocolate cake. A well priced wine list, full bar and live music add to the appeal, along with a private dining room for 12 and an upper level bar and terrace for parties of up to 150 people. Dinner entrées from $9 to $29 U.S. With seating for 95 and groups up to 120, Puerta Vieja is open noon to 11 p.m. daily. At Kilometer 6.3 next to Cabo Bello, for reservations, call (624) 104-3252.—S.L. Romeo y Julieta Ristorante The waiters are the décor at this authentic Italian restaurant, wearing large Italian flag-style aprons of green, white, and red. A pianist played romantic classics while we dined in the open courtyard under a starry sky. Appetizers featured shrimp cocktail, prosciutto and melon, and antipastos de la casa: an Italian salad bar with marinated octopus; potato salad; fried onion rings; fish fillets; a hearts of palms salad; a sumptuous, marinated three-color bell pepper salad; and more, enough to stop right there and call it dinner—all for only $5 U.S.! Warm focaccia bread accompanies meals, classic Caesar salad is made at your table, and a glass of vino tinto adds to the pleasure of your meal. The ravioli al forno is excellent with six enormous homemade raviolis stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach. Pasta dishes include spaghetti a la puttanesca (capers, anchovies, olives and tomato sauce), spaghetti pesto, a seafood linguini in Alfredo sauce; gnocchi; lasagna; and penne. The Romeo & Julieta combo features beef medallions, mushrooms, and shrimp in Alfredo sauce. Try the scampi Pernod with fresh cream—it’s both elegant and legal. Pollo lovers will savor the chicken parmesana and the cacciatore. Dessert selections include gelato, a selection of ten rich cakes made daily, and delicious flan. Finish up with a cappuccino. Pastas are $10 U.S. or less with entrées from $8 to $20 U.S. At Boulevard Marina and Camino del Cerro, with seating for 100. With an inside air-conditioned dining room and open daily from 4 to 11 p.m., for reservations, call (624) 143-0225.—D.M. Sancho Panza Bistro and Nightclub Sancho Panza is boomerific! With its kitchen-hugging bar and nightly live music, Sancho Panza is a feel-good place catering to the 40-plus crowd. The highly entertaining Alex Villegas and his band will unglue you for a spin on the dance floor, or at the very least, a shuffle in your seat. The Latin-touched Mediterranean menu includes appetizers, salads, and signature meat and seafood dishes. To start, the fresh tuna carpaccio with capers, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and parmesan cheese, and the mini lamb rack marinated in fresh herbs with a wine and garlic infusion were both a good fit for the 1999 J. Bouchon Cabernet Sauvignon, hinting of ripe plums, vanilla, and chocolate. Venturing on to the signature entrées, the oven roasted osso buco, marinated in red wine and fresh organic herbs with risotto and organic vegetables sang with a southeastern Australian 2001 Yangarra Park Shiraz. Accompanied by a Chilean 1999 Laura Hartwig Merlot tasting of plums and currants, the pork tenderloin marinated in organic citrus, ginger and tamarind and served on a bed of sweet potato purée was a seductive delight. Owner Ron Cleist is a wine fanatic. During the past seven years, Ron has uncorked thousands of different wines and he continues to introduce new vintages night after night. Sancho Panza is behind the lighthouse at Costa Real Cabo in Cabo San Lucas. Open from 4 to 11 p.m. daily, entrées from $17.50 to $28 U.S. with seating for 75, including the bar and patio. Reservations recommended; call (624) 143-3212.—B.F. Sea Queen Restaurant Is it possible? A seafood restaurant, sushi bar, coffee and dessert café, lounge, live music, and children’s playground all under one roof? Cabo’s Sea Queen has it all and more—including private parking. This is a good choice for families, dinner for two, or groups up to 220 people. The vaulted palapa roof, open areas, comfortable chairs, and large tables seem to swallow you up, in a comforting way. Cabo San Lucas-born Chef Elliot Christopher Chong Boone, who trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, is inventive (without going over the edge), energetic, and talented. The starters include sushi bar goodies, appetizers, soups, and salads. The tuna sashimi and the spicy scallop rolls were ample, fresh, and served with a tangy citrus dipping sauce. We shared two entrées: fresh cabrilla (sea bass) in a Damiana liquor and chile sauce served with polenta and fresh vegetables; and the Sea Queen lobster with a sun dried tomato sauce, grilled asparagus and risotto. Both were right on the money. Feeling like a little meat? Try the veal chops, beef tournedos, duck confit, or grilled chicken. The service was attentive and the nightly music by the Los Principes quartet fun without hampering conversation. Sea Queen is a “real” place. We walked away feeling the restaurant welcomed, enveloped, and totally satisfied us. And, here’s the kicker…you don’t need a bank loan to go for dinner. Entrées from $11.50 to $28 U.S. At Boulevard Marina and Avenida Cabo San Lucas, open daily for lunch and dinner from noon to 11 p.m. For reservations, call 144-4731.—B.F. Solomon’s Landing Restaurant Solomon’s has grown up! Once a marina-side hangout with fish tacos and beer, Solomon’s is now a sophisticated dining destination offering a varied and urbane menu in a relaxed and casual palapa-roof atmosphere. Soups and appetizers are reasonably priced: consider their tortilla or seafood soup, both hearty. Try the fish or shrimp ceviche (raw seafood “cooked” in fresh lime juice, tomatoes, onions and chile) or traditional starters and salads. Not to be missed is their fish Rockefeller, a just-caught fillet of fish topped with fresh spinach, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Fish with curry sauce is another unique and delicious entrée. Solomon’s specializes in fresh lobsters starting at $30 U.S. for a 20-ouncer. Meat-eaters have a variety of dishes including filet mignon and barbecued ribs. Solomon’s will cook your catch for $8 U.S. per person and if you’re going fishing, they’ll make you a boxed lunch. The signature dessert is tempura ice cream: fried ice cream with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Or, simply enjoy a Mexican coffee to finish your meal. Dinner entrées from $14 to $58 U.S. for a combo platter for two of lobster, shrimp, fish, and filet mignon. On the west side of the marina behind Hotel Costa Real Cabo (formerly Plaza Las Glorias) with seating for 100, and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Lively music every day. For dinner reservations, call (624) 143-7606 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To call the restaurant, dial (624) 143-3050.—C.B. The Shrimp House Phil and Adriana Sedera’s unassuming Shrimp House serves fresh, succulent shrimp and lobster. Period. Cabo’s original peel and eat shrimp restaurant has been around for 14 years. While we ate, a Wisconsin couple on their third visit said they’d found The Shrimp House on the last day of their vacation the year before and it was so good they returned their first day back this time around. Two women at a nearby table called over to say the margaritas were incredible, so I had one and they were right: frosty margs in huge goblets for—get this—$2.50 U.S. Medium and jumbo-sized shrimp and lobster come by the half or full kilo, boiled or breaded. Combos run $12.95 for a quarter kilo each of medium-size shrimp and lobster, $15.95 U.S. with jumbo shrimp. The breaded shrimp and lobster combo, two ample tails and three jumbo shrimp, are very lightly breaded, delicious, and surprisingly greaseless. A kilo, that’s 2.2 pounds of medium-sized shrimp or 4 lobster tails, is $25.90 U.S. Or, try five breaded, butterflied jumbo shrimp for $8.85 U.S. All orders are served with fresh lime, melted butter, and a tomato-based cocktail sauce, regular or slightly spicy. For tasty shrimp and lobster at bargain prices, you can’t beat The Shrimp House. On Boulevard Marina near Madero across from Plaza Nautica. Air-conditioned, open daily noon to 10 p.m., cash only. Telephone: (624) 143-1147.—S.L. Tamarindo and Romanza at Grand Baja Resort and Spa San Jose del Cabo will soon have two new restaurants at the Grand Baja Resort and Spa under Executive Chef Alberto Machain (formerly of Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta). Tamarindo will have regional tasting menus from Mexican States including Michoacan, Puebla and Yucatan; while Romanza will be featuring Italian-Mediterranean specialties. Both have 60-seat air-conditioned dining rooms and view terraces. Tamarindo will be open for lunch and dinner; Romanza for dinner only. For more information, call (624) 146-7500.—S.L. Terranova Restaurant People come to Terranova, the unassuming restaurant at the Hotel Posada Terranova, for their breakfast chilaquiles (day old tortillas fried and served with chicken, cream, and cheese) and return at night for their pescado papillote (fresh fish baked in aluminum foil). The Tolentino family has had the posada (small inn) for what seems like forever, and the affordable Mexican homestyle food has always been a draw. Lunch is a pleasant combination of salads and Mexican standards like quesadillas and enchiladas, filete de pescado (fish fillet), and carne asada tacos. For dinner, the menu becomes more sophisticated and the pleasant terrace is transformed with soft lighting and strolling musicians. Try the affordable seafood soup for starters or the Caesar salad, done the old Tijuana way. For your main course, the Mexican combination is flavorful, featuring enchiladas with green chili sauce and tamales. Or, make your own Mexican plate, the cook will be happy to oblige. The coconut shrimp in mango sauce is a much-requested favorite. Terranova Restaurant has a full bar and desserts. Dinner entrées from $7.50 to $20 U.S. with lobster at market prices. With seating for 72, including an air-conditioned dining room. On Degollado, just off Zaragoza, four blocks up from Boulevard Mijares in San José del Cabo. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For dinner reservations, call (624) 142-0534.—S.L. Tony’s Plantation Coffee An affordable surprise in the Food Court on the top floor of Puerto Paraiso, Tony’s Plantation Coffee serves full breakfasts, Mexican-style crepes, sandwiches and coffee drinks using Martinique de Clieu, one of the finest Mexican high altitude roasts. Owner Aaron Sandoval is always on hand to explain the many varieties of savory and dessert crepes on the menu. Favorites include the classic spinach and cream cheese, Italian prosciutto and provolone, vegetarian, and house specialties using Mexican ingredients and spices. For a taste of the Baja, try the De La Casa, with nopal cactus strips, onion, mushrooms, and fresh regional cheese. Crepes range from $ 3 to $5.50 U.S. and are hearty and filling. Salads, beef and chicken fajitas, and deli-style sandwiches served on whole wheat, a baguette, or a croissant offer more variety. Dessert crepes ($2.50 to $3.50 U.S.) smothered in chocolate sauce include Mi Dulce Flor with banana, peaches and cajeta, a delicious Mexican caramel sauce. From the espresso bar, sample special coffees like the Caribe with orange liquor. Open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Take-out available. Call 144-3410.—S.L. Tower Restaurant Bar Above the marina at Puerto Paraiso, the Tower Restaurant Bar offers a unique dining experience with a fixed price and a la carte dinner menu centered on sautés and flambés. Owner-Chef Rodrigo Cabeza de Vaca’s small menu is prepared tableside for just 16 diners per seating. An intimate, breezy space, the dining room has almost 360-degree views of Cabo San Lucas, the bay, Land’s End, and the Pacific Ocean from this compact fifth floor aerie. The $45 U.S. menu starts with a choice of Caesar or Mediterranean salad. Then sit back and watch as your filet mignon, or shrimp, or lobster is sautéed or flambéed in front of you. A bottle of red or white wine per person and dessert are included at this price. For a la carte dining, chicken, fish and seafood choices include flambéed chicken with brandy and Béchamel sauce or shrimp and lobster prepared a variety of ways. The flambé continues with crepes Suzette, flambéed strawberries or bananas. Afterwards, drop down a flight to the bar for a nightcap, which skewers to a hip crowd. Open Monday to Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., reservations suggested, call (624) 144-4712.—S.L. Trattoria Da Giorgio - San Jose del Cabo Hilltop Trattoria Da Giorgio is near the Palmilla resort offering al fresco patios with San José bay views and an air-conditioned dining room. The warm focaccia slices accompany a complimentary glass of sparking wine. For starters, the insalata del Mare di Cortez is an enjoyable fresh seafood salad of octopus, squid and shrimp tossed in a light lemon and vinaigrette dressing. If you enjoy fettuccine Alfredo, this version is authentically prepared with cream, butter, and parmesan accompanied with an ample grilled chicken breast. The homemade spinach ravioli is stuffed with ricotta cheese and served with an understated Italian tomato sauce. Da Giorgio offers several thin crust wood-oven fired pizzas and other fare including catch of the day in olive oil with herbs, white wine sauce or tomato sauces. Meat lovers will enjoy beef fillets in a green peppercorn sauce. There’s also piccata di pollo, a chicken breast sautéed in lemon and white wine sauce with capers. The wine list includes chianti, barolo and pinot grigio. Entrées from $11 to $33 U.S., with seating for 150 and groups up to 200. At Kilometer 25.5, open daily from 12 to 10:30 p.m., for reservations, call (624) 144-5304.—D.M. Villa Serena Restaurant This charming palapa restaurant with sweeping ocean views and a refreshing pool for afternoon dips is a good place for those wanting a true Baja Californian dining experience. Villa Serena is popular for Mexican food, friendly service, and a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Villa Serena has been keeping diners happy for more than 12 years and is known for its “eat my tail” $9.99 lobster special. Portions are generous, with full breakfasts, lunch, and a dinner menu with Mexican favorites, salads, steaks, seafood, surf and turf combos, shiska-bobs, and finger-licking ribs. Drinks are well mixed, with frosty margaritas and an affordable wine list. Romantic live guitar music plays from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays that’s low enough to talk over, yet loud enough to enjoy. Perfect for couples, families and special events. Villa Serena Restaurant is upscale in ambiance with down to earth prices. Dinner entrées from $9 to $28 U.S., with seating for 70 and groups up to 150. At Kilometer 7.5 adjacent to the Villa Serena Trailer Park. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., for reservations, call (624) 145-8244.—S.L. |
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Copyright © 2004 - Joseph A. Tyson - All Rights Reserved
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Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Last Revision - 21 July 2004