Los Garcia Restaurante
Los Cabos Guide - Restaurant and Dining Review - January 2006 - by Sabrina Lear
Los Garcia, a new Mexican restaurant and tequila bar on the Cabo San Lucas marina, is another good reason to explore Plaza Puerto Paraiso’s growing reputation for fine dining in upscale surroundings. Overlooking the pedestrian malecon with fine views of the busy marina, diners can savor Garcia’s family recipes al fresco on the spacious terrace, with its dramatic bell-shaped pergola. Or, sit inside in the sleek great room, anchored by a magnificent handblown glass chandelier, and walls of tequila showcasing a collection of over 200 - and growing - premium brands available for tasting or taking home from the tequila boutique at Los Garcia’s entrance. Los Garcia also boasts a show kitchen between the bar and the boutique for those interested in taking an afternoon group Mexican cooking course.
Our evening began with a complementary La Pinta pomegranate-infused tequila liquor and chicken taquito, while we perused the inviting menu of Garcia family favorites. I ordered a house margarita on the rocks made with Oro Azul blanco, very smooth, and very well priced at just $6 U.S., while my companion ordered a Michelada - a Pacifico cerveza on ice with lime, and salt to taste, perfectly executed from the bar. We grazed through four appetizers, enjoying the many tastes and textures. Tamalitos Oaxaquenos – chicken tamales in a rich dark mole were a fitting match to the Azteca soup, Los Garcia’s traditional tortilla soup recipe, served with all the trimmings – cubed fresh panela cheese, avocado, guajillo chile, and fresh cilantro. Delicious. Fresh bread was presented from Los Garcia’s onsite bakery, which we used to try the fresh fish tartar marinated with ginger, lemon, and dry cascabel chile oil, light and not at all spicy, the chile oil lending a subtle seasoning. The delicious Los Garcia salad of mixed greens and alfalfa sprouts with jicama, pineapple, and tortilla croutons tossed in a mango and guajillo chile vinaigrette, was a winning combination.
For our entrees, we decided on the New York in Cabo, an ample grilled New York steak with roasted mash potato, scallions, and grilled panela cheese, and the catch of the day, sea bass with a mild poblano chile sauce, sauteed vegetables, and roasted baby potatoes. The New York, from the mesquite wood-fired grill, hit the mark; while the sea bass was tender and flaky with the creamy poblano chile sauce an excellent match. Our only regret was that we were too full to sample dessert, in spite of our waiter’s assurance that we would love Los Garcia’s flan. Being a fan of this traditional dessert made it even harder to pass on. Service was attentive, and even with the arrival of a corporate group of thirty for dinner on the terrace, the waiters ably saw to our needs. Open just since November 2005, Chef J. Santos Rodriguez is still refining Los Garcia’s menu, which will be expanded to include lunch in the very near future. Appetizers, soups, and salads run $7 to $13 U.S., with entrees from $18 to $30 U.S.
Enthusiastic staff, a great location, and an upscale Mexican ambience all await you at Los Garcia Restaurante. Add very good traditional live Mexican music, the tequila bar with its many unusual hand crafted brands and bottles, and you have a unique experience that’s hard to match. If you are new to tequila, try a tasting, paired with some Los Garcia appetizers. Each premium 100% agave tequila, like a fine wine or a single malt scotch, has its own unique nose, complexity of flavors, and finish. With seating for 120 and groups up to 180, Los Garcia is open daily for lunch from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and for dinner from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. For dinner reservations, tequila tastings, cooking classes, or to plan your next event, call (624) 143-4601 or 143- 602.—Sabrina Lear
Cooking classes are even offered in an exhibition area for those wishing to brush up on their salsas.
Now open for Lunch (12 noon to 6 pm) and Dinner (6 pm to 10 pm)
