Explore, experience and indulge in Oaxacan cuisine at Zuomo restaurant. Oaxaca is Mexico’s Garden of Eden, where a myriad of varieties of food crops, herbs, spices, (cocoa), wildlife and seafood abound.
Chef Sergio Figueroa lived among the area’s indigenous people studying their food and cultures before partnering with businessman Rodrigo Sandino and his sister Maria Sandino (a graphic artist) to bring Oaxaca to Los Cabos. His rich and flavorful traditional Mole’ (mol-lay) sauces can take two days to prepare out of dozens of ingredients. I tried the Mole Negro Artesanal served with honey-baked duck. The duck was succulent and the spicy chocolate Mole––thick and delicious. In Oaxacan cooking, the sauce IS the focal point. What’s underneath is secondary.
The chic, minimalist décor of black tables, marble, dark wood and tile reflect the chef’s experience and culinary training at Zen monasteries in Japan. Try (if you dare) the Mexican equivalent of Sushi. Tlayuda Oaxaquena––Oaxacan grilled cheese in an 18” tortilla with dried spiced grasshoppers and baked maguey larvae––the ones often put in tequila. It will bring out the Aztec warrior in you.
A Mayan masterpiece that will be enjoyed by both vegetarians and steak lovers is the Lasagna de Tortilla con Huitlacoche Flor de Calabaza y Requeson. This lasagna uses tortillas rather than flat noodles, layers of regional cheeses, corn truffle and squash flower. Enjoy the simplicity of fresh seafood cooked with fine Mexican herbs, tender Angus beef marinated in garlic and vinegar sauce or a complicated red semi-spicy mole over beef. They’re all one-way tickets to Oaxaca.
Desserts include Baked Pear with Tangerine Sauce and Fresh Ground Black Pepper, and a unique ice cream of tropical mamey fruit and Oaxacan cheese. Chocolate addicts will sell their souls for a slice of the heavenly Chocolate Cake.
Bartender Daniel Martin has created 40 special martinis––many with Oaxacan ingredients. The premium alcohol bar features an extensive wine list with selections from every continent. Tequila aficionados should try Oaxacan Mezcal.
Zuomo is located in Plaza Las Velas one block below the Mega shopping plaza in San Jose del Cabo. Open for dinner 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. Prices: $8–40 U.S. Seating for 40, groups to 150. Credit card acceptance pending––check first. Reservations: (624) 105-2828.––David Mandich
Zuomo Restaurant
Plaza Las Velas Local 1
Paseo Los Cabos esq. Paseo del Estero
Zona Comercial FONATUR
San Jose del Cabo, 23400, Baja California Sur Phone: (624) 105-0808
