5 Green Hot Places to Dine in Los Cabos, Mexico

by Tamara Whiteside

The Los Cabos dining vibe offers more than gringo menus and tequila shooters, it has become a culinary oasis for talented chefs. As the world meanders down the burgeoning “green” path, Cabo’s top chefs are using organic and local products to dish up innovative contemporary seasonal cuisine.

Siempre Restaurant

Chef Candelario Leon creates the “Splurge” menu and wellness oriented Spa Menu incorporating seasonal and traditional Mexican ingredients. Dine elegantly inside or out, or opt for a private table on the beach lit by tiki torches and candles. A tantalizing starter- perfectly seared scallops, butternut squash puree in a curry cinnamon sauce, and a perfect view of the Pacific’s waves pounding into the surf. Don’t miss the Veal Loin stuffed with Brie and Wild Mushrooms. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat and Spa, Cabo San Lucas, www.pueblobonitopacifica.com.

LaFrida

Executive Chef Antonio de Livier, a Slow Food advocate, operates two restaurants, LaFrida and Fellini’s Ristorante. LaFrida host’s a colorful mural of artist Frida Kahol who looks on as libations are shaken and stirred tableside, like Mango Martini’s and Mojitio’s. Chocolaty Oaxoan Mole is paired with an interesting twist, local Negro Modelo beer and the Steak Ceviche with a crisp Fume Blanc. Together, Sommelier Juan Carlos Flores, youngest sommelier to achieve the Star Diamond Award, and Chef Tonio create pairings from the impressive wine cellar that complement and contrast with a wow factor. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort, Cabo San Lucas. www.pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com.

Fellini’s Ristorante

Fellini’s delicious Italian fare is imaginative and each choreographed course is executed with precision. Of course, there is pasta, but try Risotto di Gamberi, jumbo garlic shrimp over creamy tomato-saffron risotto or brick oven pizza with gorgonzola, organic red and yellow beets with figs. Finish off with the creamy Orange Crème Brulee. Pueblo Bonito Rosé, Playa El Médano, Cabo San Lucas. www.pueblobonito-rose.com.

Sea Grill

Dine with jet-setters at Las Ventanas al Paraiso Resort. Executive Chef Fabrice Guisset has introduced the culinary art of “Cocina del Fuego”-- Fire Cuisine, to the resort’s Sea Grill and The Restaurant. He uses wood-burning ovens and custom grills based on the flavors imbued by the local woods, organic vegetables and fresh organic herbs from the resort’s herb garden. The flaming grills are sizzling with the Baja’s best meats and seafood such as New York Steak with Holy Herb Wrapped in Plantain Leaf and Ensenada Mussels cooked in a Clay Pot. The Arrachera Marinada Tacos and organic salads are perfect for a seaside lunch. La Cava is a private dining venue in the beautiful wine room. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort. KM 19.5 Carretera (on the corridor near San Jose). www.lasventanas.com.

Don Emiliano Restaurant

Chef Margarita Carilla de Salinas and wine enthusiast son, Angel Salinas, opened the Baja’s first Slow Food restaurant in the historical center of San Jose which was voted 2006 Baja’s Best Restaurant. Melt in your mouth octopus, slivered into disks float in a cilantro sauce and the Shrimp Escabeche are signature appetizers. The Chihuahua Beef Tenderloin with10 Chili Oil Sauce served over a mushroom stuffed blue corn tamale keeps the regulars coming back. South of the central plaza and the Municipal Palace, Blvd. Mijares 27, San Jose del Cabo. www.donemiliano.com.mx

Photo credit:

BeachBed-Pueblo Bonito
Scallops-Tamara Whiteside
Veranda-Tamara Whiteside
Frieda-Tamara Whiteside
WineCellar-Tamara Whiteside
Orange Crème Brulee-Tamara Whiteside
Tacos-Tamara Whiteside
Seaside-Tamara Whiteside
Shrimp Escabeche-Don Emilianos
Don Emiliano-Don Emiliano