San Jose Del Cabo is a universe away from Cabo San Lucas
I’ve just returned from >2 weeks in San Jose Del
Cabo in Baja, Mexico. Although only 30 miles from Cabo
San Lucas, this small colonial gem is entirely different from the maddening
crowds and “Spring-Break mentality” of Cabo San Lucas. I grew up on Mexican food in California’s agricultural
rich Central Valley. My last meal would definitely include some of my Mexican favorites. In a
nut-shell, I like to think of myself as somewhat an expert on Mexican
food. With that being said, here’s what
floated to the top of my list for dining in San Jose Del Cabo.
Tropicana
Restaurant
Tropicana is sexy and seductive in an innocent way
Located on San Jose Del Cabo’s main street not far
from the city’s central colonial plaza, this place has it all. There is live nightly entertainment during
high season, but the real reason to come is the food. There’s a terrific Caesar salad made
table-side (a dying art), plus the chile rellenos are excellent. Margaritas are made from scratch---the only
way to go. The cost is moderate which
makes this place a great bang for the buck. Moderate
Don
Rodrigo
From the street there's just a doorway...but a charming oasis awaits
A friend of mine picked this place to celebrate our
mutual friend’s birthday. It was so good
that I returned the following week with another group. On both occasions two different sets of
diners loved this mucho romatico place. The courtyard setting, under a canopy of
trees and colorful bougainvillea with twinkling lights, just oozes major atmosphere. Another bonus is the live, soft music. The menu specializes in fish, and the red
snapper, as well as the tequila shrimp were the standouts. The only negative was the service which was
on both occasions a little dis-jointed. Moderately expensive
Don
Sanchez
A definite do-not-miss for a special occasion
Located just across the street from the above Don
Rodrigo (and just a few doors down from Tropicana), Don Sanchez was a wonderful
surprise. Although I had heard many good
things about it I wasn’t expecting the quality I received. First, however, let me disclose that this
place offers more of an "international" menu.
I had a duck taco that was superb, along with a killer grilled Caesar
salad that was one of the most interesting renditions I’ve had (for example, the salad was served with a
prosciutto jerky, a tempura anchovy, “garlic chips,” and an out-of-this-world
homemade tomato jam). Another favorite of
the table was the tamarind short ribs. Service
was sublime. Diners can choose between a
large alfresco tree-shaded patio, and a more formal indoor dining room. Moderately
expensive
Harbanero’s
Upscale, authentic Mexican cooking
This restaurant is owned by the same owner as Don
Sanchez so it’s no surprise that the quality was so high. Also like its sister restaurant, service here
is very professional. Unlike Don Sanchez,
however, this one specializes in traditional Mexican cooking. Harbanero’s is located ½ mile from the
central square on the outskirts of town.
I dined here twice, both times of which I left with a big smile on my
face. Order the shrimp cooked in garlic
and butter…there’s no better rendition in town. Moderate
Flora
Farms
A drop-dead setting in this farm-to-table restaurant
Last, but in no terms least, is Flora Farms. I’m not sure how in the world to ever convey
the magnitude of this magical setting. Let
me suffice by saying this: if you are a
foodie and you’re any where close to San Jose del Cabo, you *must* go.
It’s a 15-20 minute cab ride up in the hills ($25 each way), but the
moment you arrive you’ll understand.
This place could easily be in the Napa Valley or Tuscany in that it is so disarmingly
gorgeous. Moreover, everything served is
either grown or raised on the farm, or nearby.
The real stars of the culinary show are two: the
wide of assortment of breads baked daily in their wood-fired oven, as well as
anything made with the plethora a knock-your-socks off vegetables. Expensive (when you factor in the cab), but worth every peso
Feliz
Navidad, amigos!
