Grand Velas Los Cabos Restaurants Review - A Gastronomy Delight, Epicurean Ingenuity at its finest

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Category: Chefs, Fine Dining

Published on Friday, 17 March 2017 21:10

Written by Merilee Kern

Grand Velas Los Cabos, as an all-inclusive offers a variety of gastronomic opportunities from lite fare to the Italian eatery Lucca, the French Piaf, and Velas 10, a steak and seafood house, all highly authentic and with an elevated approach to cuisine.

But it's Cocina de Autor, the resort's premier signature restaurant, which shines above all as there's a two star Michelin chef at the helm. This would be a ground-breaking achievement for any resort, and is nothing short of remarkable within the all-inclusive realm. Ingenuity is fundamental to keeping cuisine "interesting" and this property duly delivers.  For example, Cocina de Autor offers what's called a "sensorial dining experience."

Here there are no menu choices. Instead, all guests are "taken" on a singular gastro-journey: an 8-12 course tasting menu showcasing the finest fresh produce and local meats from the region, reflecting the culture and life that surrounds, while also exemplifying a tremendous amount of culinary creativity and skill.

My own holistic dining experience here was one of the most extraordinary and impressive I've ever had, a magnificent mélange of fresh ingredients, technique, texture and visual appeal. It's epicurean ingenuity at its finest.

Oenophiles also fare well while fine dining at this property with multiple sommeliers, under the guise of Master Sommelier Don Pedro Poncelis Brambila, executed a painstakingly curated wine program boasting varietals from the very best and most prestigious domains from around the globe.

There are other, more casual dinner options on-site as well. For breakfast lunch or dinner you can enjoy an open-air eating experience and panoramic views of the beach at Azul. This is a more casual eatery where local fare can be had, in bottomless buffet form or off the menu, sometimes while listening to mariachis and ogling local artisan wares on display as was the case the evening I dined there.

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I should also mention that during my visit in the February timeframe, while I was eating breakfast each morning at Azul's patio with glistening ocean vistas, I could see breaching whales in the distance in all of their glory.  Do bring the binoculars that are provided in each guest suite to breakfast so you don't miss the action! For a quick pick-me-up any time of day, grab a specialty coffee drink at Amat Café.  Of course, at your preference, you may opt to remain room side and relax with in-suite dining.

When you're in the mood for a cocktail, there are various venues to suit your mood amid four bars: Sky Bar, Miramar Bar, Koi, and the bar at Cocina de Autor. All bars and restaurants offer stunning views from indoor and outdoor seating.

During my own post-dinner visit to Sky Bar for a nightcap, there was an energetic live band playing some great American classics, urging folks to get on the dance floor. Then, to my surprise and delight, a fireworks display commenced just adjacent to the Sky Bar terrace sometime around 10:00pm. It was a magical end to what was already a perfect evening.

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During the daytime, I can't recommend enough eating some Chocolate Clams poolside. The Cabrilla café on the pool deck has a tank filled with the gorgeous, large-scale living clams known as Baja's "candy-of-the-sea," which have a brown shell—hence the name. At this all-inclusive, order as many as you want—sky's the limit relative to supply, at least. They will fresh shuck the clam and serve the sliced meat in the shell, itself, accompanied by lemons and finely diced tomato, onion, cilantro.

Eat them with just these ceviche-esque elements to truly appreciate the sweet flavor of this fabulous clam, or add ponzu or hot/picante sauce to vary the flavor profile.Pair with a side of their addicting spice-dusted tortilla chips, chunky guacamole and a crisp white wine to perfect the meal.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that Grand Velas Los Cabos's Mexican eatery, Frida, also debuted a $25K taco for two, which is yet another example of how they're innovating and breaking barriers in the food space and is not part of the all-inclusive package, of course.

It's the world's most expensive taco, and this culinary masterpiece for two includes such premium ingredients as langoustine, Kobe beef, Almas Beluga caviar and black truffle brie cheese. An exotic salsa comprised of dried Morita chili peppers, Ley.925 ultra-premium añejo tequila and civet coffee tops the taco which is served on a gold flake-infused corn tortilla.

For a beverage to complement, a hand-crafted white gold and pure platinum bottle of Ley.925 Pasión Azteca Ultra Premium Añejo can accompany the tacos for an additional $150K.

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"The Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions can be seen at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

***Some or all of the accommodations, experiences, items and/or services detailed are provided at no cost to accommodate reviews, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Republished by permission of and provided to Haute-Lifestyle.com by author.