A short background

Hi humans! My name is Modela and I am Miller’s younger, smarter, sister.

Miller is more of a foodie than I am, although I do more of the hunting, gathering and occasional preparing of the meal, mostly the meat dish. Sadly, Miller is allergic to all animal proteins and dairy, which makes food tasting limited to prescription kibbles, the wet stuff that gives it a little flavor, and veggies. Not great luck for a canine or restaurant reviews.

So, when mom and dad were sharing their restaurant adventures with us, I figured the story should come from me. I have tasted most meats, veggies, cheeses, and the occasional dessert. But let’s keep that secret between us.

WAKEY, WAKEY, BREAKFAST / BRUNCH / LUNCH ANYONE?

It has been a popular saying over the last nine years we have lived in Cabo that “Cabo is a marathon, not a sprint.” That’s why the three meals before dinner are usually missed or enjoyed throughout the morning and early afternoon. A blend of time, food, and a variety of drinks – tequila with a variety of mixes and mimosas with or without the juice – to kick start your morning and carry you through the early afternoon.

RESTAURANT #1 – LONDON PUB

Where will you find it?

London Pub is located downtown Cabo San Lucas in Plaza Pioneros. Lots of parking and only 20 pesos an hour (around $1 USD). Make sure you remember to ask for a stamp showing you were at London Pub, as that will give you one-hour free parking. The plaza is a five-minute drive (depending on how fast you drive) from the marina.

What can you expect?

A heartfelt warm welcome! The employees are some of the friendliest in town with a genuine interest in making sure your experience is enjoyed. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and they will arrange tables and chairs to accommodate your party. A perk to eating indoors is the air conditioning. It can get very hot when you are in town, and while you are sipping on cocktails and enjoying a beautiful freshly made meal, you may prefer to have it without a side of heat.

What will you eat?

The menu captures the heart of the Mexican culture offering a wide variety of Mexican inspired dishes. Dad says his favorite is the Mexican Enfrijoladas. Three pieces filled with Mexican style scrambled eggs (made with tomatoes, onions and serrano peppers), bathed in black bean sauce, topped with fried chorizo, dehydrated panela cheese, and roasted poblano chili strips. Yummy! My dad loves his meals spicy hot, and he doesn’t mean Frank’s Red Hot, but I will caution you that the serrano peppers are very, very hot. Go easy and enjoy!

If you are feeling a little less adventurous, mom recommends the French toast with all the toppings. How does souffle bread, her favorite ingredient vanilla, cinnamon, almonds, brown sugar, banana and orange liqueur sound? In her words, “you only live once”. Smart lady, if I do say so myself.

In the mood for lunch?

I am told Miller went to London Pub long before I came along and got first-hand experience with the menu. By the looks of it, I’d say his eyes got most of the experience.

The burger was and still remains my mom and dad’s favorite burger in Cabo San Lucas, and there are a lot of places serving up homemade cheeseburgers with a side of jalapenos. Nine years later, a lot of burgers, and London Pub’s burger remains number one. As a meat lover, I suggest we give it a try.

MID-DAY SNACK

RESTAURANT #2 – ASI AND ASADO – If you love tacos as much as I love the meat that stuffs them, you must visit Asi and Asado.

Where will you find it?

Located on the carretera transpeninsular, approximately two miles from El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and across the street from Costco. Parking is in front of the restaurant and limited; however, a quick one-minute drive past the restaurant is a plaza with lots of free parking.

What can you expect?

The restaurant is open to the street and has plenty of seating. The employees are very attentive, and their English is definitely better than my Spanish. You order from the server and when your delicious meal arrives, you can visit the salsa/topping bar and load up on the many fresh offerings. Hot beans, habanero onions, jalapenos and carrots, and cucumber to name a few. Choose your veggies then drizzle your favorite sauce from mild to burn your mouth hot. My dad’s favorite is the white sauce, but don’t mistake that for sour cream like my human brother did… once.

Ice cold beers and margaritas are plentiful. Or, if you prefer ice cold water like me, definitely try it with a splash of pineapple juice and a teaspoon of sugar.

What will you eat?

Whether you’re in the mood for street tacos, poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, quesadillas, a mashed potato bowl, wraps to grilled veggies, they have it all.

Take your pick of meat to base your lunch around from sea to land you have your choice of fresh beef, pork, octopus, chicken, tuna, and scallops to name a few. If you prefer lettuce wraps to flour or corn tortillas, they can make that too!

Add your favorite toppings to your mashed potato bowl or order a side of fresh grilled veggies or corn. The veggies change depending on the season, and you can be sure they are harvested from the chef’s garden.

HAPPY HOUR OR HOURS

RESTAURANT #3 – THE WOODS

Where will you find it?

Watch your favorite sports on television or grab a table on the patio to watch the golfers finish the 18th hole at El Cardonal, a Tiger Woods designed golf course.

The Woods is located above the pro shop of El Cardonal on the spectacular property of Diamante. Ten minutes north of the marina and 30 minutes south of Todos Santos.

What can you expect?

The most stunning views from the green rolling hills of the golf course to the deep blue waves of the Pacific Ocean. Through the hours you will see whales playing, boats sailing and likely a top 10 sunset in the world.

Farm-to-table dining and drink selections from around the world. The happiest hours are from 3pm to 5pm, when you can enjoy kebabs to pizza with spicy, gluten free and vegetarian options, and savor the flavors with a variety of unique cocktails.

The decor is elegant with a large bar in the center surrounded by tables, booths and ample televisions to watch your favorite sporting events from the comfort of large leather seats and welcoming atmosphere.

What will you eat?

The helpful servers will guide you through the farm-to-table fresh menu items and offer you their personal favorites.

There are many meat options with chicken wings in habanero BBQ sauce, dry aged rib eye bone marrow sliders topped with bacon, cheese and caramelized onions or enjoy them plain with a squirt of ketchup. My personal favorite is the kebab, no veggies, cut into bite size pieces and served on a plate beside my water bowl. The best way to spend the afternoon after a long walk. Yummy!

One of the many food choices on the happiest hours menu is the sushi. Indulge in a variety of fresh fish options like spicy tuna or Tasmanian trout, a poke bowl or popcorn shrimp to name a few. Maybe consider adding a little spice to your afternoon and try the hand roll with spicy tuna, cucumber, tobiko and green onion. Or keep it simple and enjoy cucumber and avocado drizzled with radish ponzu dressing.

DINNERTIME!

RESTAURANT #4 – PANACHE – Panache is a word of French origin that carries the connotation of flamboyant manner and reckless courage. This restaurant couldn’t have a better name.

Where will you find it?

Nestled in the heart of the city centre about a two-minute drive from most parts of the downtown corridor. Street parking is available, but can be hard to come by, as the city can be a popular evening hangout. Don’t worry, Panache offers free valet parking! One heck of a bonus when coming for dinner.

What can you expect?

A quaint, cozy and cool atmosphere with full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Mom and dad have only had dinner, but they plan to visit for breakfast and lunch too.

The moment mom and dad arrived with friends to the moment they left feeling abundant, the dining was amazing! Greeted with a warm welcome and prepared table, they sat down to a one-of-a-kind experience.

What will you eat?

You won’t find better European food. As the only restaurant in Baja California Sur to serve up escargot, it’s a must try delicacy.

This was the most talked about dinner I have heard from my mom and dad. I think they may have tried the whole menu.

Appetizers of escargot, a delicious green salad with goat cheese, pecan, and light citrus dressing, finished with stuffed mushrooms they say were the best they ever tasted.

The main courses were shared and included the filet of sole almondine with mashed potatoes, pistachio pasta with shrimp and a light cream sauce, and the carbonara which was as good, if not better than Italy. They finished their meal with espresso, sambuca and enough tiramisu for a small army. Yum, yum, yummy!

AND THAT’S ALL FOLKS

I wish everyone a wonderful time exploring the many great restaurants in Cabo San Lucas. Let me add most of the restaurants in Cabo are dog friendly, equipped with treats and bowls too. You may even find a doggie menu! Have fun exploring with your family, friends and fur babies.

Love, Modela