Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante

This restaurant is heaven. 

I felt like a real grown up this morning when I asked my hotel to book a table for one at this fancy restaurant my friends, Laurence, Henry and Tamara had recommended to me. 

I have never dined alone at a fine dining establishment. As this was my last night in Oaxaca City I decided I wanted to go all out and the rave reviews first hand from my friends pushed me to go for it. It was liberating. At this point in time if I am dateless on Valentine's Day I would be tempted to book a table for one at The French Cafe. This is a restaurant I am desperate to try in Auckland, but have lacked a suitable suitor to take/join me. 

Gotta dress to impress when taking oneself out for a date.

Unfortunately my friends lead me astray as they thought the restaurant was called 'The Cathedral" which I google and this is where I booked to dine at. When I arrived to 'The Cathedral'.  I knew instantly that I was in the wrong place as we had attempted to go to the restaurant in question for a cocktail last night. I knew I was close, as I was right by the craft warehouse we had stopped at on our journey last night.

I knew I was close! 

I came across this cathedral which I knew was very close and followed my nose.

I found it!!

I found the spot. Without a booking unfortunately I wasn't able to sit upstairs on the terrace, but I still go ALL the deliciousness. 

From their website:

"Here, a lively rhythm accompanies the transparency of light that makes the colors vibrate. The subtlety of the essentials underscores the evocative power of the smells and flavors that arise from the kitchen of Alejandro Ruiz. 

The aromas and flavors of Mediterranean herbs are mixed with Oaxacan. Thus, basil and rosemary share their tints with the holy leaf, the pitiona and the shorobobo. Also, pomegranate, fish and seafood, venison and lamb alternate with chapulines, huitlacoche and quesillo.

Five senses influenced by an extraordinary gastronomic experience."
Five senses influenced by an extrordinary gastronomic experience.

Table for One

I will continue in mostly picture form, you know what they say, a picture says a thousand words. 

Passionfruit Margarita to start thanks.

The waiter made me fresh salsa in front of me, to my taste!!

Delicious fresh salsa with bread and feta.

Table bread was a little excessive for one.

Why is this bread this colour? I don't know but it was tasty.

I started off ordering a 'simple' ceviche, as recommended by the waiter. 

Devine.
The pepper, complimented the fresh fish and all on a delectable passion fruit sauce.

Branched out a little more with this choice. I was trying to order something else but the waiter said it would be too much for one person. This was a similar dish. 

Wow. So many flavours. This is probably a dish best not to read too much into the ingredients. It was grasshopper - which are crunchy and delicious. The corn fungus to my knowledge I haven't had before. 

Their menu isn't crooked my photo taking was. 

I didn't know if I liked this at the start, but then I got into it and it was great. The 'coloratio' mole sauce was a chocolate flavour. The duck tasted slow cooked, which was interesting because I was expecting the duck to be crispy fried. Actually the tacos were crispy fried. 

I was well satisfied and did not need dessert, but if you are going to go all out..dessert is a must. And who would resist a goats cheese and rosemary creme brulee?

The flavours of this were just incredible. The texture not as expected but this would be because it is made from goats cheese.

This was heaven in by the spoonful 

Complimentary Mezcal - I really wanted to want to drink this, but I barely had a sip. It is way to strong for me, especially as I am still on antibiotics for my bronchitis. 

It worked out to be $757mex which is around $50NZ = Bargain!  

When I have been dining 'out' here in Mexico it has usually costs around $200mex including drinks, so this was certainly a splurge. My oh my was it worth it. I would 100% dine again.

If you are ever in Oaxaca City, check it out.