Oyamel
Apologies for the lack of posts. I haven't eaten out a ton this summer and I definitely haven't cooked for myself. The last time I had a meal worth remembering was several weeks ago, when my parents and I decided to prolong our vacation with yummy. We went to Jose Andres' Mexican-themed tapas restaurant. I've now been to all his DC restaurants with the exception of Minibar (I salivate) and Oyamel measures up as one of his best.
Same concept as his other tapas restaurants, small plates based around a cuisine. Making Mexico the theme country opens up a world of culinary possibilities, including a whole taco tapas menu. Each taco is about the size of my hand, but packed full of mix ins. I chose the vegetarian taco. They come in hand-made corn tortillas and mine was made with asparagus, sauteed shallots, spring greens, garlic, and guacamole. Holy crap. Not only were the veggies fresh and delicious, but that was the best guac I've ever had. In my entire life. Not too watery, not too lumpy. Smooth avocado taste with just the right amount of avocado chunks. I'm not the world's biggest guacamole fan but this was just sinful.
My second dish was seared scallops with pumpkin seeds, pumpkin sauce, orange segments and toasted pumpkin seeds. I've had variations of this dish at Jaleo (instead of pumpkin sauce, butternut or beet puree) and this tasted just as good as the others. It was definitely more of a fall flavor, so I was surprised it was on the menu. Regardless, those meaty scallops tasted exquisite with the pumpkin, I'll eat it in any season.
Finally, beef short rib. This was a disappointment. I'm not sure why, but I just didn't love it. I've loved the short rib I've had at Jaleo but this just missed the target. Maybe I didn't like the green sauce, maybe it was a bad cut of meat. The short rib didn't do it for me. But my dad had the skirt steak with tomatoes, onions, green chile, and cilantro. Fantastico! Definitely getting that next time, or maybe the meatballs in chipotle sauce with crumbled "double cream" cheese and cilantro.
You've done it again Jose, you've left me wishing I were a cow with three stomachs.
Oyamel
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