Richard Sandoval's La Biblioteca, Brings Chic Mexican-Inspired Fare To Cabo San Lucas
Oftentimes resort food, no matter how beautiful the location, is hit or miss. Ever been super excited about a huge buffet only to find out nothing is particularly good? Well, that's not the case at Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa's La Biblioteca. It's no surprise that Cabo San Lucas, located on the Southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, is gorgeous. Combine the ocean views with Richard Sandoval's upscale dining and trendy, laid back, and chic atmosphere, and there you have the makings of a perfect night out.
The recently opened La Biblioteca de Tequila boasts one of the largest collections of tequila, mezcal, and agave spirits around — more than 150. The indoor space is dimly lit, intimate, and sleek, showcasing top-of-the-line bottles in illuminated tequila cages (adding to the "library" theme) that decorate its back wall. La Biblioteca also has outdoor seating that gives you a front-row view to the ocean and harbor that surrounds the premise.
"Breathless and other all-inclusive resorts are elevating their dining offerings by bringing upscale restaurants like Sandoval into their properties. Guests can sip on premium tequilas and upscale cuisine without ever leaving the resort," said Sarah Flook, Mexico & Central America product manager for CheapCaribbean.com. "Changes like these are making the resorts more memorable and unique. What's a vacation without fabulous, indulgent food?"
Though not traditional Mexican cuisine, this Mexican-inspired fare is innovative and complex in flavor. For starters, the bacon guacamole is fantastic. I'm a huge avocado fan, and I love bacon; So this combo of smoky, salty chicharrón and bacon with pickled chile and cotija cheese was on point. Though I normally wouldn't have a soup on an already hot day, the classic tortilla soup with pulled chicken, crema fresca, chunks of avocado, and panela cheese topped with fried chile guajillo strips was spicy and rich with a touch of creaminess.
Other starters offered include the chile relleno, which comes with a mix of fresh seafood, and the spicy shrimp quesadilla with smoked bacon. And of course, what Mexican restaurant would be complete without tacos? La Bibilioteca offers six types, ranging from chicken tinga and al pastor to mahi-mahi and smoked brisket.
For my main course, I chose the tender coffee rubbed carne asada, which came with refried beans, citrus scented swiss chard, mole poblano demi glaze, and a achiote chimichurri. For those who are vegetarian, I recommend the huitlacoche and wild mushroom enchilada, which comes with a fire roasted poblano chile sauce. Next time I'll have to try the slow-roasted pork carnitas — a combination of tenderloin and shoulder, slow roasted with a red onion-mandarin.
Obviously, we had plenty of beverages to enjoy alongside our dinner. My favorite cocktail of the night was the Dorado Diablo, an on-the-rocks cocktail of espadin mezcal, guava, hibiscus, mint, rosemary, orange juice, and agave. Refreshing, lightly sweet, fruity, and floral, this drink also came with a sal de gusano rim. For those who don't know, sal de gusano is a traditional Oaxacan spice made from sea salt, toasted and ground agave worms, and chile costeño. Don't knock it until you try it — it's excellent with cocktails!
We topped off our meal with — what else? — a flight of infused tequilas. I sipped flavors that included watermelon, guava, chile, and cucumber. Each had a very distinct flavor that complemented the tequila's natural taste.
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