This country dining room offers a select menu of options, dishes that fuse European techniques of French and Italian cuisine and Asian inspirations, paying tribute to its Mexican roots.
By Andreína Longoria.
Ensenada, B.C.– Among the wide variety of country restaurants you can visit in the Valle de Guadalupe, there is a very special place, ‘Animalón‘; next to ‘Finca Altosano‘ and in front of a charming Das Cortez coffee stand (reservations recommended).
The kitchen is owned by the renowned Tijuana Chef Javier Plascencia, in charge of Chef Oscar Torres, who offers a unique experience full of flavor and magic under the shade of a beautiful oak tree over 200 years old (this in the original location of Animalón, in the summer season).
Sheltered by this immense tree, you live the experience of tasting dishes that fuse European techniques of French and Italian cuisine, inspirations from Asian cuisine, paying tribute to its Mexican roots. Undoubtedly you can taste Chef Oscar’s creations in a magnificent menu of options by time or a la carte, with the option of pairing wines from the region, taking great care of the ingredients, and quality is the main objective, rather than quantity.
The cozy place invites you to feel comfortable both for its excellent service, as well as for its creative ambience and decoration, in addition to the exemplary view from any table (the dining room is open all year round, but in winter they are located in the place where ‘La Lupe’ used to be, on the same premises).
Under my experience, I tasted the Tiradito of the day prepared with (fish of the day, kiwi aguachile, serrano chile, avocado and blue corn tostadas), the portion for 4 tostadas, enough and with a very rich taste to the palate; then came a Chicali Rice, (smoked pork belly, Chinese sausage, shrimp and fried egg), served in a casserole as in paella presentation, delicious, portion for two people. All this was accompanied with a Rancho Tecate white wine, achieving the perfect pairing with the food.
They also have a wine list of local wines, red, white and rosé, as well as imported wines, without forgetting the variety of mixology, craft beers and coffees.
It is a good option to visit, the menu is reduced, but they offer a little bit of everything to satisfy any palate. The prices are the standard that manages the Valle de Guadalupe, taking a survey that includes exclusivity, mostly organic ingredients and a unique experience.
On the menu you can find:
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Green Salad
- Tiradito of the day
- Bluefin Tuna Tartare
- Foie-Gras Torchon
- Soup in Puff Pastry Croute
- Sea Urchin Risotto
- Chicali Rice
- Lagosta Ravioli
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Whole Fried Fish
- Roasted+Smoked Chicken
- Beef Picanha
- Seasonal Desserts
Address Km 83 Carretera Federal 3, Ejido El Porvenir Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, B.C. CP 22750. Tel. 6643752658. Open from 2:00 p.m.
